Polar Bear Tours & Trips
Highlights
- Witness the world’s largest land carnivore: A male polar bear may exceed 1,500 pounds and stand 10-plus feet on its hind legs!
- Dedicated Svalbard polar bear cruises offered—the archipelago hosts a denser, more concentrated population as compared to many other parts of the Arctic where bears are definitely present but widely distributed
- Greenland cruises to see polar bears often try Northeast Greenland National Park, though bears are also occasionally seen along the southeastern coast near Skjoldungen and also in West Greenland north of Disko Bay
- Long days of the summer Midnight Sun offers extended opportunities to look for bears
- Renowned naturalists and expedition staff on hand to enhance your experience with educational lectures and expert insights into the Arctic ecosystem and polar bear conservation efforts
The King of the Arctic. Nanook of the North. White bear, ice bear, sea bear. The world’s largest terrestrial carnivore, the polar bear is perhaps the most universally familiar and potent symbol of the Arctic biome. Roaming the sea-ice vastness, proving their marine-mammal cred with impressive swimming ability, snatching seals from breathing holes and occasionally trying their luck against walruses, belugas, and narwhals, polar bears inspire awe among anyone lucky enough to actually glimpse them in the wild.
Distributed in nearly 20 subpopulations across the Arctic, polar bears may be glimpsed anywhere from Alaska and Baffin Island to the protected wilderness of northeast Greenland. But when it comes to trips to see polar bears, few areas offer such promising odds as Svalbard, where the great hunters are stranded during summer by seasonal sea-ice retreat. Sightings are never guaranteed, of course, but the search itself through the wild splendor of ice-bear country is its own thrill.
About Polar Bear Tours & Trips
The King of the Arctic. Nanook of the North. White bear, ice bear, sea bear. The world’s largest terrestrial carnivore, the polar bear is perhaps the most universally familiar and potent symbol of the Arctic biome. Roaming the sea-ice vastness, proving their marine-mammal cred with impressive swimming ability, snatching seals from breathing holes and occasionally trying their luck against walruses, belugas, and narwhals, polar bears inspire awe among anyone lucky enough to actually glimpse them in the wild.
Distributed in nearly 20 subpopulations across the Arctic, polar bears may be glimpsed anywhere from Alaska and Baffin Island to the protected wilderness of northeast Greenland. But when it comes to trips to see polar bears, few areas offer such promising odds as Svalbard, where the great hunters are stranded during summer by seasonal sea-ice retreat. Sightings are never guaranteed, of course, but the search itself through the wild splendor of ice-bear country is its own thrill.
Svalbard: In Search Of Iconic Arctic Wildlife
Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords (Southbound)
Polar Bear Cruise FAQs
What is the best destination for seeing polar bears on an Arctic cruise?
Svalbard, Norway, is widely considered the best destination for reliable polar bear sightings. With a population of polar bears that outnumbers its human residents, the archipelago offers excellent opportunities to spot them in their natural habitat.
When is the best time to see polar bears on an Arctic cruise?
The prime season for polar bear sightings in the Arctic is typically from late spring (May) through late summer (August). As the sea ice melts, polar bears are more visible on land and ice floes, making them easier to spot from expedition vessels and Zodiacs.
How close do cruises get to polar bears, and is it safe?
Cruises maintain a safe and respectful distance from polar bears, strictly adhering to international guidelines (e.g., AECO regulations) to avoid disturbing the animals. While exact distances vary, powerful binoculars and telephoto lenses are recommended for optimal viewing and photography.
Are polar bear sightings guaranteed on an Arctic cruise?
No, polar bear sightings are never guaranteed. These are wild animals in their natural, vast habitat. However, expedition leaders and crew are highly experienced in tracking and locating them, maximizing your chances while prioritizing the bears’ well-being.
What kind of polar bear behavior might I observe?
Guests might observe polar bears walking across ice floes, resting, or occasionally swimming. If fortunate, you may witness them hunting seals or interacting with their cubs, providing incredible insights into their Arctic lives.
Do all Arctic cruises focus on polar bears?
While many Arctic cruises include polar bear viewing as a highlight, some itineraries are more dedicated to this quest than others. Expeditions to Svalbard and specific parts of the Canadian Arctic are often more focused on polar bear encounters due to higher population densities.
Svalbard, Norway, is widely considered the best destination for reliable polar bear sightings. With a population of polar bears that outnumbers its human residents, the archipelago offers excellent opportunities to spot them in their natural habitat.
The prime season for polar bear sightings in the Arctic is typically from late spring (May) through late summer (August). As the sea ice melts, polar bears are more visible on land and ice floes, making them easier to spot from expedition vessels and Zodiacs.
Cruises maintain a safe and respectful distance from polar bears, strictly adhering to international guidelines (e.g., AECO regulations) to avoid disturbing the animals. While exact distances vary, powerful binoculars and telephoto lenses are recommended for optimal viewing and photography.
No, polar bear sightings are never guaranteed. These are wild animals in their natural, vast habitat. However, expedition leaders and crew are highly experienced in tracking and locating them, maximizing your chances while prioritizing the bears’ well-being.
Guests might observe polar bears walking across ice floes, resting, or occasionally swimming. If fortunate, you may witness them hunting seals or interacting with their cubs, providing incredible insights into their Arctic lives.
While many Arctic cruises include polar bear viewing as a highlight, some itineraries are more dedicated to this quest than others. Expeditions to Svalbard and specific parts of the Canadian Arctic are often more focused on polar bear encounters due to higher population densities.
Ships Offering Polar Bear Sightseeing
National Geographic Endurance
National Geographic Resolution
Recommended Reading
10 Fascinating Polar Bear Facts
The 5 Best Places To See Polar Bears In The Wild
The Best Time To See Polar Bears In Svalbard (& The Arctic)
A History Of Arctic Exploration (Including Timeline)