A journey to the Svalbard archipelago must be on every wildlife enthusiasts wishlist and here are some of my highlights from exploring this part of the world.
An Arctic Expedition
Wildlife
Without a doubt, the most eagerly anticipated part of any Arctic expedition is coming face to face with a polar bear. We were lucky enough to find numerous bears in the icy landscape and spend plenty of time observing them in their natural habitat. Whether it was a lone male on the sea-ice, a mum and cub cleaning themselves after a hearty meal or a young nomadic wanderer, any time spent with bears is fascinating. But it’s not just bears that will keep wildlife enthusiasts entertained, from blubbery walruses to the sly arctic foxes, not to mention the seals, whales and plethora of birdlife, the Arctic is a wildlife haven.
Landscapes of Ice
Glaciers, snow caps and mountain peaks provide some of the most breathtaking backdrops to a voyage through Svalbard. With every mile sailed, the landscape changes and with never-ending daylight, it’s hard to go to sleep knowing that you’ll be sailing past some of the most beautiful places on the planet.
The Ship
With any cruise to the polar regions, your ship is of utmost importance. Whether you want a slightly larger, luxurious ship, a smaller or a more intimate vessel, the ship is where a good chunk of your time is spent.
I loved my time on the M/V Sea Spirit. Equipped with a gym, a hot tub and beautiful rooms decked out in an old fashioned style, there was nothing not to love. The hospitality and service teams were excellent and every need for every guest was catered for.
One piece of advice is to spend as much time as possible on the outer deck with binoculars and cameras. You never know what wildlife may pop up at any moment and for those willing to put the hours in, the rewards are certainly worthwhile!
History
Not the first thing you think of when venturing this far North, but the Svalbard archipelago is rich in history. Whether it’s the old weather stations that were used during the World Wars, the historic remains of whaling huts or the launch sites for expeditions to the North Pole, you’ll find it hard to come across a more fascinating part of the planet.
Polar Plunge
Something that any polar expedition is not complete without is the polar plunge! Having strapped ourselves to the bungee cord, we jumped into the Arctic Sea that measured a balmy -1.
During any voyage, the polar plunge is organised to test your courage and willingness to do the seemingly impossible. There’s no denying the shock of entering water that is near freezing, but with a warming beverage and a dip in the hot tub to warm you up afterwards, it was hard not to be drawn into doing it for a second time…
