Whales

Vessel for snorkelling with orca in Norway Waterproof-Expeditions

Snorkeling with Orcas in Norway Jan 2018 (2 Spaces left on this tour)

Snorkeling with Orcas  

Video credit Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier courtesy of Waterproof Expeditions

A WILDLIFE PHENOMENON

  • SNORKELING WITH ORCAS
  • PHOTOGRAPHY WHALE WATCHING
  • HUMPBACK WHALES
  • NORTHERN LIGHTS
  • IN SUPPORT OF THE ORCA RESEARCH TRUST

Humpback whales and Orcas have been sighted in large numbers feeding on herring. Scott Portelli and Waterproof Expeditions offers great opportunities for Whale Watching, photography and snorkeling in the crystal clear Arctic waters, which is an experience in itself!

This trip is for anyone interested in Orcas, Humpback whales, white tailed Eagles, Arctic winter, Northern lights, Moose and spectacular landscape. The best time of the year for this phenomena is November through the end of February when the balance between light and access to herring and whales is at its best. The winter days in Norway provide excellent light for photography. We will spend the daylight hours looking for whales and other wildlife and, if the opportunity occurs, snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

With the newly rebuilt live aboard yacht MV ‘Malmö’, we are flexible to follow the herring and the Orcas deep in the fjords and deliver great chances of success.

MV Malmo, expedition vessel to go snorkeling with orcas in Norway on tour with Scott Portelli

During the darker hours you will enjoy the warm and cozy comfort of the expedition yacht while our expert guides entertain you with presentations and educational information on wildlife and cinematography. Excellent food is served with a fine selection of wines and beers.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Evenes or Tromso airport and transfer to the harbor to board the MV Malmö in the afternoon.

Day 2 – 6

We follow the schools of herring and pods of Orcas in the protected surroundings of the beautiful Norwegian fjords. Prepare for cold but rewarding days out at sea with spectacular sightings of an unique display of nature. Have your cameras charged and whenever possible be ready to slip into the cold water for a Polar Snorkel adventure or enjoy the phenomena from the spacious deck on board the comfortable expedition yacht, MV Malmö.

Day 7

Disembarkation and transfer to the airport.

Vessel

A comfortable expedition vessel, recently refurbished and a piece of maritime history, with large wooden deck space and ‘al fresco’ dining area. With 2 large zodiacs and experienced expedition team, the ship provides the ideal platform for small groups, families, friends and incentives looking for the ultimate Arctic wildlife experience in the utmost  comfort.

The vessel carries a maximum of 15 guests in 7 outside twin cabins.

4x Twin cabins with bunk beds and private shower and toilet in the cabin
2x Twin cabins with bunk beds and shared facilities and washbasin in the cabin
1x Triple cabin with bunk beds and private shower and toilet in the cabin

All cabins are serviced daily  and a laundry service is available.

International cuisine is served in the cozy lounge with bar and direct access to the ‘al- fresco’ dining area outside.
The bar is stocked with alcoholic beverages and sodas and of course we take care of your special wine request.
A separate Saloon with lots of books and tv screen is a great room for relaxing moments after an exciting day full of adventures.

Dates & Rates

Start and finish in Tromso:

14 – 20 November 2017 – limited availability
21 – 27 November 2017 – limited availability
7th – 13th January 2018 – limited availability

Twin Private Cabin      € 3.385 per person
Twin Shared Cabin      € 3.295 per person
Triple Private Cabin     € 3.185 per person

Price include

  • Group transfer from airport to vessel v.v.
  • Comfortable accommodation in your choice of cabin
  • Full board, coffee and tea
  • Snorkel equipment (D9 Waterproof Snorkel Drysuit, fins, mask, snorkel, boots, gloves and hood)
  • All activities and lectures on board
  • Experienced Expedition Leader and Guide
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

Price do not include

  • International and domestic flights
  • Excess baggage charges on flight
  • All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar, beverages and telecommunication charges
  • Gratuities
  • Pre- and post-voyage packages with air and hotel, available upon request

To register your interest to join us in Norway for this once in a life time experience, click here.

Tonga 2014 season

Tonga – Still Paradise

I have been visiting Tonga for 13 years and spent many hours on the water photographing Humpback whales and I can tell you, every time I get in the water with these magnificent creatures, I am just as excited as the first time. Tonga has so much to offer, picturesque landscapes and underwater environments makes this place paradise for Photographers, and don’t forget the added bonus that you can swim with whales. It really is still paradise. Every year I see something  different or have one of those unforgettable encounters. This year I had a baby whale shoot up from the depths and breach half a meter in front of me, exhilarating to say the least. This year Travel & Fashion Blogger, Laura McWhinnie from This Island life did an interview piece about her time in Tonga with us, check out the article here:

http://www.thisislandlife.com/travel/swimming-with-humpback-whales-an-interview-with-scott-portelli

http://www.thisislandlife.com/travel/swimming-with-humpback-whales-in-vavau-tonga

This year we started the Tongan Fluke Collective, which encourages visiting photographers to donate Fluke shots to help ID the different individual whales that come to Tonga each year. You can find out more about the program here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tonganflukecollective/ – Anyway we will be running a number of Photographic tours in the next year or so to various destinations, so stay tuned.

If you want to see some of the Video footage you can see this season’s wrap up here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcreHs7qcq0

Tonga 2014 season still paradise collage swimming with humpback whales  and through caves

Humpback whale exhibition for IFAW at Customs House Sydney

“We’re for Whales” Photographic Exhibition at Customs House

IFAW have launched their “”We’re for Whales” photographic exhibition at Customs House in Sydney.  A number of my photos of Humpback Whales feature on the massive digital wall on the ground level and throughout the exhibition. If you are in Sydney it is worth going to have a look at the exhibition and support the fight to protect our whales. check out the exhibition at Customs House until the 31st March.

 

Humpback whale exhibition for IFAW at Customs House Sydney

Blue shark & mobula rays in the Azores

Blue Shark, Mako & Mobula Ray Tour 2016

In 2016 we will be running a unique 8 Day dive trip in the Azores to see Blue sharks, Mako sharks and dive the famous Princess Alice Pinnacle for the giant mobula rays. The waters around the Azores hold so much diversity and on any given day you will see resident sperm whales and dolphins not to mention the other amazing cetaceans and marine life in these crystal clear waters. This Blue Shark, Mako & Mobula Ray tour is a small group trip and will be running in August 2015. Contact us for further information and options for divers and photographers.

Blue shark & mobula rays in the Azores on the Blue Shark, Mako & Mobula tour with Scott Portelli