Whales

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

drift ice cruises
Svalbard

June Pack Ice Expedition#2

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.
Spots available SOLD OUT
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 10 days
K1A4286
New!
Svalbard

Pack Ice Expedition South Svalbard

20. Jun 2027 - 29. Jun 2027
As an Svalbard Tour Operator, Arctic Wildlife Tours have long experience. This time we are inviting you to join us to explore a new area on Svalbard. From back in time the southeastern parts of Svalbard have been considered the best areas for encountering polar bears and other wildlife. From our experience we agree. The challenge there have been heavy ice and very few expedition vessel want to go there. Our new high ice class vessel Kvitungen puts us in a different situation. Kvitungen has the ice capacity to navigate these very interesting areas and this expedition is made possible by the ice-strengthened vessel Kvitungen. We believe it will be great opportunities for wildlife during this expedition.
Spots available 8 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 10 days
svalbard drift ice
Svalbard

Svalbard June-July Pack Ice

29. Jun 2027 - 08. Jul 2027
Svalbard drift ice 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 class 1A1 SEALER vessel Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions.
Spots available 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE(DOUBLE CABIN)
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 10 days
polar bear in the pack ice 2
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.
Spots available SOLD OUT
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 10 days
pack ice expeditions
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. 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.
Spots available SOLD OUT
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 13 days
Photographic opportunities on Svalbard
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 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 10 days
WT 5612
Svalbard

Svalbard September Pack Ice Expedition

21. Sep 2027 - 30. Sep 2027
Join us for an unforgettable expedition to Svalbard aboard the ice-strengthened M/S Kvitungen, a vessel designed to navigate Arctic waters with confidence. In our opinion, late September is a fantastic time to experience the archipelago and its wildlife. Sunrises and sunsets can create dramatic light across the mountains, fjords, and ice. Changing weather, fresh snow, and the approach of winter add even more atmosphere to the landscape. The ice-strengthened vessel can navigate the pack ice even in late September. However, we will remain alert to freezing nights, when ice conditions can change quickly and the pack ice may begin to close around the vessel.
Spots available 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 10 days
svalbard adventures
New!
Svalbard

Svalbard June-July Pack Ice

30. Jun 2028 - 09. Jul 2028
Svalbard adventures into the pack ice 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 class 1A1 SEALER vessel Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions.
Spots available SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 10 days
NEW SHIP SELAR4
New!
Svalbard

Arctic Expedition Cruise

07. Sep 2028 - 17. Sep 2028
Join us for an unforgettable expedition to Svalbard aboard Captain Arctic, an ice-class diesel-electric vessel designed for confident Arctic navigation, excellent comfort, and a lower environmental footprint. In our opinion, late September is a remarkable time to experience the archipelago and its wildlife. As autumn shifts toward winter, Svalbard takes on a more dramatic and atmospheric character. Sunrises and sunsets can cast striking light across the mountains, fjords, and the pack ice. Changing weather, fresh snow, and the approach of winter add depth, contrast, and intensity to the landscape.
Spots available AVAILABLE SPOTS
Season Autum season
Duration 10 nights/ 11 days