A Remarkable Year for Whales
Whale encounters became one of the defining highlights of the 2025 season. Belugas appeared frequently, sometimes gathering in pods of up to thirty individuals in the calm waters of the fjords. Fin, Minke, Humpback and even the immense Blue Whale all made memorable appearances throughout the summer, often surfacing against a backdrop of drifting ice. Alongside these giants, guests enjoyed consistent sightings of Bearded, Ringed and Harp Seals, each species adapting to the changing sea-ice conditions. Arctic foxes also added to the drama, darting between the floes in search of scraps, creating moments of lively interaction across the ice edge.
Birdlife at Its Most Spectacular
The birdlife throughout the 2025 season was exceptional, offering guests a front-row seat to some of the Arctic’s most impressive colonies and delicate species. Towering cliffs at Alkefjellet were alive with Brünnich’s Guillemots, while Puffins, Kittiwakes and fiercely protective Arctic Terns filled the skies across the archipelago. Ivory Gulls were sighted near the pack ice, a rare and exciting highlight, and the Little Auk colonies at Fuglesongen were as lively as ever. On land, guests witnessed Snow Buntings and Svalbard Ptarmigan in full breeding plumage, while Svalbard Reindeer were a familiar presence on every voyage as they moved across the summer tundra.
Wildlife Highlights at a Glance
Across the entire 2025 season, wildlife sightings were nothing short of outstanding. Polar Bears were spotted on all twelve voyages, reaffirming Svalbard’s reputation as one of the world’s most reliable bear-viewing destinations. Beluga whales appeared in pods of up to thirty, and guests encountered Blue, Fin, Minke and Humpback Whales throughout the summer months. Three species of seals — Bearded, Ringed and Harp — were seen regularly, with Arctic foxes often hunting across the ice nearby. Ivory Gulls added a rare touch to the season’s birdlife, which included more than twenty species, while Svalbard’s iconic reindeer remained a constant presence across the tundra.
Exploration & Arctic Experiences
Moments that stay with you long after leaving the ice.
Beyond the wildlife, 2025 delivered a season rich in exploration and connection, with guests hiking across blooming tundra, braving the polar plunge, paddleboarding among drifting ice, stepping out onto the sea ice and even standing on Rossøya, the northernmost point in Europe. Days were filled with deck BBQs and fika beneath the midnight sun, creating moments of warmth and camaraderie in the midst of the Arctic wilderness. Historic sites deepened the journey further, from Smeerenburg and Virgohamna to old mines, early research bases and the haunting remains of Andrée’s 1897 balloon expedition, all adding powerful context to the landscapes we explored.
