What does a trip to swim with orcas really cost?
A headline price never tells the whole story. Here is what the trip includes, what it does not, and the questions to ask before booking.
Advertised prices for this kind of trip rarely cover the same things from one operator to the next. Rather than quoting an attractive figure, it seems fairer to set out what it actually contains.
What our price covers, from CHF 1,800 per person
- Accommodation: a whole house reserved for the group, not a shared hotel room
- Outings at sea in search of orcas, 2 to 4 depending on the format
- Full equipment: drysuit, mask and snorkel
- Professional skipper and guide at sea, plus my own presence on site for the whole trip
The final amount depends on the number of outings and the period chosen. That is why we put together a precise quote rather than a single flat rate, set out on the trip page.
What to budget on top
- Flights to Tromsø, whose price varies widely depending on how early you book
- The transfer between Tromsø and Skjervøy
- Meals, bought and cooked together on site
- Cancellation, assistance and repatriation insurance, strongly recommended
- Your personal kit: warm clothing, thermal base layers, gloves — see the full packing list
We do not publish flight estimates: they would be wrong by the next day. Booking early remains the most effective lever here, especially as winter routes to the Far North fill up.
Why meals are not included
It is a choice, not a hidden saving. The group shops and cooks together in the house. Everyone keeps control of their own budget and food preferences, and meals become part of the trip rather than a service.
In a country where eating out is expensive, this also makes a real difference to the total cost of the week.
Comparing two offers properly
If you are weighing up several proposals, these few points explain most of the price differences:
- How many outings at sea are actually included, rather than merely "possible"
- How many participants per boat: eight people and twenty are not the same experience
- Whether the accommodation is private to the group or shared with other guests
- Whether the drysuit is provided or charged as an extra
- Whether transfers from Tromsø are included
Write to us with your dates and group size: we reply within 48 hours with a costed proposal, with no obligation.
Tempted by the trip?
The full trip is described on the trip page, and dates are set with you.