Arctic Wildlife Cruises & Tours
Highlights
- Spitsbergen, largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, known as the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic”: perhaps the single best place to see polar bears, and also prime ground for viewing Arctic foxes, geese, seabirds, Svalbard reindeer, seals, belugas, and blue and other baleen whales
- Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest (a hundred times the size of Yellowstone!), known for polar bears, muskoxen, walruses, and white wolves, among other wildlife
- Baffin Island in the Canadian High Arctic another hotspot for Arctic wildlife cruises: prime for beluga whale tours, offering summer feeding grounds for bowhead whales, and roamed by polar bears, Arctic wolves, caribou, and Arctic foxes
- Walrus tours, narwhal tours, and other specialized cruises and excursions possible for photographers and other enthusiasts
- Renowned naturalists and expedition staff on hand to enhance your experience with educational lectures and expert insights into the Arctic ecosystem
Some of the planet’s most spectacular wildlife calls the Far North home, and animal-spotting—on land, on sea, and on ice—is definitely a highlight of any cruise past the Arctic Circle. Reindeer (caribou) and muskoxen graze the barrens, shadowed by wolves; snowy owls and Arctic foxes draw the vastness of the tundra to a gorgeous, fire-eyed point as they hunt for lemmings. Polar bears and orcas reign at the top of the food chain. Ringed seals ride ice floes; herds of walruses flash their tusks at noisy haul-outs. Guillemots, kittiwakes, terns, and other seabirds throng sheer coastal cliffs. Belugas and narwhals spout in coastal waters; humpbacks, bowheads, and other baleen giants roll and dive off the ice fronts.
From dedicated narwhal, polar bear and beluga whale tours to special photography cruises and opportunistic wildlife-viewing on general sightseeing cruises, Arctic getaways double as icy safaris of the finest kind.
About Arctic Wildlife Cruises & Tours
Some of the planet’s most spectacular wildlife calls the Far North home, and animal-spotting—on land, on sea, and on ice—is definitely a highlight of any cruise past the Arctic Circle. Reindeer (caribou) and muskoxen graze the barrens, shadowed by wolves; snowy owls and Arctic foxes draw the vastness of the tundra to a gorgeous, fire-eyed point as they hunt for lemmings. Polar bears and orcas reign at the top of the food chain. Ringed seals ride ice floes; herds of walruses flash their tusks at noisy haul-outs. Guillemots, kittiwakes, terns, and other seabirds throng sheer coastal cliffs. Belugas and narwhals spout in coastal waters; humpbacks, bowheads, and other baleen giants roll and dive off the ice fronts.
From dedicated narwhal, polar bear and beluga whale tours to special photography cruises and opportunistic wildlife-viewing on general sightseeing cruises, Arctic getaways double as icy safaris of the finest kind.
Three Arctic Islands Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen
The Geographic North Pole (13D)
Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire and Ice
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
The Geographic North Pole (16D)
Svalbard Explorer Best of High Arctic Norway
Northeast Greenland National Park Micro Cruise
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice
British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard: Crossing the Arctic Circle
Svalbard and Greenland Summer Micro Cruise
Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights
Best of Svalbard: Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
East Greenland, Scoresby Sund, Including Long Hikes
West Svalbard & Polar Ice edge
Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes
Arctic Wildlife Cruise FAQs
What diversity of wildlife can I expect to see on an Arctic expedition cruise?
Arctic expedition cruises offer incredible wildlife diversity, including iconic mammals like polar bears, various species of seals (ringed, harp, bearded), walruses, whales (beluga, narwhal, bowhead, humpback), Arctic foxes, and reindeer. Seabirds like puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes are also abundant.
Is wildlife always guaranteed on an Arctic cruise?
No, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed as these are wild animals in their natural habitats. However, expedition teams are highly experienced in locating and approaching wildlife safely and ethically, maximizing your chances of incredible encounters.
How do cruises minimize disturbance to Arctic wildlife?
All reputable Arctic cruises adhere to strict environmental guidelines (e.g., AECO regulations), maintaining safe distances, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises, and limiting the number of people on shore. The well-being of the animals is always the top priority.
What's the best time of year for comprehensive wildlife viewing?
The summer months (June to August) are generally best for comprehensive wildlife viewing. This period coincides with the melting of sea ice, bringing marine mammals closer to shore, and the breeding season for many bird species.
What equipment should I bring for wildlife viewing?
Binoculars are essential for close-up views from the ship or Zodiacs. A camera with a good telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing high-quality photographs. Dress in warm, waterproof layers as you’ll spend time outdoors.
Are there opportunities for land-based wildlife viewing?
Yes, many itineraries include land excursions via Zodiac to explore tundra environments, where you might spot Arctic foxes, reindeer, or various bird species, always accompanied by armed guides to ensure safety, especially in polar bear territory.
Arctic expedition cruises offer incredible wildlife diversity, including iconic mammals like polar bears, various species of seals (ringed, harp, bearded), walruses, whales (beluga, narwhal, bowhead, humpback), Arctic foxes, and reindeer. Seabirds like puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes are also abundant.
No, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed as these are wild animals in their natural habitats. However, expedition teams are highly experienced in locating and approaching wildlife safely and ethically, maximizing your chances of incredible encounters.
All reputable Arctic cruises adhere to strict environmental guidelines (e.g., AECO regulations), maintaining safe distances, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises, and limiting the number of people on shore. The well-being of the animals is always the top priority.
The summer months (June to August) are generally best for comprehensive wildlife viewing. This period coincides with the melting of sea ice, bringing marine mammals closer to shore, and the breeding season for many bird species.
Binoculars are essential for close-up views from the ship or Zodiacs. A camera with a good telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing high-quality photographs. Dress in warm, waterproof layers as you’ll spend time outdoors.
Yes, many itineraries include land excursions via Zodiac to explore tundra environments, where you might spot Arctic foxes, reindeer, or various bird species, always accompanied by armed guides to ensure safety, especially in polar bear territory.
Arctic Wildlife Cruise Ships
Le Commandant Charcot
S/V Rembrandt van Rijn
National Geographic Explorer
Recommended Reading
10 Fascinating Polar Bear Facts
10 Wild Wolverine Facts: A Marvel Of The Arctic Kingdom
The 5 Best Places To See Polar Bears In The Wild
