Orca, or Killer Whales as they are more commonly known, are abundant throughout the world's oceans, but chance encounters are rare. There are only a small number of areas around the world where orca can be observed in their true natural surroundings. In Europe, Tysfjord is the best location to see these magnificent ocean predators in action as they seek food and shelter during the winter months amongst the beautiful rugged mountain scenery of the fjords.

Orca or Killer Whale Factfile

Orca/Killer Whales – largest member of the dolphin family

Types - three types: Residents, Transients and Offshore

Life span - 50 to 80 years in the wild

Length - males up to 9.8m (average 6.7m), females up to 8.5m (average 5.8m)

Weight - males 4 tonnes, females 3 tonnes

Height of fin - males 1.6m, females 1.2m

Speed - up to 50 kph (30 mph)

Depth – have been known to dive in excess of 300m

Food - prey varies with location and includes fish, seals, squid and other whales

Reproduction - gestation period between 15 and 17 months

Identification - black and white with distinctive grey saddle patches behind dorsal fin