Special interest
Polar Bears
Expeditions to the Arctic offering the best chances for seeing Polar Bears
It’s a dream for many, seeing a polar bear (Ursus maritimus) in their natural home. For the best chances of encountering these wonderful animals, you must travel to the far north. Expeditions to Svalbard and the Canadian Arctic offer you the best opportunities to find the king of the Arctic, polar bears.
Although you have a chance of viewing polar bears on any expedition cruise to the Arctic, some are specifically focussed on seeing and photographing bears. Our small ship Signature Expeditions in Svalbard are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the local environment, wildlife behavior, and safety protocols. They can enhance your wildlife viewing experience while ensuring minimal disturbance to the bears and their habitats.
Svalbard Polar Bears
With a circumpolar distribution, polar bears are a remarkable species. Known in Norwegian as isbjørn/kvitbjørn, in Sami as ‘the old man in the fur coat’, and in Inuti as ‘Nanuk’, meaning animal worth of great respect, it goes without saying that polar bears hold a high importance in Arctic life.
Polar Bear Ecoregions
- Separated into four ice categories: divergent, convergent, archipelago, and seasonal.
- 19 Subpopulations in the Arctic. Including Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Russia.
- Svalbard population is part of the Barents Sea subpopulation, with 250-300 individuals.
Polar bears in Svalbard have their own behaviours and characteristics! Some prefer to spend most of their time in the pack ice hunting seals and floating around. While others prefer to stay closer to land, resting and searching for food within the terrain. Mostly, the polar bears roam from northern Svalbard, north to the Arctic Ocean in the summer and then return to Svalbard for the winter.
Seeing polar bears in the wild is a unique experience, but it requires patience and an understanding that wildlife is unpredictable. Be prepared for variable weather conditions and changes to the itinerary based on wildlife sightings.
Looking for a unique experience?
Our travel experts are happy to help you find your expedition of a lifetime.
We are Waterproof Expeditions
Impression
Find your expedition: Polar Bears
High Arctic Floe Edge Expedition
The Ultimate Arctic Ice Camp Experience
| Travel duration: | 9 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 14 May - 21 May 2026 |
| Ship: | n/a |
| Passengers: | 16 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Round-trip flights Ottawa to Arctic Bay
- Services of Inuit Guides and Arctic Kingdom expedition staff
- Accommodations:
- 1 night, Arctic Bay accommodation
- 6 nights, Floe Edge Base Camp
- 1 night, hotel in Iqaluit
- All meals:
- 8 Breakfasts | 7 Lunches | 8 Dinners | 2 In-Flight Snacks
- All transportation for duration of stay in camp & Pond Inlet
- Use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment
- International or domestic flights to/from Ottawa, Canada (YOW)
- Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance, cancellation insurance. Evacuation insurance is mandatory and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended as any additional costs associated with weather and/or layovers in Pond Inlet, Iqaluit or Ottawa are not included
- Polar Clothing Rental Package – strongly encouraged
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Summer Special: Up to 20% off!
Iceland & Svalbard Special
Traverse the Ice Edge
| Travel duration: | 23 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 29 May - 20 Jun 2026 |
| Ship: | Hondius |
| Passengers: | 170 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
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Svalbard Awakening
Spring season at its' peak with Rinie van Meurs | Travel duration: | 10 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 11 Jun - 20 Jun 2026 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
- Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
High Arctic Floe Edge Expedition
The Ultimate Arctic Ice Camp Experience | Travel duration: | 9 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 13 Jun - 20 Jun 2026 |
| Ship: | n/a |
| Passengers: | 16 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Round-trip flights Ottawa to Arctic Bay
- Services of Inuit Guides and Arctic Kingdom expedition staff
- Accommodations:
- 1 night, Arctic Bay accommodation
- 6 nights, Floe Edge Base Camp
- 1 night, hotel in Iqaluit
- All meals:
- 8 Breakfasts | 7 Lunches | 8 Dinners | 2 In-Flight Snacks
- All transportation for duration of stay in camp & Pond Inlet
- Use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment
- International or domestic flights to/from Ottawa, Canada (YOW)
- Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance, cancellation insurance. Evacuation insurance is mandatory and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended as any additional costs associated with weather and/or layovers in Pond Inlet, Iqaluit or Ottawa are not included
- Polar Clothing Rental Package – strongly encouraged
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Svalbard Awakening
Arctic Summer Soltice with Rinie van Meurs | Travel duration: | 10 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 20 Jun - 29 Jun 2026 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
- Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
- Travel insurance.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Waiting list
Svalbard’s Frozen North
Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs | Travel duration: | 13 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 29 Jun - 11 Jul 2026 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Svalbard’s Frozen North
Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs | Travel duration: | 13 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 11 Jul - 23 Jul 2026 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Classic Svalbard Expedition
Explore Svalbard in Comfort and Style! | Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 05 Jun - 12 Jun 2027 |
| Ship: | Aqua Lares |
| Passengers: | 30 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- All onboard meals
- House wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
- Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
- Kayaking and paddleboarding equipment
- Unlimited access to high-speed WiFi
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Classic Svalbard Expedition
Explore Svalbard in Comfort and Style! | Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 12 Jun - 19 Jun 2027 |
| Ship: | Aqua Lares |
| Passengers: | 30 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- All onboard meals
- House wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
- Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
- Kayaking and paddleboarding equipment
- Unlimited access to high-speed WiFi
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Svalbard Awakening
Svalbard in the Light of the Summer Solstice | Travel duration: | 10 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 19 Jun - 28 Jun 2027 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
- Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
- Travel insurance.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Only 1 spot available!
