Spitsbergen, Svalbard Tours

One of the most exhilarating ways to explore the rugged beauty of Svalbard is on a Zodiac excursion. These inflatable boats provide an up-close and personal experience with the icy landscapes, allowing you to navigate through icy fjords and pristine bays inaccessible by larger vessels. As you glide through the Arctic waters, you’ll be surrounded by towering glaciers, dramatic cliffs and possibly even curious wildlife such as walruses and seals. Zodiac excursions give you a unique perspective on the Arctic environment, providing an unparalleled sense of adventure and intimacy with the ice-covered terrain.

Svalbard is renowned for its population of polar bears, often referred to as the “Kings of the Arctic.” Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a truly humbling experience. Whether you spot them roaming the sea ice in search of food or lounging on the shores of remote islands, encountering a polar bear in Svalbard is an unforgettable experience. From the safety of a guided expedition or a cruise ship, you can observe these iconic animals’ behaviours, such as hunting seals or caring for their cubs.

One of the most mesmerising natural phenomena in Svalbard is the Midnight Sun, a surreal experience that occurs during the Arctic summer. Due to its high latitude, Svalbard receives nearly 24 hours of daylight for several months, so you can witness the sun circling the sky without ever setting. The ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun casts a warm, golden light over the snow-dusted landscapes, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that defies the conventional concept of time. Because the sun is visible for almost 24 hours a day, it means you have more time to explore and enjoy wildlife encounters.

Although technically not part of the Svalbard archipelago, Jan Mayen is a remote volcanic island located in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and Greenland. Accessible only by ship or helicopter, Jan Mayen lets you glimpse into a pristine wilderness where rugged mountains, glaciers and wildlife abound. Get a close-up view of Beerenberg, the island’s active volcano, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding seas, with the opportunity to witness seabird colonies nesting on the cliffs. Exploring Jan Mayen gives you a sense of the total isolation and tranquility rarely found elsewhere, making it an incredible destination for an Arctic experience.

In addition to polar bears, a Svalbard holiday introduces you to a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses and numerous bird species. From the playful antics of reindeer to the graceful dives of puffins plunging into the icy waters, each encounter with Svalbard’s wildlife is a testament to the natural beauty of these creatures and their harsh Arctic environment. Aviphiles will be in their element spotting rare species such as the ivory gull or the elusive king eider, while marine lovers can marvel at the sight of humpback whales breaching the surface of the icy waters.