Each year, as the Arctic seasons shift, some of the world’s most extraordinary marine giants gather in the far north. Off the Map Travel invites you to witness this natural spectacle on carefully designed, high-end itineraries that combine wildlife encounters, exclusive experiences and exceptional comfort. From the dramatic fjords of northern Norway to the iceberg-filled waters of Greenland, these journeys place you at the heart of nature’s most powerful performance.
Witness the Giants in Norway
Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild. From late October to mid-January, orcas and humpback whales follow vast shoals of herring into sheltered fjords, creating a spectacle of feeding, breaching and surface displays. Our signature whale watching programme, Whale Watching in the Nordics, is crafted to follow the whales’ movements and maximise your chances of unforgettable encounters.
Each expedition is led by expert guides and marine specialists, with daily routes tailored to the behaviour and migration of the whales. Travelling aboard stable, comfortable vessels with panoramic viewing decks, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to one of the Arctic’s most impressive natural events. Small group sizes ensure a more intimate experience, and our ethical approach means every encounter is respectful and sustainable.
Luxury Itineraries Designed for Discovery
Our whale watching experiences are not simply excursions — they are carefully curated journeys that immerse you in the beauty, culture and wildlife of the Arctic. Here are some of our most popular options:
Unforgettable Norway Holidays: Fjords, Northern Lights and Whale Watching
This itinerary combines whale watching with Northern Lights excursions, scenic fjord exploration and boutique accommodation. Private transfers, gourmet dining and optional activities such as Sami cultural visits and snowshoeing make this a truly immersive Arctic adventure.
Norwegian Fjords, Waterfalls and Flåm Railway
Perfect for travellers who want to explore Norway’s dramatic landscapes alongside marine wildlife encounters. This journey blends daily whale watching with scenic rail travel, waterfall tours and opportunities to experience Norway’s cultural and culinary highlights.
Explore the Ice Kingdom of Greenland
For a truly remote and dramatic whale watching adventure, our Ice-Fjord Adventure takes you deep into Greenland’s spectacular coastal wilderness. Based in Ilulissat on the shores of Disko Bay, this five-night journey offers the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord by boat, witnessing immense icebergs and calving glaciers against a backdrop of pristine Arctic landscapes.
Whale sightings here are a special highlight, with humpbacks, minke whales and other marine species often seen amid the towering ice. Activities such as kayaking, hiking, dog sledding and guided cultural experiences add depth to your journey, while boutique waterfront accommodation ensures comfort and style throughout.
The Best Time to Travel
The whale watching season in northern Norway runs from late October to mid-January, when orcas and humpbacks gather to feed in large numbers. In Greenland, the prime time to travel is during the summer and early autumn months, when the waters around Disko Bay are accessible and rich in marine life.
Whichever destination you choose, our expert team tailors every detail of your itinerary to the season, conditions and your personal interests, ensuring an experience that is as seamless as it is spectacular.
A Rare Opportunity to Witness Nature at Its Best
A whale watching journey with Off the Map Travel is far more than a holiday, it is a deeply immersive encounter with some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring wildlife, set against some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. From the moment you set sail to the final glimpse of a tail disappearing beneath the Arctic waters, this is an experience that stays with you long after you return home.
Now is the perfect time to plan your adventure. Join us in Norway or Greenland this season and witness nature’s greatest performance, a celebration of life, movement and wonder in the far north.