Svalbard’s Frozen North
Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs | Travel duration: | 16 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 28 Jun - 13 Jul 2027 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Fully booked
Svalbard’s Frozen North
Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs | Travel duration: | 13 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 13 Jul - 25 Jul 2027 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Svalbard Untamed
Wildlife & Wilderness with Rinie van Meurs | Travel duration: | 11 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 25 Jul - 04 Aug 2027 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
- Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Classic Svalbard Expedition
Explore Svalbard in Comfort and Style! | Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 31 Jul - 07 Aug 2027 |
| Ship: | Aqua Lares |
| Passengers: | 30 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- All onboard meals
- House wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
- Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
- Kayaking and paddleboarding equipment
- Unlimited access to high-speed WiFi
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Classic Svalbard Expedition
Explore Svalbard in Comfort and Style! | Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 14 Aug - 21 Aug 2027 |
| Ship: | Aqua Lares |
| Passengers: | 30 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- All onboard meals
- House wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
- Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
- Kayaking and paddleboarding equipment
- Unlimited access to high-speed WiFi
- Flight to/from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Including Jan Mayen!
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Explore the Four Jewels of the Arctic! | Travel duration: | 13 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 29 Aug - 10 Sep 2027 |
| Ship: | Ocean Albatros |
| Passengers: | 169 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Arrival transfer from airport to ship (Day 1), provided for guests arriving on our selected arrival flight to Greenland and Svalbard, please enquire for details.
- General description: Shipboard en-suite accommodation (days/nights as per itinerary) in your selected and paid category
- Waterproof Expedition jacket, yours to keep, and rubber style muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition
- English-speaking Expedition Team
- Guided walks, nature hikes, Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team (excluding optional activities with cost)
- Briefings and educational lectures by the Expedition Team
- Citizen Science Program
- All meals on the ship (full board): breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at dinner (selected labels and brands)
- From 2027: Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at dinner (selected labels and brands. Wine not available on landing days)
- 24-hour access to tea, coffee, and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food
- Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
- Taxes and landing fees
- 500MB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device
- Digital Expedition Memento, including a curated selection of photos, videos, expedition log and map, and wildlife list
- International or internal airfares unless listed in the itinerary
- Excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals and beverages not listed as included
- Voluntary gratuity for the crew and Expedition Team (we recommend USD 20 per person per day)
- Personal expenses such as spa services, boutique purchases, bar, laundry, and communications unless specified
- Mandatory travel insurance (must meet mandatory minimum coverage requirements for medical treatment and evacuation)
- Visa, reciprocity, and passport fees
- Medical care or emergency evacuation
- Expedition Jacket and rubber muck-style boots outside of available sizes. Please enquire for more details.
- Life jackets for selected minors. Please enquire for more details.
- Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions”
- Optional return transfer package. Additional cost. Must be pre-booked. Detailed information available approx. 11 months prior to departure. Please enquire for details.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!FAQ
The best time to see polar bears in Svalbard is during the summer months, roughly from June to September. This is when the sea ice has retreated, and polar bears are more active on land, hunting for seals and socializing.
Additionally, polar bears are also seen in the pack ice. Our Signature Expeditions allow flexibility to head north, past where the land terminates, and continue on the search. Days in the pack ice searching for polar bears are some of our favourite expedition days!
It’s crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of both humans and wildlife. Maintaining a safe distance from polar bears and following the guidelines set by your guides to avoid disturbing the animals are crucial.
When polar bears has been sighted, we will not actively approach them for a closer look. We will only observe the bears from the ship. Not only is this the safest way to view polar bears, we will also avoid scaring them off by sudden movements and noises.
In the case of a polar bear sighting while you are on land, the guides will urge everyone to go into the zodiacs immediately and return to the ship.
Although you have chances of viewing a polar bear on any expedition to the Arctic, we usually have much more encounters during our small ship voyages. These don’t have a fixed itinerary and are primarily focused on photography. Travelling on board a small ship with only 12-16 guests offers us the freedom to alter our plans according to wildlife sightings.