High above the Arctic Circle, in the archipelago of Svalbard, lies the island of Spitsbergen. This magnificent island offers a stunning coastline of glaciers and cliffs, creating a haven for wildlife.
Spitsbergen’s coastline is magnificent. The area is located at the southernmost tip of Hornsund, where 14 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. The impressive Monaco Glacier attracts thousands of kittiwakes, while the spectacular cliffs are home to more than 200,000 little auks. Opportunistic Arctic foxes patrol the base of the cliffs in the hope of finding fallen chicks, distinctive reindeer search 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, polar bears typically move closer to the shorelines and islands. They follow the retreating ice edge to hunt for seals, which are their primary food source. As the ice melts, they may also scavenge for other food sources, such as bird eggs, vegetation, and marine mammal carcasses. Individuals can be seen from aboard expedition cruise vessels, and we offer extended departures which are better for those seeking polar bear trips.
While sailing, sighting various species of whale such as humpback, 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.
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
During July and August, Svalbard bursts into life. Seabird colonies thrive, cliffs echo with the cries of thousands of nesting birds, and Arctic fox cubs emerge on the tundra. Walrus haul out on ice floes and beluga glide through the fjords. Experience this and more aboard Explorer, an intimate luxury yacht. Find out more about Birds, Wildlife & Wilderness of Svalbard
Join this voyage of a lifetime as you sail from Scotland to Svalbard, calling at Fair Isle and Jan Mayen en route. During the journey you visit prime sites across the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean, visiting remote, wildlife-rich islands and dramatic coastlines. In Svalbard, explore fjords and search for iconic Arctic wildlife. Find out more about North Atlantic Adventure
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
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
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
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
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
MICRO VESSEL
Explorer is a small, ice-strengthened vessel offering comfort, character, and an intimate group experience. Her size and agility allow easy access to remote, polar regions often inaccessible to larger ships, making her ideally suited for adventurous travellers seeking in-depth exploration. Find Out More about Explorer
LUXURY VESSEL
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
EXPEDITION VESSEL
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
MICRO VESSEL
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
MICRO VESSEL
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
LUXURY VESSEL
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
LUXURY VESSEL
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
EXPEDITION VESSEL
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
EXPEDITION VESSEL
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
MICRO VESSEL
Polar Athena is a beautifully refurbished micro expedition vessel designed for wildlife encounters and true polar exploration. With just 44 guests, generous deck space, a strengthened ice-class hull, and swift Zodiac operations, she combines comfort, agility, and adventure to reach remote regions. Find Out More about Polar Athena
LUXURY VESSEL
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
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
