A light-colored seal sits on a small iceberg in calm water reflecting a colorful sunset with hues of orange, blue, and white.

Arctic Wildlife Cruises & Tours

From polar bears and walruses to belugas and bowheads, get to know the Arctic’s wild kingdom
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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.

Two reindeer with large antlers stand on a snowy shoreline next to a calm body of water with snow-covered mountains in the background under a pastel sunset sky. A small, tan arctic ground squirrel sits upright in green grass with purple flowers, holding something in its front paws and looking towards the viewer.

Arctic Wildlife Cruises

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 Wildlife Cruise Ships