DANCING WITH WHALES IN NORWAY THIS SUMMER

DANCING WITH WHALES IN NORWAY THIS SUMMER

Hurtigruten launches new whale watching excursion for the summer

Anyone who has always wanted to see whales in their natural habitat can now do so as part of a voyage on the Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten. A brand new land excursion is being introduced between June and August 2013 that allows guests to enjoy this special experience whilst taking one of its classic voyages along the coast of Norway - the first time this has ever been possible.  

The excursion is available on day five of the Voyage North and travels to the whale spotting area outside Andenes in Nordland County. Guests will disembark early in the morning at Risoyhamn and head to Andenes by coach to join the sturdy whale-watching vessel MS Reine. The ship will travel out to the edge of the continental shelf where Sperm whales feed on the nutrients such as octopus welling up from the abyss.  Andenes is one of the few places in the world, let alone Norway, where the continental shelf is so close to the mainland. Using hydrophones, the ship’s crew can locate the whales underwater, and in 90% of sailings it is hoped to catch a glimpse of these giants of the deep.

After a few hours at sea, it’s back to land and onward towards Finnsnes to rejoin the ship, just before lunch. En route there is a ferry journey across Andsfjord to enjoy a different perspective of the northern coastal scenery, and see how these communities are connected by the ocean. The entire trip is approximately 7 hours. Priced at £205pp.

Classic Voyage North – from £1143pp (1 June to 31 July) – A seven-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border costs from £1143pp and includes half board on the ship in an unspecified inside cabin. Outside from £1386pp. Flights are extra

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk