Posts by Svein Wik
Arctic Cruise vs Antarctic Cruise: Which Polar Adventure Should You Choose?
Choosing between polar destinations can feel overwhelming, particularly when both promise extraordinary wildlife encounters and breathtaking ice landscapes. Many travellers wonder which Arctic cruise experience offers better value and more memorable adventures. Let’s explore the key differences between Arctic and Antarctic cruises to help you make the perfect choice for your polar expedition. Getting There:…
Read MoreHow Cold Is It in the Arctic? Your Complete Guide to Arctic Temperatures
The Arctic stands as one of Earth’s most extraordinary and challenging destinations. For prospective travellers, the most pressing question is often: how cold is it in the Arctic? Understanding Arctic temperatures throughout the seasons is crucial for planning a safe and memorable expedition. This comprehensive guide explores Arctic weather patterns by season, helping you prepare…
Read MoreTop 10 Essential Items: What to Pack for an Arctic Wildlife Expedition
Planning what to pack for an Arctic wildlife expedition? You’re about to embark on one of the world’s most incredible adventures! But the Arctic’s harsh conditions mean you need the right gear to stay warm, safe, and ready to spot amazing wildlife. From polar bears to Arctic foxes, the wildlife encounters await, but only if…
Read MoreWhen Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Arctic for Wildlife Watching?
Wondering about the best time of year to visit the Arctic? You’re in for an incredible journey! This extraordinary polar wilderness offers completely different experiences depending on when you visit. Picture yourself watching polar bear cubs take their first wobbly steps on sea ice, or witnessing magnificent whales breach in crystal-clear Arctic waters – timing…
Read MoreAre Arctic Expeditions Family-Friendly? An Honest Guide to Taking Kids to the Poles
Are arctic expeditions family friendly? Great question! I’ve been guiding Arctic expeditions for over a decade now, my camera always slung over my shoulder, trying to capture slivers of this immense place. And the most frequent question I get from parents is not about the cold or the cost. It’s this: “Is this really a…
Read MoreBeyond the Photos: Walking with Polar Bears in a Warming World
Walking with polar bears in the Canadian Arctic wilderness fills me with awe and respect. These magnificent creatures, Earth’s largest bear species with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds (680kg), glide with unexpected grace across their frozen world. My expeditions taught me to respect their raw power and fragility in their threatened habitat. Life has…
Read MoreArctic Wildlife Tours Explained: What to See, When to Go and What to Expect
The Arctic is one of the last great wildernesses on Earth – a vast, icy landscape where nature still dominates and wildlife thrives in its rawest, most untouched form. For adventurous travellers, Arctic Wildlife Tours offer the chance to experience this extraordinary world up close, meeting the incredible animals that call it home and exploring…
Read MorePhotographic opportunities on Svalbard
Photographic opportunities on Svalbard To have some great photographic opportunities on Svalbard we want to enhance 13 important things to think about. This information is based on Arctic Wildlife Tours guides with long experience on beeing in the field on Svalbard. There are many other things to think about and do to achieve great pictures…
Read MorePolar Bear Behaviour
Polar Bear behaviour Polar Bears are extraordinary animals. Almost nothing looks like it is normal about them; nothing the same as other animals on this globe. They are extreme adapted to survive some real hash environments where the open oceans meat the ice in Polar habitats. On our tours we have seen more than 1000…
Read MoreSeasons and Light on Svalbard
Seasons and Light on Svalbard is something we often are asked about from our travelers. During the 6 months our expeditions range over, from April to october, we see large changes in the type of sunlight, weather conditions and wildlife migratory patterns.
Read MoreNational Geographic photographer Stefano Unterthiner
National Geographic photographer Stefano Unterthiner join us regularly for doing workshops we now have named Masterclass onboard. Stefano recently gave out his book about climate changes on Svalbard. Growing up in the mountains of Northwest Italy, Stefano Unterthiner began serious photography at the age of 17, went on to study zoology and, in the fall…
Read MoreThe return of the Walrus on Svalbard
The Walrus on Svalbard is one of the species we see more and more in Svalbard. The populations are growing after being almost exterminated back in the 1960`s. The story about the return of the Walrus on Svalbard is an exciting story proving that conservation work works. Walruses is also a possibility for our travelers…
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