Svalbard In Focus
Set sail on the R/V Kinfish for an unforgettable long weekend in Svalbard. Explore icy fjords, spot polar bears, and experience pristine Arctic beauty during this spring expedition
From $6,000 per personMenu
Svalbard Safari Holidays
In the remote northern reaches, between Norway and the North Pole, lies one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places, comprising a vast area of icebergs, fjords and unspoilt Arctic wilderness; the ideal spot for a safari holiday to Svalbard. Literally meaning ‘Cold Coast’, Svalbard is home to the magnificent ‘King of the Arctic’ - the mighty polar bear. Journey through the fjords, each inlet revealing historical mining settlements, magnificent glaciers and a wealth of wildlife inhabiting the tundra. Marvel at the white-capped mountains fronted by desolate tundra, glittering glaciers under a constant midnight sun and brilliant blue skies in the summer months.
The Svalbard Safari Experience
- Witness the polar bear prowling his territory for a seal, piles of blubbery walruses lounging on ice floes
- Catch a glimpse of white Arctic foxes as they hunt along the shores.
- Spot whales such as humpbacks, minke, belugas and orcas, breaching from the water and listen to the bewildering amount of nesting birds twittering from the cliffs.
- Sail past icebergs, watch huge chunks of ice calve off the face of mighty glaciers and waterfalls bursting through ice walls.
- The constant midnight sun never dips below the horizon during the summer, casting a stunning constant light over the Svalbard archipelago.
- Experience the eerie, unique and undisturbed silence of the Arctic pack ice, far from civilisation.
- Small ship exploration on our perfectly crewed 12 passenger ships getting you up close and personal to the Arctic wildlife and scenery with the ultimate in flexibility offering you a true polar safari holiday
Svalbard Safaris
Svalbard Wildlife Safari 2027 & 2028
Explore the stunning Spitsbergen Archipelago aboard the R/V Kinfish; an intimate ship charter focusing on sightings of the amazing polar bear and other Arctic wildlife of Svalbard.
From $14,405 per person
Svalbard Land & Sea Adventure
We are truly excited about this pioneering expedition as we combine for the first time a snowmobiling and sailing adventure.
From $11,150 per person
An Empowering Women’s Expedition to Svalbard
Not luxury. Not a retreat. A women-only Arctic expedition designed to change your perspective. Join our women-only Svalbard expedition, June 2026. Led by survival expert Megan Hine, this empowering Arctic journey blends resilience, connection, and wildlife encounters under the midnight sun.
From $15,500 per person
Contact a Svalbard Specialist Today
Why Natural World Safaris for your Svalbard Safari holiday?
Natural World Safaris is a member of AECO, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, which manages responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic. Our exclusive small ship charters navigate even further north into the polar bear kingdom as you travel along the coastline, scouting for wildlife, walking ashore or surveying the area on a zodiac-boat cruise. Our expedition ships' size allows more access to some of the more pristine and wilderness regions of the frozen Arctic.
The Best Time to See Polar Bears
It is tricky to say when specifically it is best to see polar bears in Svalbard. Early in the season – during the month of May – conditions can be perfect, as the ice has not yet melted and thus the snowy white backdrops can make for a photographer's dream. Later in the season however – between June and August – the pack ice begins to melt, meaning you can push further north, cover more ground, and the polar bears are often more concentrated in the remaining icy areas.
How Much Does a Svalbard Safari Cost?
Our polar bear explorer expedition start from $10,500 per person on a shared twin cabin basis, including all food and drink onboard, limited to only 12 guests. For something new, why not try out our newly launched Svalbard land and sea adventure.
When To Go to Svalbard?
There are a variety of times for when to go to Svalbard. In the winter months, thick ice and snow carpets the archipelago, so for wildlife the time to go is between late April/early May to August, when the ice encompassing the archipelago allows enough access for us to navigate the icy waters and explore the frozen north. At this time, the midnight sun reigns over the dramatic landscapes, casting an ever-glowing, ambient light.
Svalbard Travel Inspo
Whale Watching in Svalbard
Among one of the most remarkable places for seeing Arctic whales on earth is Svalbard.
Different species of whales can be found in the cold waters around Svalbard, providing an opportunity to observe these gigantic creatures in their natural environment. Whale watching in Svalbard is something that will stay with you forever; it allows you to see some iconic whale species such as minke, humpback, beluga (white), fin and blue whale along with bowheads.
POLAR BEARS
Encounters with the King of the Arctic
The Svalbard Archipelago is home to around 3,000 Polar Bears
What to Expect from your Svalbard Safari Holiday?
Client Reviews
Rated 5/5 based on 6 customer reviews
- —Jaki Kennedy, Svalbard, May 2026
We’re recently back from the most amazing trip to Svalbard with NWS We don’t normally do cold but had heard so many good things about going to Svalbard that we decided to break away from our norm, and we’re so glad we did - it was a trip of a lifetime for us.
