The Arctic holds some of the planet's most incredible wildlife. These animals have adapted to survive in one of Earth's harshest environments. Expedition cruises offer front-row seats to watch these creatures in their natural habitat.

Understanding which animals live up north helps people appreciate just how special the Arctic really is. Each species plays a unique role in this frozen ecosystem.

Polar Bears: Kings of the Ice

Fascinating Arctic animals don't get more iconic than polar bears. They spend most of their lives on sea ice hunting seals.

Svalbard and the Canadian Arctic offer the best chances to see these magnificent hunters. Spring brings excellent viewing opportunities when bears actively hunt on pack ice.

Arctic Foxes: Small but Mighty

Arctic foxes survive temperatures that would kill most mammals. Their thick fur changes colour with the seasons: pure white in winter and brown-grey in summer. This camouflage helps them hunt small rodents and birds.

Walruses

Walruses gather in huge groups on beaches and ice floes. Males can weigh nearly 2,000 kilograms, making them true ocean giants. A single walrus can eat 6,000 clams in one feeding session. Their loud bellowing and social behaviour make them entertaining to watch.

Bearded Seals: The Singing Seals

Bearded seals get their name from their long whiskers that look like beards. Males produce underwater songs during the breeding season that sound almost musical. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Spotting them resting on ice floes happens fairly often during Arctic cruises.

Humpback Whales: Acrobatic Ocean Giants

Humpback whales migrate thousands of kilometres to feed in Arctic waters during summer. They can grow 16 metres long and weigh 30,000 kilograms. Their spectacular breaching displays leave viewers absolutely amazed.

Beluga Whales: The White Whales

Belugas earn the nickname "canaries of the sea" because of their varied vocalisations. Their all-white colour and rounded heads make them easy to identify. Adults reach about 5 metres long and weigh up to 1,600 kilograms.

Reindeer: Arctic Survivors

Wild reindeer roam across Svalbard and other Arctic regions. They've adapted to survive on sparse vegetation like moss and lichen. Both males and females grow antlers, which is unusual among deer species.

Their thick coats and specialised hooves help them navigate icy terrain. Seeing herds grazing on tundra hillsides shows how life persists even in extreme cold.

Puffins: Colourful Cliff Dwellers

Atlantic puffins nest in massive colonies along Arctic coastlines. Their bright orange beaks and feet contrast beautifully with black and white plumage.

Puffins can dive 60 metres deep to catch fish. They carry multiple small fish crossways in their beaks back to hungry chicks. Summer months bring the best viewing opportunities when colonies burst with activity.

Arctic Terns (or Sea Swallows)

Arctic terns hold the record for the longest migration of any animal. They travel from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic waters and back each year: roughly 70,000 kilometres round trip. That's almost twice around the Earth annually.

They aggressively defend their nests by dive-bombing intruders, including humans. Their dedication to their young and incredible journey makes them truly remarkable, fascinating Arctic animals.

Narwhals: The Unicorns of the Sea

Narwhals swim in Arctic waters with their distinctive spiralled tusks. These tusks are actually elongated teeth that can grow three metres long. Males use them for fighting and attracting females.

Planning Arctic Wildlife Expedition Cruises

Arctic expedition cruises with small passenger numbers provide the best wildlife experiences. Groups of 12 or fewer allow flexibility to follow animal sightings. Expert guides enhance every encounter by sharing knowledge about animal behaviour and ecology. Get in touch today to find out more about what we have to offer!