Early season
During the early season, it is common to see polar bears strolling across the ice with a picturesque white backdrop as the snow is starting to melt for the summer season. You may see Arctic foxes starting to shed their usual white, fluffy coats to reveal darker fur underneath, as they get ready to blend in with the muted browns and greys of the Arctic tundra. Walrus swim alongside your boat and congregate on the coast.
Late season
Travelling to Svalbard in the later months means you are more likely to see polar bears relaxing in the sunshine amidst the fresh green flora, as the snow has melted during the summer. You may even be able to spot Arctic fox cubs as they play and run over the tundra with their siblings. Sail northwest around Spitsbergen to Olgastretet to watch 100,000 guillemots line the cliffs, with the young babies jumping into the seas below. See how close the captain braved the cliffs in the photo below - almost close enough to touch!