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.
Upcoming Whales tours
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
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
1 SPOT AVAILABLE FOR A MALE
Season
Main season, Peak season
Duration
15 days
Svalbard
Peak season expedition Svalbard
21. Jul 2026 - 31. Jul 2026
We will visit the spectacular bird cliffs, walrus haul-out places, do landings and cruise into the pack ice north of Svalbard. If the weather allows it we are planning to visit the pack ice during this expedition. The Svalbard Archipelago is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, and its not far before we start entering what we call “the pack ice”. This is a magical environment in many ways. It is also the real home of the polar bears and other wildlife like seals, walruses and whales. More than 60% of the Polar Bear population migrate into the pack ice during early summer. In late July the bird cliffs are still full of wildlife. We also will visit Walrus haul-out places on land and maybe some interesting places for Arctic Foxes along with other wildlife. Join us for this peak season expedition Svalbard.
Spots available
2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season
Main season, Peak season
Duration
11 days
Svalbard
Polar Bear adventures in the pack
30. Aug 2026 - 09. Sep 2026
The Adventure of Navigating the Pack Ice. The pack ice can be likened to a nameless continent, composed entirely of drifting ice and teeming with wildlife. It stretches across vast expanses of the ocean, with the ice moving according to ocean currents, tides, and winds. Navigating these icy areas requires patience, but the rewards are great when wildlife is spotted. Especially will this be a Polar Bear Adventure. Some of the expedition will be dedicated to exploring the Islands of Svalbard. In late August and early September, the light in this region becomes more colorful. Sunsets and sunrises return after the long, sunlit summer, transforming the landscape with vibrant hues.
Spots available
3 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season
Autum season, Main season
Duration
10 nights/11 days
New!
Svalbard
Autumn Svalbard Adventure
10. Sep 2026 - 18. Sep 2026
We are embarking on a Autumn Svalbard Adventure, designed to immerse participants in the spectacular autumn light and, potentially, the first new snow of the season on the mountains. This journey follows the tradition of classic Svalbard expeditions, offering the opportunity to explore several of the region’s most captivating fjords. Throughout the adventure, we will encounter the unique wildlife of Svalbard and cruise by zodiac boats, allowing us to get close to the glaciers. The autumn colours and light during this period are especially remarkable, providing a stunning backdrop for exploration and photography. In September, the quality of light in Svalbard 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
10 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season
Autum season
Duration
8 nights / 9 days