It was incredibly special to be the only ship in the vicinity and to enjoy the silence and the amazing scenery and atmosphere and incredible light. This was our 10th trip with NWS and we are looking forward to planning our next one with their expert care and attention to detail. We recommend them very highly indeed.
- —Heidi Novak, Svalbard, May 2026
We were thoroughly blown away by the attention of detail to the guests and wildlife on our trip. I was very happy with the wildlife and nature ethics that were displayed and encouraged. Every detail of the planning process was thoroughly thought out and planned ahead. You literally just show up and everything is taken care of for you.
- —Liana Young, Svalbard, April 2026
The whole experience and NWS team have been absolutely amazing, no question too big or small (or stupid)! Having the ability to talk to people who have been on the same trip was a game changer. Having Hannah and Erika on the trip with us was just the best, the energy they brought matched each of the guests where they were, it was incredible to have them with us. It was helpful to have everyone spotting and the guides were amazing. I have discovered a love of walruses and birds I never knew I had! I found the service, support and experience absolutely amazing.
- —Karina, Svalbard, November 2025
The entire crew made this trip the best! The guides, ship staff, crew accommodations, food - were all amazing and beyond wonderful. Everyone went above and beyond to make our trip on the R/V Kinfish special. This was my second trip with Natural World Safaris and I am already going on a third trip with them - this time to Chile.
- —Natacha Chiaramonte, Svalbard, August 2025
All the choices about our trip in the Svalbard islands were optimal. Great boat and incredibly nice crew. We had fantastic expedition guides who adapted our itinerary according to the meteorological conditions and insured we were able to observe beautiful wildlife and glaciers.
This trip in the Artic will remain memorable and so special as we were only 11 participants and so well look after : most delicious food delivered by a fantastic chef and a great caring massage therapist on board.
- —Helen Coles, Svalbard, July 2025
What an amazing company to travel with. The communication was great from start to finish, with all our queries promptly answered. Our expectations were met with high standards of accommodation on board the boat, excellent home cooking, with the added advantage of a member of staff present throughout the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Svalbard and why is it famous?
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It is famous for polar bears, dramatic Arctic landscapes, glaciers, and its role as one of the world’s best destinations for Arctic wildlife and expedition travel.
What is the best time to visit Svalbard?
The best time to visit Svalbard is May to September. Summer offers wildlife, glacier cruises, and the midnight sun, while June–August is ideal for polar bear sightings by boat.
Can you see polar bears in Svalbard?
Yes. Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Sightings are most common during summer expedition cruises around the archipelago’s ice edges and remote fjords.
Is Svalbard safe for travellers?
Yes. Svalbard is very safe for visitors, with low crime and excellent infrastructure. Travel outside settlements requires armed guides due to polar bears, and most visitors explore via guided tours or expeditions.
What wildlife can I see in Svalbard?
Wildlife in Svalbard includes polar bears, Arctic foxes, walrus, reindeer, whales, seals, and millions of seabirds during the summer breeding season.
Is Svalbard good for expedition cruises?
Yes. Svalbard is one of the world’s top expedition cruise destinations, offering Zodiac landings, glacier viewing, wildlife encounters, and expert-led Arctic exploration.
Do I need a visa to visit Svalbard?
Most travellers do not need a visa to enter Svalbard itself, but you must meet Norway’s Schengen entry requirements as flights transit through mainland Norway.
What is the midnight sun and when can I experience it?
The midnight sun in Svalbard occurs from mid-April to late August, when the sun never sets. This allows extended wildlife viewing and continuous daylight for exploration.
What should I pack for a trip to Svalbard?
Pack insulated layers, windproof outerwear, thermal base layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat. Even in summer, temperatures remain cold and weather changes quickly.
How does tourism support conservation in Svalbard?
Tourism in Svalbard is tightly regulated to protect fragile ecosystems. Visitor limits, strict wildlife rules, and scientific monitoring ensure long-term Arctic conservation.
Why Natural World Safaris for your Svalbard Safari?
Specialist Leaders
Our specialist-led safaris give a unique twist on your safari experience. They are led by people, famous in their field, and sometime beyond, for their expertise, and amazing skills at sharing their knowledge.
Small Ship Size
Thanks to the smaller size of the R/V Kinfish, we are able to enter some of the more untouched and inaccessible areas of Svalbard. Combined with smaller Zodiac boats, you can gain closer access to the area’s best natural attractions.
Wealth of Experience
We work with some of the best guides in the business; from polar researchers to expert naturalists. All of our expedition leaders have been carefully selected for their experience, personality and in-depth wildlife knowledge.