Wildlife of the Arctic

The vast white, black and brown wonderland could be considered bleak by the unobservant traveler on an Arctic cruise. However, in these jagged peaks and within the folds of glaciers and snow drifts lie an impressive number of species waiting to be discovered. In and around Svalbard, travelers can look to the waters, the sky or the land for the region's Arctic inhabitants. Near the Monaco Glacier, a number of species can be found, and present great chances to watch wildlife. Bearded Seals spend their days leisurely along the icy coasts, with gigantic colonies of penguin-like little auks always nearby. Little auks are especially good creatures to photograph, as their stout bodies are an easy focal point and are visually stunning when found against the backdrop of an ice-blue glacier. From the water, attentive travelers will be able to spot the gliding white bodies of beluga whales, which make their home in the icy waters near Svalbard. Polar bears can also be spotted as they paddle their way through the frigid waters on a midday swim. Although every season presents different wildlife highlights, visitors who take their cruise during the summer months will often be rewarded by getting to see several newborns. Seals, polar bears and many seabirds are rearing young during this season, and provide some of the cutest photo opportunities of the year.