Mammal and Birding Cruise Norway: Svalbard (Spitsbergen) — Polar Bears and Seabirds

This Arctic birding and mammal cruise around Svalbard allows you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be acquainted with special birds and mammals of the High Arctic. The list of likely species (both birds and mammals) is a rather short one, however it is quality over quantity here, as these specials are mostly only possible in the High Arctic. Another highly exciting element of Arctic birding is that you get to enjoy several widespread species in their fine breeding colors – a breeding plumaged Red Phalarope takes some beating! We invite you to join us on this exciting cruise as we explore the Svalbard Archipelago and enjoy finding some truly iconic Arctic wildlife.

Polar Bear, the ‘King of the Arctic’ occurs throughout the Svalbard Archipelago however is most readily encountered in the pack ice in the north.

You will arrive in the world’s northernmost town, historic Longyearbyen (previously known as “Long Year City”), deep within the Arctic Circle, and we will have time to explore this small city of about 2,000 human inhabitants. We usually spend some time birding around Longyearbyen, where several species are more easily observed (than on the cruise) and often make for good photographic subjects. We then depart on our cruise for the northern parts of the beautiful, remote Svalbard Archipelago (previously known as Spitsbergen).

While one of our main targets on the Arctic wildlife cruise will be Polar Bear (and other High Arctic mammals), our guide is first and foremost a birding guide, so we will be constantly watching for the Arctic’s special birds. Some of our bird targets include Ivory Gull in the pack ice in the far north, with Rock Ptarmigan often found on our landings, and we will also try for all the sea ducks and the many other desirables. The scenery in the ‘land of the midnight sun’ is truly spectacular, with the many glaciers, fjords, jagged peaks, and myriads of small islands constantly taking your breath away!

Rock Ptarmigan, here a male in its winter plumage, can be confiding around Longyearbyen.

While on this eight-day Arctic cruise we will head up the northwest coast of the Svalbard Archipelago, although the final itinerary is based on sea ice and weather conditions. We will generally partake in a couple landings and/or zodiac cruises (in small inflatable boats) per day which ensures we can get closer to the wildlife and birds, and often results in many fantastic photographic opportunities.