Svalbard is one of the most wildlife-rich regions in the Arctic. Lying between mainland Norway and the North Pole, its icy fjords, tundra valleys, and surrounding pack ice support a wide range of animals that are perfectly adapted to this extreme environment. During summer, with 24 hours of daylight and easier access by ship, chances are high to spot many of the Arctic’s most iconic species. Here’s a look at what you might encounter on an expedition cruise around Svalbard.

Polar bear

Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. These powerful animals rely on sea ice to hunt for seals, often covering large areas as they follow the ice edge. In summer, as the ice retreats, bears are frequently seen along the coastline or swimming between floes. They can rest for hours in one place, or suddenly appear out of nowhere. Though solitary by nature, mothers with cubs are occasionally seen, especially in more remote areas. Spotting a polar bear in its natural habitat is often the highlight of an Arctic voyage.

Walrus

Walruses gather in noisy, social groups along the shores of Svalbard, often seen hauled out in tight piles on beaches or ice floes. Males can weigh over a ton, and their long tusks are used for dominance and to help pull themselves out of the water. In the water, they are surprisingly agile, diving to the seabed to feed on clams and other invertebrates. When approached carefully by Zodiac, you can often drift nearby and watch them grunting, snorting, or flopping over each other in slow motion. Their gatherings are loud, smelly, and unforgettable.

Seals

The most common seals in Svalbard are ringed seals and bearded seals. Ringed seals are smaller, often spotted resting on small chunks of ice, and they’re a key food source for polar bears. Bearded seals are larger and easier to identify thanks to their distinctive white whiskers and deep, booming calls that can echo underwater. These seals are curious but cautious, and will often watch a Zodiac approach before sliding silently into the sea. They’re well adapted to life around ice, using sharp claws to maintain breathing holes through winter.

Arctic fox

Arctic foxes are small, quick, and clever. They live year-round in Svalbard, surviving winter temperatures that can drop well below minus 30 degrees. Their thick fur changes with the seasons, helping them stay hidden whether on snow or rocky ground. In summer, foxes often hunt seabird eggs or scavenge around bird colonies and polar bear leftovers. They’re surprisingly bold around human settlements and old trapper cabins, and will sometimes approach groups quietly to investigate. Spotting a fox zigzagging across the tundra or carrying prey back to its den is a treat.

Arctic birds

Birdlife in Svalbard explodes during the summer months. Massive seabird colonies line the cliffs, including Brünnich’s guillemots, little auks, and black-legged kittiwakes. These birds fly back and forth in waves, fishing in the surrounding waters and feeding their chicks. Arctic terns, famous for their migration from Antarctica, can be seen hovering and diving for small fish, while skuas and glaucous gulls patrol the colonies for vulnerable prey or unguarded eggs. Inland, the tundra hosts pink-footed geese, snow buntings, and occasionally snowy owls. The sound and movement around these colonies is constant — a living, breathing display of Arctic life.

Whales

Svalbard’s surrounding waters become feeding grounds for several whale species during summer. Humpback whales are among the most active, often breaching or lifting their tails before a dive. Minke whales are smaller but commonly spotted surfacing near the ship. Fin whales, the second-largest animals on Earth, are more elusive but sometimes travel in groups through deeper channels. In certain fjords, especially around Nordaustlandet, you may encounter beluga whales. Their white color and social nature make them easy to spot, sometimes traveling in family pods close to shore. Bowhead whales, more common in eastern and northern parts of the archipelago, are ice-adapted and can live over 200 years. Whale sightings are always unpredictable, but with calm seas and a bit of patience, they are frequent highlights of a Svalbard cruise.

What makes Svalbard special

The combination of sea ice, tundra, and remote coastlines makes Svalbard a uniquely rich region for Arctic wildlife. The extended daylight in summer gives you more time on deck and ashore to look for animals. Small expedition ships and daily Zodiac cruises allow for close approaches without disturbing the animals. While sightings are never guaranteed, Svalbard consistently delivers some of the most authentic and intimate wildlife experiences in the Arctic.