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One of the most exciting ways to embark on one of the many polar expeditions offered by specialised travel companies is to join a cruise. There are several on offer, and most provide a very comprehensive package that includes quality service, comfortable accommodation, meals and an expert naturalist guide. These guides add so much to your wildlife experience; they know the best places to see different species and can help with any questions you may have regarding the area and its inhabitants. By joining a cruise you get the chance to see a huge diversity of wildlife: from mammals on land, to birdlife, to the creatures of the Arctic waters. The stunning scenery of this region adds to the magical experience and the long days in the summer, complete with the midnight sun, make polar expeditions to this area very special indeed. There is also the chance to see breathtaking glaciers, rugged cliffs and spectacular fjords. With the primary focus of these trips being the wildlife, you can be sure you will see as much as is on offer. Polar expeditions to Spitsbergen The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is located only 600 miles south of the North Pole and is 10 degrees above the edge of the Arctic Circle. The Svalbard group is made up of four large islands and hundreds of much smaller ones. Its remote tranquillity makes it the perfect haven for many rare and wonderful species that have made this region their home. The most northern town in the world, Longyearbyen is the capital of Spitsbergen; there are two national parks here and fifteen bird sanctuaries. The climate can be relatively mild as the Gulf Stream exerts its warming influence in the surrounding coastal waters. In the summer it is possible to see some delicate wildflowers and mosses poking through the receding snowline, and there are even two plant reserves on the island. Very few people have had the opportunity to take one of the polar expeditions to this area and, consequently, there are few people who have had the privilege to spend time watching the majestic Polar Bear in the wild. There are reportedly over two thousand polar bears in this region and it is common to spot them on the drifting pack, ice hunting seals and Walruses. The Harp Seal, the Bearded Seal and the Ringed Seal are the most common of the seals in the area and they make up the majority of the Polar Bear’s prey. It is not unusual for those on polar expeditions that explore this area to encounter the magnificent whales that reside in the waters surrounding the island. The distinctive Beluga Whale and the less common Bowhead Whale are among the ones to look out for. Bird colonies are prolific and you will no doubt hear the Little Auk and Brunnich’s Guillemot colonies before you actually come across them. Other birdlife includes the Ivory Gull, the Long-tailed Skua, Dovekies and Black-legged Kittiwakes. There is no doubt that a visit to this marvellous region of our delicate planet will carve memories that will stay with you forever. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for polar expeditions, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and other spectacular regions on Earth.
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