Prepare to be amazed in ways you never imagined before! There is no time like the present to experience the trip of a lifetime on a saga to frozen Arctic tundra. For anyone wondering where exactly to explore in the polar regions, there is nothing quite like Svalbard for the perfect Arctic experience.
There is no need to worry about finding where to go or what to do when venturing on a Svalbard cruise, the best way to ensure no part of the adventure will be missed. Now let’s get into what exactly can you look forward to as you cruise the icy ocean waters of the North Atlantic through towering glaciers and soaring sea stacks.
Visit the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic” in Spitsbergen
After four months of darkness, in April the sun returns to Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. In other words, it’s time to observe some amazing wildlife!
Known as the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic”, the glacial paradise of Spitsbergen is home to:
- Polar bears
- Arctic foxes
- Svalbard reindeer
- Muskoxen
- Seals
- Walruses
- Whales, and so much more!
There are also around 30 Arctic bird species known to breed in Spitsbergen, so have your binoculars ready. Some of the most prevalent and frequently spotted bird species to look out for are:
- Arctic puffins
- Brünnich’s Guillemot
- Kittiwake
- Arctic skua
- Pomarine skua
- Long tailed skua
- Northern fulmar
- Purple sandpiper, and so much more!
There is one thing for certain, you will want to make sure to bring a camera with a great lens!
Trek to “Bird Mountain” in Spitsbergen
The towering basalt cliffs rising vertically from the cold waters of the Hinlopen Strait is a destination that bird lovers will not want to miss. The sheer rock faces of Alkefjellet, or “Bird Mountain”, reach 100 meters high, and provide a protective nesting habitat for approximately 60,000 Brünnich’s guillemots.
Experience 24-Hour Sunshine in Svalbard
Imagine waking up and falling asleep to the brightly burning sun. That’s right, from the months of May through August in Svalbard you can experience round the clock natural sunlight. These months of endless sunshine are the perfect time to enjoy non-stop views of wildlife, glaciers and fjords. This is also the best time to catch sights of the iconic polar bears as they follow the pack ice on the hunt for food.
Glide Through Polar Waters on a Paddling Excursion
Enjoy an unforgettable experience at water-level on an Arctic paddling excursion. Embrace the serene views of snow-capped glaciers as you listen to the cold-water drip with every sweep of your paddle. A truly intimate way to explore the pristine polar waters as you glide atop the North Atlantic.
Try not to miss a thing as you take in breathtaking views, soaring seabirds and the splashes from wildlife breaking the magnificent water surface. This is an excursion you will surely want to bundle up for!
Now the only question is, are you ready for your remote Arctic escape?
