The Arctic offers a vast and remote frozen expanse where wildlife, often shy and sparsely spread, demands patience and a bit of luck for sightings. For those up to the challenge, the pursuit of the Arctic's 'Big Five' - beluga whales, musk oxen, walruses, polar bears, and narwhals - makes for an exhilarating adventure. Spotting these majestic creatures, as well as some of the region's lesser known gems, is a highly rewarding experience, making every moment of the search worthwhile. All expedition cruises to the Arctic enable guests to embark on thrilling zodiac safaris, allowing for intimate encounters with the wonderful wildlife that resides here. Read more about its fascinating inhabitants below...
WILDLIFE IN THE ARCTIC
Seals and walruses
Among the most endearing of the Arctic’s diverse wildlife are its seals. Epitomising the image of a seal is the ringed seal, the smallest of the species and sporting a pattern of black spots and light grey rings. One of the more striking species is the bearded seal who, as its name suggests, has a thick, bristly beard used to forage for prey on the muddy ocean floor. Maybe the most recognisable pinniped is the walrus, with its distinctive long tusks which it uses to haul itself back onto the ice after a swim in the polar waters. Despite their often docile appearance, seals are deceptively ruthless hunters, preying on many of the Arctic Ocean’s fish such as capelin and Arctic cod.
Whales
The Arctic waters are also home to some of the largest mammals on Earth – whales. In spite of their hulking size, whales are gentle and majestic creatures. Keep an eye out for the beluga whale; an expert in sonar navigation, its distinctive white skin and melon-shaped head make it one of the region’s most arresting species. Rarely venturing far from the edges of ice sheets, the endemic bowhead whale is a common sighting during an Arctic expedition cruise. Its large bow-shaped head accounts for almost a third of its body and is used for breaking through thick sheets of ice. Those lucky enough might even spot a grey whale, with its rough skin often clad in barnacles and sea lice. Each year, this gentle giant embarks on an impressive 12,000-mile migration between the warm waters of Mexico's Caribbean coast and the frigid depths of the Arctic. During the summer months, up to 15 species of whale can be spotted passing through Disko Bay off the coast of Greenland, making it an excellent location for whale watching.
Arctic birdlife
Whales are not the only animals that migrate to the Arctic, with several species of bird also taking up residence here for a portion of the year. The most impressive example of this is the Arctic tern, which makes a formidable 40,000 mile journey from Antarctica each year. It can be widely spotted along the Arctic's coastal areas which become bustling breeding grounds during the summer months. Other more permanent residents include the charming puffin, which resides around cliffs and coastal areas across the region and uses its short, triangular beak to hold multiple fish in one go. Additionally, seen swooping across the tundra of Svalbard is the master of camouflage - the Ptarmigan. The species adorns pristine white feathers during the winter months but molts in the spring to make way for a more inconspicuous coat of brown feathers.
Caribou (reindeer)
While emblematic of the North Pole, caribou (or reindeer) are more likely to be spotted grazing on the Arctic tundra, in boreal forests or up in mountainous regions. Unlike any other species of deer, both male and female caribou grow an impressive set of antlers which are used both as a defence mechanism as well as for foraging. An equally useful adaptation are their hooves. Strong and wide, they support the animals as they traverse deep snow and act as a paddle when navigating through the water.
Polar bear
The star of the show - the polar bear. Many venture deep into the frozen north exclusively to spot this elusive Arctic titan. The largest terrestrial carnivore on Earth, it is equipped with large, fierce claws as well as thick fur and a layer of fat for insulation against the cold. The polar bear is an excellent swimmer, with large front paws adapted for paddling through icy waters. Despite its abundance across the Svalbard archipelago - where it outnumbers humans – polar bear sightings cannot be guaranteed, requiring patience and some luck. Fortunately, ship captains are well trained in navigating the sea ice in search of the King of the Arctic and are aided in their endeavours by the 24 hours of daylight. As a result, there is every chance of spotting adult polar bears on the hunt as well as their playful pups on the ice floes. For those who prefer to keep their feet on land, consider a lodge-based stay in Churchill, Canada - a prime location for spotting these incredible creatures.
HIDDEN GEMS OF THE ARCTIC
Arctic fox
Flaunting a beautiful coat of thick, white fur, the Arctic fox makes for a spectacular spot during any Arctic expedition. Its coat is not all style over function, however; Arctic foxes own the warmest pelt in the Arctic, allowing them to endure temperatures of up to -70 °C. While appearing to be one of the region's cuter inhabitants, the Arctic fox is a highly adaptable scavenger, feasting on whatever food it finds across the tundra. The species has even been known to follow polar bears, hoping to scavenge what it can from the remains of its prey.
Musk ox
Quark | David Merron
Wearing a long, shaggy coat of fur and boasting large, curved horns, the musk ox is almost prehistoric in appearance and is certainly one of the Arctic’s more unusual wildlife sightings. Endemic to this corner of the world, it can be found roaming the tundra of Canada, Greenland and Alaska where it grazes on whatever food is available - usually roots, mosses and lichens.
Snowy owl
With its striking plumage of white feathers with black or brown spotting, the snowy owl is undoubtedly one of the most majestic creatures to grace the skies here. As with most owls, its hearing and eyesight is exceptional, helping it to spot even the smallest of prey. Snowy owls nest on the ground across the tundra and are most abundant in the High Arctic of Canada and Alaska. Active both day and night, glimpsing one of these elegant birds is rare but by no means impossible.
Harp Seal
Known for forming vast colonies on the ice, the harp seal is amongst the most adorable of the Arctic's inhabitants. Adults have grey fur adorned with dark spots, with males sporting the signature harp-shaped marking on their back. Especially endearing are the harp seal's pups, known as "whitecoats", whose fur is exceptionally fluffy and immaculately white. As an ice-dependent species, it tends to migrate northwards during the summer when the ice begins to melt. Some harp seals have been known to travel up to 2,000 miles in search of solid pack-ice!
Narwhal
Often referred to as the “unicorn of the sea”, the narwhal is known for its impressive spiral tusk. Potentially growing up to ten feet, the tusk is actually an elongated tooth used both as a sensory organ to detect changes in the environment as well as for mating displays. Endemic to the Arctic, narwhals prefer deep waters beneath the ice around Greenland and Canada, making it one of the more elusive residents here. The narwhal can sometimes be spotted in coastal areas during the summer, however, making it more accessible for viewing.
