Bearded seal
Some nights onboard the ship at anchor, we can hear the bearded seals sing from the deep.
Seals in the Arctic is very common to see. The most common is Bearded seals, ringed seals, hooded seals and harbour seals. Bearded seals are the largest of the northern phocid seals. They have an extremely elaborate, long set of whiskers that tend to curl when they are dry. It is these whiskers that give the species its name.
Bearded seals have a patchy distribution throughout the circumpolar Arctic. Their preferred habitat is drifting pack ice in areas over shallow water shelves. Juvenile animals wander quite broadly, but adult animals tend to have quite small home ranges, remaining in coastal waters much of the year.
Bearded seals are found at low densities in all of Svalbard’s fjords on a year-round basis, and in coastal regions wherever there is drifting ice.
Upcoming Bearded seal tours
Svalbard
Autumn Svalbard Adventure
10. Sep 2026 - 18. Sep 2026
We are embarking on an Autumn light and pack ice adventure designed to immerse participants in the spectacular autumn light and, potentially, the first new snow of the season on the mountains. This Svalbard Autumn Adventure includes a trip to the pack ice, including a traditional journey through the stunning Svalbard archipelago. We have the opportunity to encounter the unique wildlife of Svalbard and cruise by zodiac boats, allowing us to get close to the glaciers. Svalbard is renowned as the true realm of polar bears, walruses, bearded seals, Arctic foxes, and a diverse array of other Arctic wildlife. In September, the quality of light in around the archipelago transforms; sunsets and sunrises return after the long, sunlit summer, bathing the landscape in vibrant hues. In recent years, our autumn expeditions have been marked by truly spectacular moments, highlighting the unique appeal of Svalbard during this season.
Spots available
4Â SPOTSÂ AVAILABLE
Season
Autum season
Duration
8 nights / 9 days
New!
Svalbard
Svalbard winter photography
26. Mar 2027 - 03. Apr 2027
Svalbard winter photography expedition offers some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. The dramatic landscape, composed of towering mountains, deep fjords, sweeping valleys, and the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean, makes this region an extraordinary destination for exploration and photography. At this time of year, the landscapes themselves are the primary focus, though wildlife is never far from sight. The dramatic setting is enhanced by the presence of polar bears, which can often be seen traversing the scenic terrain or drifting across ice floes. These encounters provide breathtaking photographic opportunities in the heart of the Arctic wilderness.
Spots available
6 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season
Early Season, Winter season
Duration
8 days
New!
Svalbard
Early Pack Ice photography expedition
17. May 2027 - 25. May 2027
Early Pack Ice expedition Svalbard will take you into heavy drift ice which is covering vast areas of the Arctic ocean in May. We will take you to the sothern parts of the Svalbard archipelago and into the pack ice soth of Norteast land on this expedition. Still we will see some of the colors from sunsets and sunrises. Even though the nights can remain very cold, it is possible to observe wildlife resting and hunting in the pack ice and on the ice-covered fjords. In this bright, winter-like environment, participants can enjoy remarkable wildlife encounters in truly picturesque, icy conditions by joining our Spring Pack Ice expedition. In the pack ice we are outside the Svalbard territorial borders and Polar Bears can be photographed if they approach our ship.
Spots available
SPOTSÂ AVAILABLE
Season
Early Season, Winter season
Duration
8 nights / 9 days
New!
Svalbard
June Pack Ice Expedition
02. Jun 2027 - 11. Jun 2027
June Pack Ice Expeditions around Svalbard. In early summer, the Arctic Ocean and Svalbard undergoes a distinctive change as the lingering snow begins to melt. Despite the warming temperatures, substantial areas remain blanketed by drift ice, preserving the region’s characteristic landscape. During this season, the pack ice remains relatively close to the Svalbard islands. Its proximity allows for easy access, making it an excellent time for exploration and observing the natural environment up close. Our ice strengthened ship Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions. This is the most unique way to see Arctic wildlife like polar bears, hooded seals, bearded seals and maybe bowhead whales.
Spots available
AVAILABLEÂ SPOTS
Season
Main season, Peak season
Duration
10 days
Svalbard
Arctic Ocean expedition and Svalbard photography
11. Jun 2027 - 20. Jun 2027
As an Svalbard Tour Operator, Arctic Wildlife Tours have long experience. Embark on an extraordinary Arctic Ocean photography expedition, journeying north of Svalbard and around its rugged coastline. This adventure is designed to take full advantage of Junes seasonal changes, when the pack ice begins to open up, presenting greater opportunities to explore further into the Arctic wilderness. Our expedition is made possible by the ice-strengthened vessel Kvitungen, which allows for unique exploration opportunities unmatched by other ships operating in Svalbard. This particular journey gives time spent the pack ice and the chance to visit some of Svalbard’s most secluded fjords and majestic glaciers.
Spots available
SOLD OUT
Season
Main season, Peak season
Duration
10 days
Svalbard
Svalbard July Pack Ice Expedition
17. Jul 2027 - 29. Jul 2027
Join us for a 13 days long expedition around Svalbard on board the "next level" ice strengthened ship, M/S Kvitungen. The Arctic Ocean and Svalbard undergoes a distinctive change as the lingering snow and ice melt during the summer. Despite the warming temperatures, substantial areas remain blanketed by drift ice, preserving the region’s characteristic landscape. During this season, the pack ice remains relatively close to the Svalbard islands. Its proximity allows for easy access, making it an excellent time for exploration and observing the natural environment up close. Our ice strengthened ship Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions. The movement and activity of the wildlife make mid summer an ideal period for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The dynamic environment also offers remarkable opportunities to capture the essence of Svalbard’s natural beauty and vibrant animal life.
Spots available
SOLD OUT
Season
Main season, Peak season
Duration
13 days
Svalbard
Svalbard July Pack Ice
08. Jul 2027 - 17. Jul 2027
Arctic ocean wildlife expeditions takes you up in the pack ice north of Svalbard. On board the "next level" ice strengthened ship, M/S Kvitungen. Despite the warming temperatures, substantial areas remain blanketed by drift ice, preserving the region’s characteristic landscape. During this season, the pack ice remains relatively close to the Svalbard islands. Its proximity allows for easy access, making it an excellent time for exploration and observing the natural environment up close. Our ice strengthened ship Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions. The movement and activity of the wildlife make mid summer an ideal period for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Spots available
3 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season
Main season, Peak season
Duration
10 days
New!
Svalbard
Svalbard August Pack Ice Expedition
16. Aug 2027 - 25. Aug 2027
Join us for this expedition on Svalbard on board the "next level" ice strengthened ship, M/S Kvitungen. Late August marks the beginning of the autumn and the light changes. The midnight sun is history for this year and the nights are darker. During this season, the pack ice still remains reachable to the Svalbard islands. By sailing a few hours we will be in the pack ice, making it an excellent time for exploration and observing the natural environment up close. Our ice strengthened ship Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions. The movement and activity of the wildlife make late summer an ideal period for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Spots available
SPOTSÂ AVAILABLE
Season
Main season, Peak season
Duration
10 days