The wildlife of Svalbard

Located just over 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the most remote and pristine destinations in the world for Arctic wildlife experiences. This Norwegian archipelago, surrounded by the icy embrace of the Arctic Ocean, is a land of powerful contrasts and staggering beauty. Vast glaciers stretch across the horizon in jagged blue shards, icebergs float silently in dark waters, and the midnight sun casts an otherworldly glow across the landscape for months at a time.

Often called the Kingdom of the Polar Bear, Svalbard is home to some of the Arctic’s most extraordinary wildlife. From lumbering walruses and playful seals to graceful whales and the iconic polar bear, this is a place where animals thrive in one of the harshest environments on earth. Whether you are a wildlife photographer, nature enthusiast, or adventurous traveller, Arctic boat tours from Svalbard offer a front-row seat to this incredible ecosystem.

Setting out from Longyearbyen, the archipelago’s small yet lively settlement, you can embark on unforgettable boat trips through Svalbard’s wild fjords. Guided by experts who understand these icy waters, you will witness the raw power and fragile beauty of Norway’s Arctic up close. This is an experience that stays with you long after you return.

Where arctic giants roam

The polar bear in Svalbard

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No animal captures the imagination quite like the polar bear. The largest land carnivore on the planet, it rules the frozen expanses with an unmatched grace and predatory instinct. In Svalbard, it is estimated that more polar bears live than people. With their creamy white fur blending seamlessly into the snow, they move across the ice with a slow, deliberate stride, pausing occasionally to sniff the air for seals resting beneath the frozen surface.

Observing a polar bear in its natural habitat is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have anywhere on Earth. From the safety of your boat, you may glimpse a mother and her cubs ambling along the shoreline or see a solitary male picking his way across pack ice. These moments are a profound reminder of the wildness that still thrives there.

Polar bears are extraordinary swimmers, often covering miles of open water between ice floes. Their enormous paws act as powerful paddles, propelling them through the sea with surprising speed. The sheer possibility of meeting this magnificent predator lends every journey an electric sense of anticipation.

The walrus in Svalbard

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If polar bears are the magnificent predators of Svalbard, walruses are perhaps its most charismatic residents. These colossal marine mammals can weigh more than a ton, their bodies thick with blubber and their faces dominated by a bristling array of stiff whiskers. Their long ivory tusks curve forward like prehistoric spears, giving them a look both regal and slightly comical.

Walruses are intensely social, gathering in large herds along beaches and ice floes where they rest between feeding forays. The colonies often echo with a chorus of bellows, snorts, and the occasional splash as an individual slides back into the sea. Watching a walrus haul its bulk ashore or shift position among its companions is a fascinating sight, and a testament to their adaptability in one of the harshest environments on the planet.

Close encounters with walruses are surprisingly intimate from a boat. They often lift their heads to peer back at you with a gaze that is both curious and ancient, as though pondering the meaning of your sudden appearance in their realm. On a clear summer day, when the sea is mirror-still and the air smells of salt and ice, these moments feel almost dreamlike.

Whales and Seabirds in Svalbard

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Beyond the polar bears and walruses, Svalbard’s waters are alive with other extraordinary marine life. Minke whales, humpbacks, and belugas all cruise these fjords, surfacing in elegant arcs to exhale great plumes of mist before slipping back into the depths. Sometimes, a whale will breach entirely, its immense body rising in a powerful display that seems to defy gravity.

Seals are common too, their dark eyes watching from the ice as you pass. The ringed seal and bearded seal are particularly abundant, and keen-eyed guides can often spot them lounging near glacier fronts.

Above, the cliffs teem with seabirds. Arctic terns hover in graceful flight, guillemots cluster along narrow ledges, and puffins, those beloved clowns of the North, dart across the sky with determined flutters. During the height of summer, the air itself vibrates with their calls and the constant movement of wings.

This rich tapestry of life transforms every boat excursion into a thrilling game of discovery. At any moment, something remarkable might surface, circle overhead, or emerge along the icy shoreline.

Wildlife encounters by boat: Unforgettable adventures

The most unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Svalbard’s wildlife is by joining a boat expedition guided by seasoned Arctic experts. Each trip offers a unique perspective, combining comfort, safety, and an unrivalled chance to witness nature up close. Here are four extraordinary experiences to consider for your journey:

Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour in Svalbard

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This five-hour adventure departs from Longyearbyen and ventures deep into the surrounding fjords and bays. As the boat pulls away from the small harbour, the landscape opens into a world of soaring cliffs and glittering glaciers. The guides scan the water and shoreline with practiced eyes, searching for seals resting on ice, whales cruising just below the surface, and perhaps even a distant polar bear patrolling the coast.

