Whales

Whales in the Arctic is common to see

We are encountering whales on our expeditions and we also do whale safaris outside of the Norwegian coastline. Blue Whales, Minky whales, Bowhead whales and Fin whales is some of the whales we see in the Arctic. We also can encounter Humpback whales and Killer whales. For the latter two we also do excursions by ship nearby Tromsø.

The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on earth. In the Northern Hemisphere blue whales are 24–28 meters long, can weigh up to 200 tonnes and produce a distinctive, high blow that can be up to 12 metres tall.

The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on earth. Its mottled colouration, which is a mix of light and dark patches of slate grey, often appears to be various shades of blue when seen through the water. Some animals have distinct chevrons curving down their backs from the blowhole area, similar to fin whales, while others do not.

Regardless of the patterning, blue whales generally appear lighter in colour than the other rorquals. Blue whales are most commonly observed alone or as pairs. They are commonly seen around Svalbard in summer.

whales in the arctic
Seasons and light on Svalbard

Upcoming Whales tours

polar bear photography
Svalbard

Pack Ice expedition Svalbard

28. Jun 2026 - 07. Jul 2026
In early summer, our Svalbard tours experiences a unique transformation as some of the snow melts, yet large areas remain covered by drift ice. The pack ice is still relatively close to the Svalbard islands, making it easily accessible for exploration and wildlife observation. This period offers remarkable opportunities to witness Svalbard's diverse wildlife. Polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and a variety of birdlife are particularly active, increasing the chances of close wildlife encounters. The movement of these animals makes this an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Spots available 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 9 nights/10 days
k1a2385
Svalbard

Pack Ice expedition Svalbard

07. Jul 2026 - 21. Jul 2026
Svalbard is renowned for its rich diversity of Arctic wildlife. The most iconic resident is the polar bear, often referred to as "The King of the Arctic." These magnificent creatures traverse the frozen seas and rugged coastlines in search of seals and sustenance. It is not uncommon to witness polar bears caring for their cubs in this challenging yet thriving environment. While they may occasionally be spotted along the shores, the drifting pack ice is their true habitat. Remarkably, over 60% of the polar bear population migrates into the pack ice during early summer, making this region vital for their survival. This pack ice expedition Svalbard will be a unique chance for extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Spots available 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 15 days