At a Glance
Quick OverviewSvalbard is one of the last places on Earth where polar bears roam freely—and where they outnumber humans. These magnificent Arctic predators, perfectly adapted to a world of ice and snow, are the reason many travellers make the journey to this remote Norwegian archipelago just 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole.
Seeing a polar bear in its natural habitat is a profound experience: watching a mother with cubs traverse sea ice, observing a solitary male scanning for seals, or spotting a bear swimming between ice floes. Unlike zoo encounters, these sightings connect you with the wild Arctic in ways that change your perspective on both wildlife and the frozen world they call home.
Understanding Polar Bears in Svalbard
Population & Habitat
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Population | ~3,000 polar bears |
| Human population | ~2,900 people |
| Habitat | Sea ice, coastlines, glaciers |
| Diet | Primarily ringed seals |
| Status | Vulnerable (climate threat) |
Where Bears Live
Polar bears in Svalbard are found:
- On pack ice north and east of the islands
- Along coastlines, especially in summer
- Near glaciers and ice fronts
- Occasionally near Longyearbyen (rare)
Conservation Status
Polar bears are protected in Svalbard. Hunting has been banned since 1973. The primary threat now is climate change—reduced sea ice affects their ability to hunt seals.
How to See Polar Bears
Expedition Cruises (Primary Method)
The most reliable and safest way to see polar bears is aboard expedition ships that circumnavigate Svalbard.
| Cruise Type | Duration | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short expedition | 3-5 days | £2,400-4,000 | Time-limited visitors |
| Classic circuit | 7-10 days | £4,000-8,000 | Best balance |
| Extended voyage | 10-14 days | £6,400-12,000+ | Maximum wildlife |
| Polar pack ice | 7-12 days | £5,600-9,600 | Serious wildlife seekers |
What’s Included:
- All meals and accommodation
- Zodiac excursions
- Expert wildlife guides
- Lectures and education
- Safety equipment
Expedition Operators
Major Operators:
- Hurtigruten Expeditions
- Quark Expeditions
- Polar Latitudes
- Oceanwide Expeditions
- Lindblad Expeditions
- G Adventures
Land-Based Wildlife Tours
Shorter, more affordable options from Longyearbyen:
| Tour Type | Duration | Cost | Polar Bear Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat safari | Full day | £240-400 | Low-moderate |
| Multi-day boat | 2-4 days | £1,200-2,400 | Moderate |
| Snowmobile safari | Full day | £240-320 | Low |
| Dog sledding | Half-full day | £160-320 | Rare |
Important: Land-based tours have lower polar bear sighting rates than circumnavigation cruises.
Best Time to Visit
Summer Season (June-August)
Peak Polar Bear Season
| Month | Ice Conditions | Wildlife | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | Best pack ice access | Bears hunting on ice | 24 hours |
| July | Ice retreating | Bears, walrus, birds | 24 hours |
| August | Less ice | Bears on land/water | 20+ hours |
Advantages:
- Midnight sun (24-hour daylight)
- Ship access to pack ice
- Active wildlife behaviour
- Best photography conditions
- Warmest temperatures (5-10°C)
Shoulder Seasons
May: Ice still extensive, increasing daylight, fewer cruises September: Returning darkness, some aurora, bears on land
Winter
Few expedition cruises operate. Polar night limits wildlife viewing. Some speciality tours available.
The Expedition Experience
Typical Day on an Expedition Cruise
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake-up call, wildlife watch |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | Zodiac excursion or landing |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch aboard |
| 2:00 PM | Afternoon activity/wildlife watching |
| 6:00 PM | Recap lecture |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 9:00 PM | Evening wildlife spotting |
| 11:00 PM | Midnight sun viewing |
Wildlife Encounters
What You Might See:
| Wildlife | Likelihood | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Polar bears | High on expedition cruises | June-July |
| Walrus | Very high | July-August |
| Arctic fox | High | All summer |
| Svalbard reindeer | Very high | All summer |
| Seabirds (puffins, guillemots) | Guaranteed | June-July |
| Whales (beluga, bowhead) | Moderate | June-August |
| Seals | High | All summer |
Zodiac Landings
Expedition cruises include small boat (Zodiac) excursions:
- Coastal explorations
- Glacier approaches
- Wildlife observation (safe distance)
- Historic site visits
- Scenic cruising
Safety & Regulations
Polar Bear Safety
Mandatory Rules:
- Armed guide required outside Longyearbyen
- Never approach polar bears
- Maintain 30+ metre distance minimum
- Follow expedition staff instructions
- Don’t separate from groups on land
On Expedition Ships:
- Safe viewing from decks
- Zodiacs keep respectful distance
- Armed guards on shore landings
- 24-hour polar bear watch
What If You See a Bear?
