Svalbard is one of the world's great destinations for Arctic wildlife, most notably polar bears. But when it comes to whales, few places compare to the icy waters that surround this spectacular archipelago! During the Arctic summer, whales gather to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic, while the long summer days - 24 hours of sunlight at its height - make for perfect conditions for endless whale watching in Svalbard!
We operate expedition cruises to Svalbard from June through August, exploring the coast of Spitsbergen, full circumnavigations of the Svalbard archipelago, and voyages deep into the pack ice. These routes offer exceptional opportunities to encounter multiple whale species during the peak Arctic season!
Why Svalbard is ideal for whale watching
Each summer, the waters around Svalbard come alive. The result is one of the most reliable regions in the Arctic for whale sightings. 24-hour daylight also means that wildlife spotting can occur at any hour, increasing the frequency of sightings on shore and at sea.
Whale watching in Svalbard can take place across a wide variety of habitats. Some whale species prefer sheltered fjords, while other species are more frequently found in deeper offshore water. Further still, some whale species thrive in the dark waters beneath thick pack ice, making them more difficult to spot yet more rewarding to observe. Regardless of the whale species you encounter, you'll be exploring against dramatic backdrops of glaciers, mountains, and floating ice, so what could be better?
What whales can I see in Svalbard?
It's important to note that whale sightings can never be guaranteed. One of the best things about Svalbard is the diversity of species found here. While not exclusive, we've put together a list of the main species of whales you may encounter during an expedition cruise to Svalbard.
Humpback whales
Famous for their surface behaviour, humpback whales are one of the most iconic species on Earth. You'll sometimes spot humpbacks in deeper water, slapping their fins and launching themselves into the air.
Blue whales
The largest animals ever to live on Earth, blue whales are occasionally spotted in offshore areas. Sighting a blue whale is a real privilege; they are one of the least frequently encountered species in Svalbard!
Picture by unknown photographer
Fin whales
Sleek and fast, fin whales are the second-largest whale species and are commonly seen around Svalbard in summer. They are sometimes mistaken for blue whales.
Minke whales
Minke whales are the most frequently encountered whale in Svalbard. They are often seen surfacing close to the ship, traveling in small groups.
Picture by Sara Jenner
Sperm whales
More commonly seen during offshore crossings, sperm whales are known for their deep dives and unique appearance. You are more likely to see sperm whales during a voyage across the Arctic Ocean or in between the pack ice and Svalbard's icy shores.
Bowhead whales
Bowhead whales are true Arctic specialists. They use their large heads to shatter Arctic pack ice, allowing them to live in the dark waters beneath this magical environment. Because of their preference for dark, icy waters, bowhead whales are found further north, and less so close to Svalbard's shores.
Beluga whales
The beluga whale is another iconic species. These ghostly white, highly intelligent mammals are found in the far north and are more common in eastern Svalbard.
Picture by Sara Jenner
Narwhals
The narwhal is extremely rare and is infrequently spotted in the waters of Svalbard. You may, if you are extremely lucky, spot a narwhal in the pack ice. However, if you do, consider buying a lottery ticket!
Why our vessels are perfect for whale watching in Svalbard
Our expedition vessels are purpose-built for polar exploration and are exceptionally well-suited for whale watching in Svalbard. Their small size means fewer guests and more space on deck. You don't need to rush between viewing areas (which are all parts of the deck!) and can enjoy multiple observation points with different perspectives on the polar world.
Our expedition staff and vessel crew are also constantly on the lookout for wildlife, and our dynamic approach to expedition cruising means we can quickly adapt and adjust our course to take full advantage of wildlife encounters. Alongside sightings, you'll also get context on whale behaviour, identification, and insights from our expert expedition guides!
Beyond the vessel, you'll also explore Svalbard by Zodiac, getting you even closer to the heart of the polar world. During a Zodiac cruise, you may encounter the giants of the seas more closely than you believed possible.
Picture by unknown photographer
Whale watching responsibly in Svalbard
We are a proud member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) and follow strict guidelines for wildlife encounters in Svalbard.
These guidelines include minimum distance rules designed to ensure whales are not disturbed or stressed. Importantly, maintaining these distances does not reduce the quality of encounters. Whales frequently approach vessels on their own terms - we never approach wildlife. We believe in being respectful, careful, and considerate when encountering wildlife, whether on land or at sea. That includes keeping noise to a minimum, banning drone use on all our vessels, and encountering all wildlife on their terms.
Join us in Svalbard - whale watching awaits!
We head to Svalbard every Arctic season, with plenty of opportunities for you to join an expedition cruise and encounter the giants of the seas! From June to August, the High Arctic comes alive. Even if whales elude you, the king of the Arctic may make an unforgettable appearance at any moment.
Main image by Sara Jenner
