Our story

The Original Orca Expedition Since 1992

Our journey began with a dream. As a child, our captain and founder, Olav Magne Strømsholm, was inspired by the iconic TV show "Flipper". This dream evolved into an extraordinary adventure spanning over three decades of orca expedition trips.

"Since watching ‘Flipper’ in the 60s, my passion for orcas and wildlife has remained steadfast. Leading this company is not just my occupation; it’s my passion. Witnessing our guests fulfill their dreams is what truly fuels me.”

- Olav Magne Strømsholm

From Diving Dreams to Orca Expeditions

Olav's love for marine life and water activities has been a lifelong passion. At just 25, he opened a diving center on the island of Strømsholmen, a place that had been in his family for generations. In 1989, the construction of Norway’s renowned Atlantic Ocean Road connected the dive center to the mainland, allowing Olav and his family to fully commit to running the business. His wife, Solveig Molvik, who had spent 17 years in the Norwegian oil and shipping industry, joined the team full-time, managing the business operations from the main house, while Olav led dive trips and other water activities.

Pioneering Orca Expeditions

In 1991, we pioneered the concept of diving with orcas, organizing our first orca expedition in Tysfjord, within the Lofoten Islands. This test season was filled with excitement and uncertainty—would the orcas fear us? Would we even find them? To our delight, the orcas were curious and allowed us to join them in their underwater world. The initial success paved the way for future expeditions.

The early trips were more primitive than today, featuring just one small liveaboard boat, the MS Strandholm, and a crew of three. We could accommodate only six to eight passengers, with everyone participating in cooking and cleaning duties. Initially, we operated for two weeks but quickly expanded to four.

Expanding and Evolving

By 1994, our operations had grown to include two boats with more crew members and chefs onboard. After ten successful seasons in Tysfjord, we observed a shift in orca behavior and spent the next eight years following orcas throughout the Lofoten region. We expanded our fleet and extended our season to eight weeks.

From 2008 to 2012, we faced new challenges as the orcas became more transient, moving down the Norwegian coast. We adapted by tracing their movements from Bodø in Northern Norway to Ålesund in the west. In recent years, orcas have migrated further north, moving from Kaldfjord to Alta from 2012 to the present day. Our collaboration with scientists and our accumulated experience have highlighted this northward migration trend.

Looking Ahead: Alta Expeditions

Starting in 2024, our expeditions will depart from Alta, reflecting the orcas' new migration patterns. We remain dedicated to providing exceptional experiences and sharing our passion for marine life with our guests.

Join us on this incredible journey and witness the magic of orcas in their natural habitat.