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Will I get Seasick?
Hopefully not. It is very few that get seasick as we are mostly in to the fjord, where its normally not so big waves. However, this is not
something we can predict.
Are there Life Jackets on the big boat?
Yes, there is a full compliment of jackets for adults and children aboard. Location of jackets is clearly posted and
verbally announced by the guide.
Do I have to wear the Life Jacket?
Adults are not required to wear jackets. However a child under the age of 10 must wear a jacket at all times.
Are your Boats Safe?
Absolutely. In addition to modern safety equipment (Life Floats, Life Jackets, etc.) our vessels are constantly maintained and inspected.
Do you guarantee sightings?
As whales are elements of nature, we do not guarantee that we will find the whales at all times. For the season 2007/2008 we observed
whales around 51 % of the trips.
How far out are the whales?
Depends on the whales. Could be 2 km or 80 km as they are moving around constantly.
Do you really see whales?
As whales are elements of nature, we do not guarantee that we will find the whales at all times. For the season 2007/2008 we observed
whales around 51 % of the trips.
When is the best time of year for watching whales?
Orcas have been sighted consistently for the past 17 years October through January.
How close will we get to the whales?
We stop when we're 50 meters away. However, whales will often swim right up to the boat!
What else do you see on a trip?
We use to see a lot of sea eagles, and sometimes we see other species of whales such as pilot whales, minke whales and fin whales.
The area/landscape is fantastic with high and steep mountains and the view with all the fishing boats are amazing.
What happens if we don't see a whale?
As whales are elements of nature, we do not guarantee that we will find the whales at all times. For the season
2007/2008 we observed whales around 51 % of the trips.
What should we wear?
Bring warm and wind-proof clothes. Warm footwear, gloves and hat.
Warm and windproof survival suit will be lent out to participators on the rubberboat safari.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, bring your camera and/or video camera. We also recommend that you bring a plastic bag to keep your camera safe and dry during
transit.
How long are the trips?
The trips by big boat are around 4-6 hours. On occasion, trips can run a little longer than 6 hours. The zodiac/inflatable trips are
around 3 hours long.
Are there bathrooms on the big boat?
On the big boat – yes. On the zodiac – no.
Do we need a reservation?
Yes. Whale watching is very popular and reservations are recommended.
What is the cancellation policy?
CANCELLATIONS:
For cancellations of booking (safari, hotel, apartment etc.) the following charges apply:
- Until 30 days before departure: cancellation fee of 300 NOK per. booking.
- 30 - 15 days before departure: 10% of the ticket price.
- 14 - 6 days before departure: 25% of the ticket price.
- 5 - 24 hours before departure: 50% of the ticket price.
- Less than 24 hours before departure: 100% of the ticket price.
Are there snacks or beverages on board?
On the big boat we sell hot dogs, chocolate and cold beverages. A light lunch (fish/vegetables soup, bread, coffee, tea,
biscuits) is included in the price. You are welcome to bring your own food onboard. There are no snacks or beverages on the zodiac boats.
What is meant by the following terms?:
Blowing (or spouting): air is expelled from the lungs through the blowhole, wich produces a hollow, echoeing sound and a spout of vapour (a mix of sea water and
condensation from the animal's hot breath). One can often identify the species from the spout's shape (the Southern Right's forms a distinctive 'V'), but much depends on weather conditions:
visibility needs to be good if not perfect.
Breaching: the most spectacular of whale habits. The animal will sometimes thrust almost its entire body out of the water in a massive, oddly graceful leap to fall back with a great splash. The reasons are not clear; the behaviour may be related to a communication process or to aggressive display; probably helps in the moulting process, and in getting rid of whale lice. On the other hand it may simply express joyfulness.
Grunting: a resonant bellow, wich can be heard 2km away and, at that distance, sounds like a protracted moan. It is often uttered a night.
Lobtailing: a whale will raise its tail and slap the water hard: probably a signal of some sort; a sign of alarm or annoyance. It is often seen with mothers and
calves.
Sailing: the tail is raised and kept vertival for long periods; possibly a means of temprature control; possibly a pose adopted when feeding on organisms just
below the surface; possibly just plain exhibisionism.
Spyhopping: lifting their heads above the water and appear to be observing what's happening on the surface - wich is exactly what they're doing.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, because of the great demand for many of our trips, we recommend you do.
How do I book?
By e-mail:post@tysfjord-turistsenter.no
By fax: +46 75 77 53 75
By telephone: + 47 75 77 53 70 (10:00 - 14:00)
Info: www.orca-tysfjord.no
Please send us names of all participants, date, children’s age, phone number and one address.
Are we certain to see whales?
No. But the odds are good – the last season we have seen whales around 51% of our trips. Please take a look at our “diary”:
How long are the trips?
The trips by big boat are around 4-6 hours. On occasion, trips can run a little longer than 6 hours. The zodiac/inflatable trips are around
3 hours long.
How much does the trip cost?
Big boat: 940,-NOK/person. Children 4-10 years old: 630,-NOK/person. Up to 4 years old – free of charge.
Zodiac: 940,-NOK/person. Age limit: 10 years old
Snorkelling: 1700,-NOK/person including all equipment. Age limit: 16 years old
What happens in case of bad weather or heavy seas?
Your safety is our first concern. If we consider conditions are not appropriate, trips will be cancelled. As
whales are elements of nature, we do not guarantee that we will find the whales at all times. For the season 2007/2008 we observed whales around 51 % of the trips.
If my sailing is canceled, is my booking automatically carried over to the next sailing?
No, unfortunately not. When trips are cancelled we will do our very best
to get you out on the next trip and this is often possible. You must get in touch with our booking office/reception though and ask for your booking to be transferred.
If I want to go snorkelling and my friend only wants to go in the Zodiac, can we go in the same boat?
Yes, if we have space on the boats we always try to keep
friends and family in the same boat. However if the snorkelling is fully booked, we have to split the groups.
Is the killer whale lecture in different languages?
No, the lecture is usually in English. However if necessary we can do the lecture in French and Scandinavian
(Norwegian/Swedish)
What is the water temperature/sight like during the season?
The temperature is around +5 - +8 degrees. The sight is 25-30 meters.
Can we see the whales during summertime?
As the orcas are only here from October till January we do not arrange safari in the summertime. However you can see
spermwhales outside Stö in Vesteraalen - www.arcticwhaletours.com
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