There are many animals who call the Arctic home, whether they are year-round or seasonal residents. Arctic animals have adapted to the region’s cold temperatures in different ways. Some, like the Arctic Fox, grow a thick, white winter coat to keep them warm and camouflaged against the snow. Other animals like chipmunks and some bear species hibernate in pits or underground burrows to escape the Arctic temperatures. Others like the Arctic Tern only live in the area during the summer months, and then migrate to warmer areas when the weather turns cold and food becomes limited.
This wildlife guide will be organized by Arctic region and detail the wildlife that might be viewed on your Arctic cruise in that location. We hope that this guide is helpful to you in planning your Arctic cruise!
In addition to viewing mountainous Atlantic coast lines and high-Arctic landscapes, cruising to Northern Norway brings the opportunity to see some of the world’s most wondrous wildlife.
A trip to Northern Norway may yield the following wildlife sightings (some may require day trips to National Parks):
Greenland has the distinction of being the largest island on Earth with the smallest population of any country. Most of the island is covered by the Northern Ice Cap but that doesn’t stop wildlife from inhabiting the island.
Depending on the trip and time of year, some of the wildlife you may see includes:
If your dream is to see Polar bears, then a trip to Svalbard is what you need. Located 600 miles south of the North Pole, it is the largest wilderness area in Europe. The region features rugged mountains and rolling tundra that offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing.
Depending on the tour, travelers may see:
Polar Holidays has been traveling and booking expedition cruises to the polar regions for almost 20 years. We are familiar with the seasons, the destinations and the environments. We love to share our deep passion for the polar regions with travelers and explorers. You can expect to be enriched by our in-depth knowledge of the Arctic and Antarctic regions and dazzled by the incredible landscapes and wildlife unique to the area on one of our luxurious cruise ships. Our experienced operators are here to help you choose the best tour for your needs and interests. We offer door-to-door service, taking care of the details so you can enjoy the cruise of a lifetime. Contact us today to get started!
Ready to find your dream cruise? Have questions? Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!