From Ship: Observe and photograph safely On Land: Stay calm, stay together, follow guide Close Encounter: Back away slowly, don’t run
Weapons Requirements
Outside Longyearbyen:
- Rifles must be carried
- Flare guns for warning
- Expedition operators handle all weapons
- Individual travellers need permits and experience
Costs & Booking
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition cruise (7 days) | £3,200-4,400 | £4,800-7,200 | £8,000-14,400 |
| Flights to Longyearbyen | £320-640 | £400-800 | £800+ |
| Pre/post hotel nights | £120-160/night | £160-240/night | £280+/night |
| Travel insurance | £120-240 | £160-320 | £240-400 |
| Total Estimate | £4,000-5,600 | £6,000-8,800 | £9,600-16,000+ |
Booking Tips
- Book 6-12 months ahead for best cabin selection
- Last-minute deals sometimes available
- Single travellers pay supplements or can share
- Compare operators on itinerary, ship quality, group size
- Check what’s included (flights often not included)
Other Svalbard Wildlife
Beyond Polar Bears
Walrus: Large colonies around Svalbard, especially at Poolepynten Arctic Fox: Common, often curious near settlements Svalbard Reindeer: Endemic subspecies, smaller than mainland Seals: Ringed, bearded, and harbour seals throughout Seabirds: Massive colonies of puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes Whales: Belugas, bowhead whales, occasionally blue whales
Bird Watching
Svalbard hosts over 160 bird species:
- Puffin colonies
- Arctic terns (world’s longest migration)
- Barnacle geese
- Little auks (millions!)
- Ivory gulls
Planning Your Expedition
Getting to Svalbard
Flights to Longyearbyen (LYR):
| Route | Duration | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Oslo → Longyearbyen | 3 hours | SAS, Norwegian |
| Tromsø → Longyearbyen | 1.5 hours | SAS |
Pre-Expedition in Longyearbyen
Allow 1-2 days before/after expedition:
Things to Do:
- Svalbard Museum
- North Pole Expedition Museum
- Historic mining sites
- Shopping for Arctic gear
- Glacier walks (guided)
What to Pack
Expedition Essentials:
- Warm layering system
- Waterproof outer layer
- Waterproof boots (often provided)
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Binoculars
- Camera with telephoto lens
- Seasickness medication
- Sunscreen (24-hour sun!)
- Sunglasses
Often Provided:
- Waterproof boots
- Expedition parka
- Life jacket for Zodiacs
Climate Change & Conservation
The Arctic Challenge
Svalbard’s polar bears face serious threats:
- Sea ice declining rapidly
- Hunting habitat shrinking
- Longer fasting periods on land
- Changing prey availability
Responsible Tourism
Choose operators that:
- Follow strict wildlife guidelines
- Support conservation research
- Minimise environmental impact
- Educate passengers
- Offset carbon emissions
How You Can Help
- Choose responsible operators
- Learn about Arctic conservation
- Support climate action
- Share awareness after your trip
Alternatives to Expedition Cruises
Budget Options
If full expeditions are too expensive:
Day Boat Trips:
- £240-400 from Longyearbyen
- Wildlife focus but limited range
- Lower polar bear probability
Multi-Day Boat Safaris:
- £1,200-2,800 for 2-4 days
- Smaller groups
- Good wildlife chances
When to Wait
Consider postponing if:
- Budget under £3,200 total
- Very seasick-prone (no medications help)
- Physical limitations for Zodiac boarding
- Expecting guaranteed bear sightings
Final Thoughts
A polar bear safari in Svalbard is the ultimate Arctic wildlife experience—expensive, yes, but transformative. Watching these magnificent predators navigate their ice kingdom, understanding their challenges in a warming world, and connecting with the raw beauty of the high Arctic creates memories that last forever.
The polar bear’s world is changing. Seeing them now, in their natural habitat, is both a privilege and a responsibility. These expeditions fund conservation, support local communities, and create ambassadors for Arctic protection. When you return home, you’ll carry not just photographs, but a deeper understanding of why this frozen wilderness—and its iconic white bears—matter.
For more Svalbard information, see our guides to Svalbard Travel Guide and Wildlife Safari Norway.