Polar Bear Explorer
Explore the stunning Spitsbergen Archipelago aboard the M/V Kinfish - intimate ship charters focusing on sightings of the amazing polar bear and other Arctic wildlife of Svalbard.
From 8095 per personSvalbard Wildlife
Whilst the polar bear is undoubtedly a highlight of any Svalbard wildlife safari, there is also a surprising myriad of other Arctic wildlife, despite the harsh cold weather.
Polar Bears
It is thought that there are around 3,000 polar bears in Svalbard, exceeding the human population. With numbers steadily increasing over the past few decades, the mighty King of the Arctic can be most often seen prowling the pack ice in search of prey. Extremely intelligent; these great white bears have adapted remarkably well to their icy Arctic environment where temperatures can plunge down to -45 degrees. Their characteristic silhouette of a long neck and narrow nose assist them in seizing prey from holes, while their 12 inch paws distribute their immense weight over thinning ice, and act as paddles and rudders whilst swimming.
The world’s largest land carnivore that is relatively fearless of humans, your chances of a polar bear encounter on one of our specialist expeditions remain high on board a small ship. As a proud member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), Natural World Safaris work to preserve the polar bear's habitat on every safari.
Birds
Home to a plethora of birds, 237 different species can be found on Svalbard. Look out for the instantly recognisable and unique Atlantic puffins of Svalbard that have huge, colourful beaks and a peculiar but amusing walk, often seen swimming across the surface of the water, before propelling themselves down to feed on small fish beneath the surface. Observe the Brünnich’s guillemots colonies at the Alkefjellet bird cliffs and watch the Arctic Terns reach their Arctic breeding grounds for summer, before they head south to Antarctica for the summer there.
Arctic Fox
The hardy but adorable-looking Arctic Fox can survive extreme temperatures and have a distinctive thick white fur coat in the winter. In the summer their coat sheds to brown, helping them stay camouflaged. Spot them inland, stalking smaller rodents, and at sea, where they feast on marine creatures.
Walrus
Inhabiting shallow coastal waters and instantly recognisable from their huge tusks, the walrus has large flippers and a fetching moustache. Often found in large herds lounging around in their chosen haul-out site, their ‘dominance’ displays are impressive and quite common. Weighing in at an impressive 1,500kg, the walruses can be spotted hauling themselves up onto the shores or ice using their large canine teeth, after feeding on molluscs at the bottom of the shallow waters. Thanks to conservation efforts walrus numbers are also on the increase, and are now estimated at around 2,000.
What wildlife to expect on your Svalbard Safari
Whales
Watch a variety of whales leaping from Svalbard’s rich wild waters, a behaviour known as breaching. Humpbacks are a highly migratory species of baleen whale, their songs are renowned for their beauty and they are well known for being extremely intelligent. Despite mainly feeding on krill, the Blue whale is the largest animal on the planet. Slimmer and faster, the Fin whale is the world’s second largest animal. The smallest of all the baleen whales, minke whales are abundant and characterised by their dorsal fin. Belguas are social creatures, hanging out in pods ranging from two to twenty five and have the uncanny ability to almost replicate recognisable emotions.
Bearded Seal
These solitary creatures can be spotted relaxing on passing ice floes, they have white whiskers on their face which are supremely sensitive, helping them to find food in the ocean. Easy to recognise, their body looks too big for its front flippers.
Svalbard Reindeer
The northernmost herbivorous mammal in the world, the smallest of all reindeer is endemic to the region. Males grow their antlers between April and July before shedding their velvet in August, whilst the females’ antlers grow in June and maintain throughout the year.