The Orcas Are Back!

By Dave Williams – Lofoten Insight

Orcas in Vestfjorden

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the ocean comes alive – and right now, that magic is swimming through the Vestfjord in the form of orcas. That’s right: the orcas are back in Lofoten, and they’re here to spend the summer!

In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of orca pods returning to these waters, and 2025 looks like it’s shaping up to be an incredible season for sightings. Several family groups – some local, some migratory – have already been spotted in the Vestfjord, and their presence is giving us even more to look forward to during our guided tours.

An Orca swimming outside Svolvær - the church and Thon Hotel can be seen in the background

Orcas on Tour

At Lofoten Insight, we’re incredibly lucky to regularly encounter these majestic creatures during our summer trips. If you're joining us on Lofoten in a Nutshell or the Road Trip to Reine, there’s a very real chance we’ll spot orcas cruising along the coastline, especially in the inner reaches of the fjords where they like to hunt herring and mackerel. It’s always a thrilling moment – everything stops when someone spots a fin breaking the surface.

There’s something primal and awe-inspiring about seeing a pod of orcas moving gracefully through the deep blue water with the Lofoten peaks rising behind them. It’s one of those moments that stays with you long after your trip is over.

Orca near Kåkern

Want to Spot Orcas Yourself?

You don’t need to be on a boat to see orcas – some of the best sightings we’ve had have been from land. If you’re hoping to spot them on your own, here are a few tips:

• Head for height – Find a viewpoint with a good panoramic view of the sea. Elevated spots along the outer coast or overlooking the Vestfjord are ideal. Lookouts near Eggum, Unstad, and the coastline near Reine and Hamnøy can offer amazing vantage points.

• Scan the sea – Orcas often travel close to shore while hunting, especially in the early morning or late evening. Keep an eye out for tall dorsal fins (males have a particularly prominent one) and that characteristic puff of mist from their blow.

• Watch the birds – A group of seabirds diving and circling could indicate a baitball of fish – and that’s a dinner bell for orcas. If you see lots of activity on the water, zoom in with binoculars or a long lens and keep watching.

• Be patient – Orca watching is a waiting game, but when it pays off, it’s absolutely worth it.

Orcas outside Svinøya

And it’s not just orcas putting on a show out here. The waters around Lofoten are teeming with other marine wildlife too. Keep your eyes peeled for playful otters along the shoreline, or seals basking on the rocks and popping up curiously in the shallows. Offshore, it’s not uncommon to see minke whales surfacing with that smooth, arched back, and occasionally even pilot whales cruising in pods through the deeper channels. If you’re really lucky, you might spot a humpback whale breaching or tail-slapping in the distance – an unforgettable sight. And once in a while, especially on calm, sunny days, we even catch a glimpse of the elusive basking shark, slowly filtering plankton near the surface. Every trip into Lofoten’s wild waters holds the possibility of a new and amazing encounter.

Orcas in Vestfjorden

As a wildlife photographer and guide, I can honestly say that seeing orcas in the wild, especially here in Lofoten with the drama of the landscape as a backdrop, is one of the most powerful natural experiences you can have. If you’re lucky enough to witness it, take it in slowly, and savour every second.

Whether you’re joining us on a guided adventure or exploring on your own, this summer is shaping up to be something special.

Æventyr!

– Dave Williams, iDaveWilliams
Photographer | Guide | Lofoten Local
Lofoten Insight – Real adventures, real stories