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Polar bear encounter in Spitsbergen

A mother and two cubs move closer to the ship. The ice a bit thin and rotten around her with many holes and leads visible, yet, she seems to know her way, expertly leading the cubs—when to climb an ice ridge, when to jump, when to swim, and when to wait in stillness. All of a sudden she freezes and peers in one direction. She spots a ringed seal on the ice...

The Small Mammals of the Arctic and Antarctica

There may not be any naturally occurring land mammals living in Antarctica right now, but this does not mean that the icy area was always like this. In fact, a research team from America discovered the continent’s first land mammal fossil back in 1982.

11 Seals You May See in Antarctica or the Arctic

There are 18 species in the family of True Seals (Phocidae) currently alive throughout the world, and a total of 10 of them can be found between the Arctic and Antarctica. Out of this list, four are found in Antarctica, and they are also among the most populated seal species on earth

Wandering in Fields of Ice – Around Svalbard

To see a healthy and strong polar bear in its natural habitat is a delight. The power of this bear was perceivable from our vantage point on board Ortelius. Silence swept across the decks as we watched the polar bear limber across the ice with its soft but lethal padded paws.

Six Facts About the Crabeater Seals of Antarctica

As many as 75 million individual crabeater seals live in Antarctica, making them the most abundant seal in the world.

Whales are Abundant in the Jan Mayen Area

On most trips, people will spot Minke whales, Fin whales and sometimes Killer whales, and there is also a good chance that a Blue whale or two will cross our path.

Visiting Scott’s Terra Nova Hut - Cape Evans

I have read just about every account ever written on Scott’s Antarctic expeditions. Some hail him as a great hero; some claim he was an autocratic leader who failed his men.

Polar Bear Sets Impressive New Diving Record

Polar bears are known to dive underwater for short periods of time in order to hunt seals and other food sources, but one of these creatures recently shattered all known diving records for this species.

The Seabirds of Fair Isle: a Birder’s Dream Come True

Fair Isle is located between Shetland and Orkney, and it has become a prime destination for birders who are willing to travel to far away areas in order to see unusual birds.

Deep Sea Dwellers: 10 Facts about The Antarctic Giant Isopod

Two thousand feet below the surface of the Southern Ocean, in the benthic zone, dwells an ancient-looking creature with four antennae, two pairs of jaws, plates on its back, and several pairs of spiny legs. It’s an intimidating sight, but Giant Antarctic Isopods are relatively harmless animals that are far more interested in finding their next meal than anything.

The Plants of Antarctica

It seems an almost impossible feat for a plant to survive in Antarctica. Despite the odds, there are still plants that have evolved specifically to live in these conditions, and have thrived where no others have dared to go.

A Ross Sea Odyssey

In 2013 I took part in a trip of a lifetime. Led by Australian mountaineer, Greg Mortimer, this expedition took in the Antarctic Peninsula, Bellingshausen Sea, Amundsen Sea, Ross Sea (with its historic huts) and Macquarie Island over 32 days – a major undertaking.

Experience King Penguins, Seals and More in South Georgia

The British territory of South Georgia is most closely located to the Falkland Islands. This area is home to a diverse list of wildlife, and this makes it an ideal destination for anyone who is interested in learning more about penguins and seals.

Diving in Antarctica: The Ultimate Underwater Experience

If you love scuba diving and enjoy a truly unique adventure, polar diving (specifically Antarctic diving) may be your next favorite thing.

Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic

Alkefjellet may not be Spitsbergen’s biggest bird cliff, but it is certainly among the most spectacular ones.

Bouvet Island: The Most Remote Island in the World

On January 1, 1739, an amazing discovery was made by French Commander Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier: a volcanic island that is so remote that it is necessary to travel 2,600 km (1,600 miles) to find land that is inhabited on a full-time basis.

Going Green in Antarctica

Antarctica truly is the world’s last wild, untouched land. Aside from the international research stations that dot the continent, Antarctica is a barren landscape, devoid of human presence and interference. With an increase in melting sea ice, rising ocean levels, and rising ocean temperatures, now more than ever is an important time to think about environmental impact in this fragile ecosystem.

“The polar bear will still be there”

The bear will still be there… it sounds like a poem. But it was not? Later that day a guest asked me if the Polar Bear would still be there because they had stood there for several hours and taking pictures from the deck and now it was time for lunch.