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 breathtaking environments unlike anywhere else on the planet.
But before you pack your thermals and head north, it helps to know what you’ll actually see, when the best time is to go, and what you can expect from life in this frozen frontier. Let’s dive in.
Why Choose an Arctic Wildlife Tour?
Unlike standard cruises or sightseeing trips, Arctic Wildlife Tours are designed with one thing in mind: giving you the chance to see the Arctic’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat. These tours are usually guided by experts and locals – naturalists, photographers, marine biologists – who know the best spots to observe polar bears hunting on ice floes, pods of whales breaking through the frigid waters, or a rare Arctic fox darting across the snow.
The remoteness of destinations like Greenland and Svalbard makes spotting wildlife an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. With no city noise, no crowds, and very little human interference, the Arctic is nature at its most pure.
What Wildlife Can You See?
One of the biggest questions people ask about Arctic Wildlife Tours is: “What will I see?” The short answer – a lot! The longer answer? It depends on the time of year and the region you’re visiting.
Here are some of the Arctic’s headline stars:
Polar Bears
The undisputed king of the Arctic, the polar bear is the most sought-after sighting on any wildlife tour. Svalbard is often referred to as the realm of the polar bear, with more bears than humans inhabiting the islands. Summer tours frequently spot them roaming the pack ice in search of seals. Seeing one in the wild – massive, powerful, yet graceful – is something you’ll never forget.
Bearded Seals
These distinctive seals, named for their long whiskers, are a common sight lounging on ice floes. They’re the favourite prey of polar bears, so where you find bearded seals, you might just find a bear nearby. Watching them dive and surface through the ice is a charming highlight for many travellers.
Arctic Foxes
Small but incredibly resilient, the Arctic fox is perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions. In summer, their coats are brown and grey, blending in with the tundra, while in winter they transform into beautiful white, fluffy creatures, almost vanishing against the snow. If you’re patient and lucky, you might spot one darting across the ice in search of food.
Whales
The icy waters around Greenland and Svalbard are alive with whales during summer. Minke whales, humpbacks, bowheads, belugas and even the mighty blue whale can sometimes be seen. There are few things as moving as standing on the deck of a small expedition ship, watching a whale breach the surface against the backdrop of towering icebergs.
Other Wildlife
Depending on the region, you may also encounter reindeer, walruses, seabirds like puffins, ivory gulls and guillemots, and even the elusive narwhal – the so-called “unicorn of the sea.” Each tour brings its own mix of surprises.
Where Should You Go? Greenland vs Svalbard
Two of the most popular destinations for Arctic Wildlife Tours are Greenland and Svalbard. Both are spectacular, but they offer different experiences.
Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island, and while it has human settlements, vast stretches remain untouched. Wildlife tours here often focus on marine life. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an incredible place to see whales against a backdrop of giant icebergs. Greenland also offers chances to experience Inuit culture alongside the wildlife, giving your journey an extra layer of richness.
Svalbard
Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is a hotspot for polar bear sightings. It’s rugged, remote, and teeming with birdlife in summer. Svalbard is also one of the most accessible Arctic destinations, with regular flights from Oslo. Many people consider it the ultimate polar bear destination.
If you’re after whales and culture, Greenland might edge ahead. If it’s polar bears and dramatic frozen landscapes you’re after, Svalbard usually wins.
When is the Best Time to Go?
Timing is everything in the Arctic. Unlike other travel destinations, the Arctic has a very limited window for tours.
March to April: The Arctic is still frozen. Winter with temperatures under minus 20 degrees celsius is common and something to consider when you travel there this time of the year. It is the most beautiful time to go with white scenic landscapes and beautiful light.
May to June: The ice is just breaking up, making it easier to access remote areas. It’s also the breeding season for many seabirds. Polar bears are often spotted on the ice.
July to August: Peak season. Temperatures are at their mildest, the midnight sun means 24 hours of daylight, and whales are abundant. This is the best time to visit Greenland for whale watching. In Svalbard we often visit the pack ice during this period, where Polar Bears often are to bee seen.
September: The light begins to change, with softer, golden tones ideal for photography. Polar bears are active, and you may catch the start of the Northern Lights in late September.
Winter tours are rare, as extreme cold and darkness make travel difficult. For most visitors, summer is the time to go.
What to Expect on an Arctic Wildlife Tour
The Journey
Most tours are expedition-style cruises aboard small ships or icebreakers. Unlike big cruise liners, these vessels can navigate narrow fjords and icy channels where the wildlife is. Expect to go ashore via Zodiac boats for closer encounters with the landscapes and wildlife.
The Climate
Yes, it’s cold – but perhaps not as freezing as you might think. Summer temperatures in Svalbard often hover between 0°C and 10°C, while Greenland can be a little warmer. Layered clothing, thermal gear and waterproofs are essential.
The Experience
You’ll spend your days scanning the horizon for polar bears, cruising past icebergs, hiking across tundra, and listening to experts explain the fragile ecosystem. Evenings are often spent reviewing photos, enjoying lectures, or simply gazing out at endless Arctic twilight.
Safety First
Wildlife tours are strictly managed to ensure both visitor and animal safety. Guides are trained to keep respectful distances from animals, particularly polar bears. Responsible operators also follow strict environmental guidelines to protect the Arctic’s delicate habitats.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour
- Bring binoculars and a good camera: Wildlife may be far off, and you’ll want to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
- Pack in layers: The weather can change rapidly, so flexible clothing is key.
- Stay curious: The Arctic isn’t a zoo – sightings aren’t guaranteed. Embrace the whole environment, from the birds to the icebergs.
- Respect the wilderness: Leave no trace and follow your guide’s instructions.
Why Arctic Wildlife Tours Are Worth It
Yes, they can be expensive. Yes, it’s a long way to go. But Arctic Wildlife Tours deliver something rare in today’s world – true adventure. They reconnect us with nature, remind us of the fragility of our planet, and gift us memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re standing in awe as a polar bear pads across the ice, holding your breath as a whale rises from the depths, or simply absorbing the silence of the frozen tundra, the Arctic will change the way you see the world.
The Arctic is calling – and if you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a place where wildlife still reigns supreme, now is the time to answer. From Greenland’s whales to Svalbard’s polar bears, from bearded seals to the nimble Arctic fox, the wonders of the far north are waiting.
For those ready to make the journey, Arctic Wildlife Tours offers expert-led expeditions designed to bring you face-to-face with the Arctic’s most iconic animals while travelling responsibly in one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. With their knowledge and passion, you’re in the best hands to discover the real Arctic.
One thing’s for sure: once you’ve been on an Arctic wildlife tour, you’ll never look at a globe the same way again!