The vessel itself is designed for comfort and visibility, with ample deck space for photography and panoramic windows that shield you from the Arctic wind. Onboard commentary provides fascinating insights into the ecology and history of this extraordinary region, enriching every sighting with deeper understanding.

As you drift along the foot of monumental glaciers, the silence is occasionally punctuated by the crack and thunder of calving ice. In the calm waters of Isfjorden, you may spot puffins skimming over the waves or a curious minke whale surfacing a few meters away. Whether you are an experienced naturalist or simply an admirer of pristine landscapes, this Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour in Svalbard offers a perfect introduction to Svalbard’s stunning wilderness.

Speed Boat Trip to a Walrus Colony

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If you long to see walruses in their element, this high-speed adventure delivers a thrilling ride and an intimate wildlife experience. The five-hour excursion begins with the distribution of thermal suits and safety gear, ensuring you remain warm and secure throughout the trip. Once everyone is ready, the captain throttles up, and the boat surges across the water in an exhilarating burst of speed.

The route typically leads to Borebukta Bay, an area renowned for their vibrant walrus colonies. As you approach, the engines quiet, and the atmosphere shifts into a hushed anticipation. The walruses often lounge in great heaps along the sand and rocks, their bodies gleaming in the Arctic light. Some lift their heads to inspect the newcomers, while others roll over with a sigh and continue napping.

From the deck, you have an unobstructed view of these remarkable animals. You might see younger walruses playfully sparring or hear the low rumble of their vocalizations echo across the bay. The Speed Boat Trip to a Walrus Colony in Svalbard is both humbling and inspiring, a vivid reminder of the resilience and grandeur of Arctic life.

Wildlife Photo Safari from Longyearbyen

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For those with a passion for photography, this dedicated photo safari is a dream come true. Spanning approximately four and a half hours, it combines expert guidance with access to some of the most photogenic wildlife and landscapes in Svalbard.

The small-group format ensures you have plenty of space to manoeuvre your camera, while the guide offers tips on composition, exposure, and technique. Whether you are capturing the sharp profile of a walrus on the ice or the subtle textures of a glacier bathed in golden light, every frame tells a story of the Arctic’s stunning contrasts.

The boat’s flexibility allows the captain to linger at promising sites or shift position to achieve the perfect angle. With a bit of luck, you might even photograph a breaching whale or a polar bear silhouetted against a backdrop of jagged peaks. Even if you are not a professional, the sheer spectacle of Svalbard makes every click of the shutter an opportunity for something extraordinary.

RIB Walrus Safari to Borebukta Bay

Svalbard Adventures

This RIB safari in Svalbard is one of the most exhilarating ways to reach Svalbard’s walrus colonies. Clad in a survival suit and life vest, you will step aboard a rigid inflatable boat capable of impressive speed and agility. As the engines roar to life, the boat accelerates over the waves, sending up a spray of Arctic seawater that sparkles in the sunlight.

The journey to Borebukta Bay is a magnificent journey: the wind in your face, the brilliant colours of rock and ice, and the constant awareness that you are venturing into territory where wildlife still commands the stage. Once you arrive, the engines quiet to a low hum, and the boat drifts in silent observation.

In Svalbard, the walruses are often found resting in sprawling groups along the shoreline. From this vantage, you can watch their subtle interactions and marvel at their sheer scale. The guides share stories and insights about the animals’ behaviour, enriching every moment with context and meaning. The experience is a vivid blend of adventure and contemplation, an unforgettable encounter with the living heart of the Arctic.

Svalbard, where the wild still rules

Svalbard Adventures

In Svalbard, the boundary between the human world and untamed nature feels thin and permeable. Every wildlife encounter carries a sense of reverence and wonder, a recognition that you are a guest in a realm shaped by ice and instinct. Watching a polar bear stride across the ice or hearing the deep, resonant call of a walrus lifting its head from the water leaves an impression that lingers long after you return to shore.

Whether you come for adventure, remarkable photographs, or the simple desire to witness something wild and true, Svalbard welcomes you with an unspoken promise: here, nature still reigns in all its stunning beauty. To make the most of your trip, check out our guide on the Best time to visit Svalbard and start planning your unforgettable Arctic experience with Manawa.