Svalbard wildlife is one of the main reasons to visit this extraordinary Arctic archipelago. Polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, beluga whales, seals and enormous seabird colonies live here in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Svalbard lies far north, between 74° and 81° northern latitude. The largest island in the archipelago is Spitsbergen. Despite the extreme climate, wildlife thrives both on land and in the surrounding seas.
During Men of Sea expeditions, observing Arctic wildlife is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. However, this is not a zoo or a safari park. The animals move freely, so no particular wildlife encounter can ever be guaranteed.
And it is precisely this unpredictability that makes seeing a whale, walrus or polar bear in its natural habitat such an unforgettable experience.
What animals live in Svalbard?
The wildlife of Svalbard may seem limited if we look only at the land. However, it becomes remarkably diverse when we include the seas surrounding the archipelago.
According to the Norwegian Polar Institute, 19 species of marine mammals occur in the waters of Svalbard. These include polar bears, walruses, five species of seals and twelve species of cetaceans. Naturally occurring land mammals are much less numerous.
The most characteristic animals of Svalbard include:
- polar bear,
- Svalbard reindeer,
- Arctic fox,
- walrus,
- beluga whale,
- ringed seal,
- bearded seal,
- humpback whale,
- minke whale,
- fin whale,
- blue whale,
- Svalbard rock ptarmigan,
- Atlantic puffin,
- common guillemot,
- little auk,
- northern fulmar,
- Arctic tern.
Depending on the season and the part of the archipelago, the chances of seeing particular species can vary considerably.
Polar bear – the king of Svalbard
Without a doubt, the most iconic animal of Svalbard is the polar bear – Ursus maritimus.
Niedźwiedź polarny na Svalbardzie
It is one of the largest predators in the world. Although it is often described as the world’s largest land predator, biologically the polar bear is classified as a marine mammal because its life is closely connected with the sea and sea ice.
In Svalbard, polar bears are most commonly found in areas where sea ice remains present. Higher concentrations are generally observed in the eastern parts of the archipelago and in the northern fjords.
Their main prey consists of seals, especially ringed, bearded and harp seals. However, polar bears are opportunistic feeders. They may also eat carrion, bird eggs and, on rare occasions, have even been observed hunting reindeer.
Can you see a polar bear during an expedition to Svalbard?
Yes, but a polar bear sighting can never be guaranteed.
Polar bears travel across enormous areas. Therefore, their presence depends on sea ice, food availability, the season and current environmental conditions.
Furthermore, responsible tourism in Svalbard does not involve deliberately chasing polar bears. Wildlife must be observed in a way that does not alter the animals’ natural behaviour.
Svalbard reindeer – a unique inhabitant of the archipelago
Renifer spitsbergeński
This means it is endemic to the archipelago. Therefore, when you see one during an expedition in Spitsbergen, you are observing an animal that cannot be found naturally anywhere else in the world.
Svalbard reindeer are relatively small. They have short legs, a stocky body and extremely thick fur that helps them survive the Arctic winter.
They occur in most ice-free parts of the archipelago. They are particularly numerous in areas such as Nordenskiöld Land, Edgeøya and Barentsøya.
Unlike many other reindeer populations, they do not form huge migrating herds. Instead, they are often seen alone or in small groups quietly feeding on the tundra.
Arctic fox – the small hunter of the Arctic
Another permanent resident of Svalbard is the Arctic fox.
Lis arktycznych na Svalbardzie
It is a small but remarkably resilient predator. In winter, its fur provides excellent insulation, while in summer its coat changes colour, helping it blend into the rocky tundra landscape.
Arctic foxes in Svalbard use both terrestrial and marine food sources. Their diet includes birds, eggs, ptarmigan, reindeer carcasses and remains of seals. Some foxes also feed on leftovers from polar bear kills.
During summer, seabird colonies are excellent feeding areas for Arctic foxes. Food is far more abundant there.
Therefore, while trekking near bird cliffs, it is always worth watching the tundra carefully.
Walrus – the Arctic giant
The walrus is one of Svalbard’s most characteristic marine mammals.
Its massive body, long tusks and prominent whiskers make it almost impossible to confuse with any other animal. Walruses are highly social. They are often seen resting in groups on beaches or on sea ice.
Their main food consists of clams and other organisms living on the seabed. When searching for food, they use the extremely sensitive whiskers around their mouths. Interestingly, a walrus can consume enormous quantities of shellfish during a feeding session.
Today, the walrus population in Svalbard is much larger than it was during the period when intensive hunting brought the species close to collapse.
How should walruses be observed in Svalbard?
Walruses need space and peace. Current regulations include a minimum distance of 150 metres from walrus haul-out sites when vessels are moving at sea. Within 300 metres, a speed limit of 5 knots also applies.
These rules make it possible to observe the animals without causing unnecessary disturbance.
Beluga whale – the white whale of Svalbard
One of the most remarkable cetaceans found in Svalbard is the beluga whale.
Belugas often travel in groups and are strongly associated with the coastline of the archipelago.
According to the Norwegian Polar Institute, they are among the most frequently observed whales in Svalbard. Unlike many populations in other parts of the Arctic, Svalbard belugas remain very close to the coast. During summer, they are often seen near glacier fronts that reach the sea. In these areas, currents and meltwater flowing from beneath glaciers can concentrate their food.
Beluga whales do not have a typical dorsal fin. Instead, they have a dorsal ridge, an adaptation that helps them live in ice-covered waters. Interestingly, young belugas are not white. They are born grey and gradually become almost completely white as they mature.
Whales in Svalbard
The waters surrounding Spitsbergen are also home to many other whale species.
Among them, we may encounter: humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales and blue whales.
Not all of them remain here throughout the year. Many species appear seasonally when Arctic waters become exceptionally rich in food.
