Svalbard Polar Bear Tours & Cruises
Good To Know:
- Svalbard is one of the top locations in the world to observe polar bears in their natural habitat.
- There are no official polar bear tours or polar bear safaris in Svalbard due to the protected status of polar bears.
- The best way to see polar bears in Svalbard is on a multi-day expedition cruise to explore the Arctic archipelago.
- The best months to see polar bears are between May and September during the Arctic summer when the sea ice reduces and allows safe passage for expedition ships.
- While polar bear sightings are never guaranteed, choosing a longer cruise length increases the chances of encountering polar bears.
- Take advantage of onboard experts and the expedition team who will be on the lookout for wildlife encounters throughout the trip.
Svalbard polar bear tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to observe the majestic beauty of polar bears in their natural home. Polar bears roam freely throughout the Svalbard archipelago and can be seen on the sea ice and on land. An expedition cruise offers the ideal platform for observing polar bears in their natural habitat during the summer, allowing for safe and respectful viewing.
Polar Bear Tours In Svalbard
A Guide to Svalbard Polar Bear Tours
When Is The Best Month For A Polar Bear Tour?
The optimal time for viewing polar bears in Svalbard is between May and September, during the summer months. During this period, there are 24 hours of daylight, and the sea ice drifts away, allowing safe access to explore the coast by ship.
May is an excellent month to witness female polar bears and their cubs as they venture out onto the frozen fjords for the first time after emerging from their dens in the winter. On past expeditions, we have encountered mothers with cubs close to the ice edge. Routes are shorter due to the pack ice.
As the sea ice opens up in June, cruise routes in Svalbard become longer, allowing for the exploration of a larger area. More polar bears head out onto ice floes to the north, which is the picture-perfect place to encounter a polar bear. We have been lucky to have seen them many times.
July is the peak of the wildlife season, with the mildest weather. Polar bears are actively hunting ringed seals on the sea ice to the north and on land. Longer expeditions take place to explore the Arctic wilderness and the East Coast. The majority of polar bear sightings in Svalbard occur along the east coast and in the north, particularly in the fjords, in July.
As autumn approaches, polar bears remain active in their natural environment in August. On one expedition, we saw a polar bear feeding on bird eggs at the bottom of a bird cliff. August is the best month for in-depth expeditions and hiking as the ice is at its lowest.
The last polar bear cruises take place in September. Other wildlife has migrated south, but polar bears are still frequently sighted. Long sunrises and sunsets create gorgeous colours. September is considered a great month for photography thanks to the autumn hues.
For more details on what each month offers, please see our guide, ‘Best Time to Visit Svalbard‘.
How to Choose Your Polar Bear Tour
- It is essential to plan as the best cruises for polar viewing are often booked up 6-12 months in advance.
- Consider a 10-day cruise or longer to allow enough time to explore the islands and maximise the chances of sightings fully. If seeing a polar bear is your primary focus, consider a 14-day extended trip.
- Small ships offer a more intimate experience. Choose a ship that can fit all guests in the Zodiacs at the same time to maximise viewing opportunities. If in doubt, ask us!
At Polar Escapes, we utilise our expertise to pair you with the perfect ship for your interests.
What is the polar bear population in Svalbard?
The polar bear population in the Barents Sea Svalbard archipelago is estimated to be around 3,000 bears. In Svalbard, there are estimated to be around 300 bears that are year-round residents on the islands.
Polar bears are considered marine mammals, spending most of their life on drifting sea ice. Adult polar bears can weigh between 200 and 800 kg, and female polar bears give birth to cubs in snow caves.
Polar bears primarily feed on ringed seals, the most common seal species in Svalbard’s waters. Due to climate change, they have also adapted their hunting habits and now also hunt Svalbard Reindeer.
Where Will I Encounter Polar Bears?
Polar bears inhabit the High Arctic and can be spotted throughout Svalbard, although they are rarely seen near towns and settlements. This is why an expedition cruise exploring polar waters is the best way to encounter polar bears.
The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen, is known as the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic” and has high densities of polar bears.
Polar bears are known to roam widely in search of food sources in Svalbard. The polar bear range can cover up to 60 miles in a day, and they are excellent swimmers. They can be found on the east coast and along fjords in the northern part of the island, particularly in areas with pack ice.
During your tour, the expedition leader and guide team will be on the lookout for wildlife sightings.
Safety Precautions for Polar Bear Sightings
Tour operators are highly experienced with polar bear safety and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. While polar bears are the world’s largest carnivores and pose a potential threat to humans when encountered on land, safe sightings can be observed from an ice-strengthened ship or a Zodiac boat.
During your tour, please follow the safety instructions provided by the guides at all times.
What to Expect
Polar bear tours are conducted on small, modern expedition cruise ships.
A Svalbard polar bear cruise typically includes a combination of Zodiac excursions, hiking, and wildlife photography.
- Expert guides will lead the tour and provide information about polar bears and their habitat.
- The tour will take you to remote and rugged landscapes, including fjords, glaciers, and pack ice, depending on the season.
- You can expect to see other Arctic wildlife, such as arctic foxes, walruses, reindeer, and whales.
Packing and Preparing for a Svalbard Polar Bear Watching Tour
- It is essential to pack warm clothing, including a parka, insulated pants, and gloves, depending on the time of year.
- A camera and binoculars are highly recommended.
- A good pair of rubber boots (usually supplied) and waterproof bags are necessary for Zodiac excursions.
- It is also essential to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the Arctic sun.
- A complete packing list will be provided at the time of booking.
Responsible Tourism and Polar Bear Conservation
Strict rules are in place to protect polar bears in Svalbard. It is illegal to hunt, lure, pursue, feed, or disturb a polar bear under Norwegian law. Polar bears are listed as a vulnerable species and have been protected by international law since 1973.
Safety measures for tourists include being accompanied by a guide with a firearm when leaving settlements due to the wild nature of polar bears. Attacks by polar bears on humans are rare, but they are considered extremely dangerous animals.
The Svalbard Environmental Protection Act prohibits disturbing polar bears and restricts access to areas with high concentrations of bears.
New regulations by the governor of Svalbard state that ships must keep a distance of 300 meters from polar bears at all times. During the early season from March 1st to June 30th, this distance is extended to 500 meters.
Exploring the Arctic Circle Beyond Polar Bears
A visit to Svalbard, located in the Arctic Circle, offers much more than just polar bears. There are numerous places to explore, including over 2000 glaciers, scenic fjords and an abundance of wildlife. Seeing a polar bear in the wild is the ultimate experience.
Other Polar Bear Destinations
Whilst Svalbard provides the most reliable polar bear sightings, bears are also seen throughout the Northwest Passage, East Greenland, Churchill and on cruises to the North Pole.
See our guide, “The Best Places to See Polar Bears“, to compare each destination.
Svalbard Polar Bear Tours FAQ
What are the chances of seeing a polar bear in Svalbard?
The chances of seeing a polar bear in Svalbard are high on an expedition cruise, but can never be guaranteed. Choose a longer voyage to spend more time out in the field exploring and maximise your chances of a sighting.
How close will I get to seeing a polar bear?
The regulations state that 300 meters is the nearest you can get to a polar bear in Svalbard. Between March and the end of June, this distance is 500 meters. For more information please see the AECO visitor guidelines.
Why are there no official polar bear tours in Svalbard?
Due to the vulnerable status of polar bears and to ensure their protection, there are no official polar bear tours in Svalbard. It is against local laws to seek out a bear. Instead, polar bears are seen as part of a wildlife expedition cruise visiting different parts of the archipelago.
