By: Torben Lonne
Built in 1967 at Høylandsbygd, Norway, MS Sula was operated as a workboat for the Norwegian state Kystverket and used for repairs and control on all navigational aids along the Norwegian coast. This old boat cannot be described as luxurious, and what it lacks in its comfort and style, it makes up in character.
Every year from the middle of October to the middle of February, guests get to see the largest gathering of Killer Whales in the world that takes place in Troms region, far north of Norway, due to enormous amounts of Herring that collects in the waters.
MS Sula guarantees guests an amazing and adventurous orca expedition trip.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Some divers reported spending time with the Orcas and this was one of the highlights of the trip. -
Many of the people were happy to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of the Sula Liveaboard.
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Many people noted that the chef catered to everyone's dietary requirements.
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The chef was exceptional preparing delicious meals every evening.
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The presentation delivered on Orcas was beautiful and inspiring before we ventured out.
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The consensus among the divers are that they will return to experience more of this wonderful part of the world.
Things we don't like:
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We are yet to uncover a bad review of this liveaboard.
Diving on MS Sula in the Arctic
Since 2007 MS Sula has been offering remarkable diving experiences, unlike any other boat anywhere in the world. The three days and six days liveaboard dive safari adventures offered by MS Sula include orca whale watching with Strømsholmen Sea Sports Centre.
This 30meters/90 feet boat creates a strong feeling of why you are there, as the experience is wholly adventurous. The ship is run by six crew members and accommodates 12 guests in 9 cabins.
The boat has a cozy lounge with various seating areas. Passengers have access to a washing machine and dryer. Also, there are storage and drying rooms on board for all diving and snorkeling equipment.
Boat features
All cabins are on a shared basis and have electrical outlets and a sink with hot and cold running water. In total there are six double cabins, three toilets and two showers on the ship.
Each cabin has its own washbasin with hot and cold running water. The boat comes with a wardrobe where divers can dry their equipment after dives. There is also a hot tube on the outside deck.
All meals cooked in MS Sula are done by the onboard chef. All meals, water, tea, and coffee are included during the trip. The meals are a combination of local and western cuisine and are served buffet style.
In terms of safety, the boat is equipped with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, life jackets, life rafts, emergency oxygen Kits, first aid kits, satellite & mobile phones, bilge pump alarm and others to ensure a safe experience for all the guests.
The Atlantic Road has a National Tourist Route status, and the entire stretch between Bud and Kristiansund is one continuous experience packed with coastal scenery, culture and history. This so different from a trip on a sun-soaked and calm summer day. A foam-sprayed journey in a storm from the Northwest is just fantastic.
The experience garnered from the Atlantic Road experience will give you pleasant life memories. Guests can park their cars at designated stopping points, go on hikes, climb a rock and enjoy the salty air and amazing views.
The boat provides the necessary equipment for snorkeling in cold water including the drysuit. You can expect to be into water 2-4 times a day. Scuba diving is available as well. However, using tanks is not allowed in the sea, only in the harbor.
Best time to go
Snorkeling season with the Orca is relatively short. The best time to go on a cruise or expedition trip aboard MS Sula is between October and February.
Logistics
The M/S Sula moors daily in Kaldsfjord near Tromsø.
Itinerary
MS Sula runs three days three nights and 6days 6nights itinerary to Tromsø and Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Norway’s northernmost outpost in the high Arctic.
Guests can watch as MS Sula follows the herring to track the Orca’s, sometimes as many as 50-60 during the day. In the evening, the MS Sula moors in a nearby harbor, where divers with dry-suit experience can go on dives.
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