Humpback whale – the whale that shows its tail
The humpback whale is one of the most spectacular whales to photograph. Before making a deeper dive, it often lifts its characteristic tail fluke above the surface.
Every tail has a slightly different pattern of light and dark markings, scars and shapes. Scientists can therefore use photographs of the tail to identify individual whales.
Seeing a humpback whale against the glaciers and mountains of Svalbard can be one of the most spectacular moments of an Arctic journey.
Seals of Svalbard
Seals are an extremely important part of the Arctic ecosystem.
One of the most characteristic species is the ringed seal.
It is exceptionally well adapted to life in ice. Ringed seals can maintain breathing holes even through thick ice. In Svalbard, they breed on fast ice in the fjords.
They are also one of the most important prey species for polar bears. For this reason, areas with seals and suitable sea-ice conditions are also important habitats for polar bears.
Another interesting inhabitant of the archipelago is the harbour seal. Svalbard lies close to the northern limit of this species’ distribution, and Prins Karls Forland is one of its most important areas in the archipelago.
Birds of Svalbard – the Arctic comes alive in summer
During summer, Svalbard changes dramatically.
Huge numbers of seabirds arrive at cliffs, islands and coastlines. In many places, colonies contain thousands of birds.
Species that can be observed include: Atlantic puffins, little auks, common guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars, common eiders and Arctic terns.
Bird cliffs are particularly spectacular. Hundreds or even thousands of birds may fly overhead while their calls fill the entire mountainside.
Atlantic puffin – one of the Arctic’s most photogenic birds
The Atlantic puffin is one of the most recognizable birds of the North Atlantic.
Its colourful bill, contrasting black-and-white plumage and slightly comical way of moving often make it one of the favourite photographic subjects during an expedition. In Svalbard, puffins are mainly seen during the breeding season.
At the same time, it is important to remember that seabird colonies are highly sensitive to human disturbance.
When is the best time to see wildlife in Svalbard?
There is no single perfect season for every species.
Spring is closely associated with sea ice and the beginning of the breeding season.
Summer brings the greatest diversity of birds and very intense marine life.
Late summer can offer excellent opportunities to observe whales, walruses and animals travelling along the coastline.
However, no two Arctic seasons are identical.
Sea ice, water temperature, food availability and weather all influence the distribution of wildlife.
Therefore, one of the most important elements of an Arctic expedition is flexibility.
Where is the best place to see wildlife in Spitsbergen?
It depends on the species.
In Isfjorden, it is possible to see reindeer, Arctic foxes, birds, seals and beluga whales.
In north-western Spitsbergen, it is worth looking for walruses, seals, whales and numerous seabirds.
Meanwhile, the northern and eastern parts of the archipelago are more closely associated with sea ice. Therefore, they are particularly important for typical High Arctic wildlife. Polar bears are generally encountered more frequently in eastern Svalbard and the northern fjords than along the west coast of Spitsbergen.
However, this does not mean that a particular animal will necessarily be there when we arrive.
The Arctic offers no guarantees. It offers opportunities.
Why is a yacht a good way to observe Svalbard wildlife?
Much of Svalbard’s most interesting wildlife is closely connected to the sea. Therefore, exploring the archipelago by yacht gives you a completely different perspective.
We can move between fjords, bays, islands and glacier fronts. At the same time, we remain in an environment where whales, belugas, walruses and seals may appear at any moment.
Some of the best wildlife encounters happen completely unexpectedly. Sometimes it is the tail of a whale appearing several hundred metres from the yacht.
Another time it may be a small group of belugas swimming along the coast. And sometimes a group of walruses can be seen resting on an empty Arctic beach.
We observe Svalbard wildlife – we do not disturb it
The most important rule is simple: we are guests in their world.
An animal should not have to change direction, run away, interrupt its rest or leave a feeding area because of our presence.
Svalbard regulations require tourism activities to take place without unnecessarily disturbing wildlife. In recent years, additional restrictions have also been introduced for walruses and particularly sensitive natural areas.
Therefore, good wildlife photography does not mean getting as close as possible. Very often, it means exactly the opposite.
A good telephoto lens and patience allow us to observe natural animal behaviour without interfering with its life.
Is Svalbard a good destination for wildlife photography?
Yes. Svalbard is one of the most extraordinary places in Europe for Arctic wildlife photography.
One of the great advantages of the archipelago is the combination of wildlife and spectacular scenery.
We do not simply photograph a whale. We photograph a whale with a glacier in the background.
Not just a reindeer. A reindeer standing on Arctic tundra beneath monumental mountains.
Not just a walrus. A walrus resting on an empty coastline with the glaciers and mountains of Spitsbergen behind it.
It is the landscape that gives Svalbard wildlife photography an entirely different dimension.
What animals can you see during a Men of Sea expedition?
During our expeditions, we may encounter many of Svalbard’s most characteristic species.
We most often look for:
polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, beluga whales, seals, whales and Arctic birds.
However, we never treat an animal as another item on an itinerary that has to be checked off.
This is the wild Arctic. The animal decides where it will be on any particular day.
We can only use our experience, knowledge of the region and available time to increase the chances of an extraordinary encounter.
Svalbard – a kingdom of Arctic wildlife
Svalbard wildlife has adapted to a world of ice, long polar nights, low temperatures and an exceptionally short summer.
Some species live here all year round. Others travel thousands of kilometres to spend only a few months in Svalbard.
Together, they form one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the Arctic. That is why our expeditions are not simply about reaching a particular destination.
They are about observing. Waiting. Watching the water and the ice.
And waiting for that one moment when the fin of a whale appears above the sea, a walrus is spotted on the shore, or the silhouette of the greatest symbol of the Arctic emerges in the distance – the polar bear.
That is when Svalbard reveals its true nature.
