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Spitsbergen’s coastline is magnificent. The area (also known as Svalbard) is located at the southernmost tip of Hornsund, where fourteen glaciers flow into the sea and create a haven for wildlife. Some of the wildlife, such as seabirds and seals, can be found here in huge numbers.

This remarkable archipelago, offers exceptional opportunities to watch wildlife, from the impressive Monaco Glacier, a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, to the spectacular cliffs that are home to more than 200,000 little auks. Opportunistic Arctic foxes patrol the base of the cliffs in the hope of chicks falling from ledges, distinctive reindeer browse of the mossy tundra, while bearded seals cruise the fjords.

Spitsbergen and the surrounding area is also home to the world's highest population of polar bears, numbering around 3,000. Each year when the pack ice starts to break up, bears head to the mainland to spend the summer on shore. Individuals are often seen from aboard expedition cruise vessels, and we offer departures which are specifically designed as polar bear trips. If you are fortunate, they may even approach the vessel - seemingly out of sheer curiosity.

While sailing, sighting various species of whale such as blue whale, narwhal and beluga is a distinct and exciting possibility.

Some departures are also designed to combine the wildlife viewing with the chance to see the extraordinary phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

Our collection of Spitsbergen wildlife trips can also be tailor-made to suit your exact requirements and dates - just contact our wildlife specialists who will be happy to help.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Arctic tern, bearded seal, beluga whale, narwal, polar bear

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Around Spitsbergen

Sail through a wonderland of mountain and glacial scenery and enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters in this polar bear and birding paradise. Highlights include an exhilarating ride along the spectacular 14th of July Glacier, where large numbers of kittiwakes and Brunnichs guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. Find out more about Around Spitsbergen

  • Price (exc. flights): 9-12 days from £6,455
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

North Spitsbergen

This one week voyage provides an intoxicating mix of astonishing landscapes, stunning coastline and spectacular wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes and huge colonies of seabirds. The long daylight hours offer maximum time to appreciate this breath-taking land of ice to the full. Find out more about North Spitsbergen

  • Price (exc. flights): 8 days from £4,685
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J

Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland

Sailing amid awe-inspiring scenery of fjords and glaciers, this comprehensive itinerary starts in Spitsbergen, home to the world's highest population of polar bears. Continuing across the Greenland Sea, orcas and dolphins follow in your wake, and there are chances to see walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox. Find out more about Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland

  • Price (exc. flights): 14-16 days from £8,230
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Svalbard in Depth

On this small-ship exploration of Svalbard, you can enjoy the best of this magical region and discover iconic Arctic wildlife. Travel at a slower pace, linger longer in quiet bays and enjoy wildlife encounters with a variety of species, including pinnipeds, cetaceans, numerous seabirds and the magnificent polar bear. Find out more about Svalbard in Depth

  • Price (exc. flights): 15 days from £9,600
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A

Svalbard Photo Expedition

A dedicated photo expedition, this voyage explores spectacular Svalbard early in the season. Making the most of the magical snow-laden landscapes, search for the region’s iconic wildlife, including beluga whale, Arctic fox, reindeer and polar bear. This is the ultimate wildlife photography voyage in the Arctic. Find out more about Svalbard Photo Expedition

  • Price (exc. flights): 8 days from £8,895
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J

Svalbard Wildlife Expedition

EXCLUSIVE VOYAGE

Explore the remarkable Svalbard archipelago on this 7-night voyage. Travelling in spring provides a unique opportunity to witness this pristine, untouched landscape with icy coastlines, snow-peaked mountains and spectacular glaciers. Wildlife opportunities include polar bears, Arctic fox and walrus. Find out more about Svalbard Wildlife Expedition

  • Price (exc. flights): 8 days from £7,995
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J

North Atlantic Adventure with Mark Carwardine

Exclusive voyage

Join conservationist and broadcaster Mark Carwardine on the voyage of a lifetime as we sail from Scotland to the icy realms of Svalbard. During the voyage we’ll visit prime sites in the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean as well as a host of remote islands, all of which are home to intriguing wildlife. Find out more about Z) North Atlantic Adventure with Mark Carwardine

  • Price (exc. flights): 17 days from £7,995
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
Recommended cruise vessels:

Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach. Find Out More about Greg Mortimer

Hondius

With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between. Find Out More about Hondius

MS Sjøveien

MS Sjøveien is the perfect polar cruise vessel for exploring the Arctic wilderness in the summer months. With a fantastic level of comfort in its varied cabins and even a hot tub, there is no better way to enjoy a polar expedition in some of the world’s remotest corners. Find Out More about MS Sjøveien

MS Stockholm

The MS Stockholm is often considered to be one of the finest examples of small, ice-strengthened expedition vessels. It is the perfect platform for small groups to enjoy the wildest corners of the Arctic, escaping the crowds and allowing for intimate encounters with the region’s wildlife. Find Out More about MS Stockholm

Ocean Adventurer

The Ocean Adventurer is an ice-strengthened ship and is one of the most comfortable expedition vessels to navigate the polar seas. An aspect of this ship which sets it apart from other expedition ships is the substantial outdoor space – spread over four decks - for observing wildlife. Find Out More about Ocean Adventurer

Ocean Explorer

The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar exploration. It features spacious and luxurious cabins, ample outdoor viewing areas, and the latest sustainability technology. The ship offers a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness. Find Out More about Ocean Explorer

Ortelius

The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. Find Out More about Ortelius

Plancius

The Plancius accommodates a maximum of 108 passengers in cabins ranging from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. She offers a range of itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, and the large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife. Find Out More about Plancius

Ultramarine

Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels. Find Out More about Ultramarine