Posts by Svein Wik
Wildlife Safety and Respect: Our Approach to Vulnerable Arctic Wildlife Encounters
Arctic travelers often take wildlife safety too lightly. Polar bears look majestic and make great photos, but they’re potentially dangerous and vulnerable at the same time. These powerful predators command serious respect during any Arctic expedition. Safety comes first when interacting with Arctic wildlife. Wildlife experts helped design these rules to keep safe distances between…
Read MoreTop Arctic Islands You Can Visit on a Small-Ship Expedition
The Arctic has some of Earth’s most beautiful and wild landscapes and small-ship expeditions offer the best way to visit frozen islands and see amazing wildlife. Understanding which islands have the best animals and views helps plan great adventures. Why Our Small Ships Work Best? Our small ships carry only 12 max passengers instead of…
Read MoreThe Photographer’s Arctic Dream: Your Guide to Capturing Nature’s Best Moments
Is the photographer’s arctic all it promises to be? The Arctic offers photographers a unique canvas filled with ethereal landscapes and extraordinary wildlife moments ready to be captured. It’s one of the most photographic destinations on earth. Yet, it remains one of the most challenging places to shoot. Your venture into this pristine wilderness will…
Read MoreWhat Makes Svalbard Different from Greenland and Iceland?
People often group Arctic destinations together. They think Iceland, Greenland, and Svalbard offer similar experiences. The truth is quite different. Each place has its own character, wildlife, and landscape. Svalbard stands apart in ways that matter deeply to Arctic enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. This guide breaks down the real differences between these destinations. It…
Read MoreArctic Polar Bear Safari: What You’ll See on the Adventure
Planning an Arctic polar bear safari means preparing for one of nature’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. The journey offers far more than just polar bear sightings, though. Scientists estimate between 22,000 and 31,000 polar bears live across the Arctic in 19 recognized populations. Safari destinations give visitors access to regions where bears congregate during specific…
Read MoreIs Arctic Tourism Safe for the Environment? What Travelers Should Know
Arctic tourism brings vital money to remote communities. But it also has the potential to damage fragile environments. The answer to whether it helps or harms isn’t simple. It depends entirely on how Arctic tourism happens and which companies operate in these sensitive regions. The Arctic already faces enormous challenges from climate change. Understanding…
Read MoreChasing Silence and Ice: Norbert Rosing’s Arctic Wilderness
Chasing Silence and Ice in the Arctic Wilderness By Kathrine Krane, Synlighet In a world where Arctic wilderness is vanishing, photographer Norbert Rosing of National Geographic fame, continues to return-not for the fame or the thrill, but for the quiet, transformative power of the landscape. Best known for his polar bear photography in National Geographic,…
Read MoreArctic Photography Tours: A Summer Adventure in Svalbard
The Arctic has always had a special place in my heart with pristine landscapes, elusive wildlife, and invigorating solitude and going on our Arctic photography tours is one of life’s amazing pleasures. I am no stranger to Svalbard, having been in March 2019 for a land-based expedition, and in April 2024 for a cruise around…
Read MoreBeyond the Price Tag: Understanding the Top 5 Values of a Guided Expedition Arctic
For over a decade, the arctic islands has been my office. Since 2012, I’ve been guiding folks like you through these frozen fjords, my camera always at the ready. I’ve seen the awe on a child’s face when an arctic fox peeks over a ridge, and I’ve shared a quiet moment with a solo traveller…
Read MoreIs an Arctic Adventure Tour Right for You? Assessing Fitness, Comfort, and Expectations
Is an Arctic adventure tour right for you? You know, when people picture an Arctic adventure, they imagine it’s a bit like a chilly sightseeing trip. All hot chocolates and pretty views from behind a window. I’m here to let you in on a little secret: the reality is so much more rewarding. Now, you…
Read MoreWhere Can You Safely See Polar Bears in the Arctic?
Many people have a bucket list of seeing polar bears in the Arctic. But getting close to them needs smart planning and a serious respect for nature. The Arctic has several spots where people can watch polar bears without danger. Knowing the right places and timing turns a dream into reality safely. Staying Safe Around…
Read MoreInside an Arctic Guide’s Journal: Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters at the Edge of the World
Seeing wildlife in the Arctic is a rare privilege. The experience in the frozen north starts with simple yet exciting finds. Polar bear tracks pressed into the drift ice create anticipation that makes Arctic exploration special. The vast Arctic wilderness offers no planned or guaranteed animal sightings, unlike other places around the world. Patience…
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