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The bowhead whale, whaling about the Arctic
The bowhead whale typically resides near pack ice, often in shallow waters. These whales are commonly found north of Europe, between Canada and Greenland, in the Hudson Bay area, the Okhotsk Sea, and the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. In these regions, they filter food through their large baleen plates. Bowheads are known to open their large mouths and graze along the surface, in the water column, or on the sea floor.
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Arctic Flowers, Trees, and Other Plant Life
When many people think of the Arctic, they probably imagine a stark white wasteland devoid of anything except snow, glaciers, and the occasional far-wandering polar bear.
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11 South Orkney Animals: Whales, Seabirds, and Penguins Aplenty
The South Orkney Islands are often overlooked as a destination for Antarctic travel.
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The Norse Settlement of Greenland
Erik the Red is a significant and vibrant figure in the history of the Norse Vikings. His story is primarily documented in the Icelandic Sagas Huaksbók (14th Century) and Skalhóltsbók (15th Century). These accounts offer slightly different versions of events that occurred 3-400 years earlier. The original saga of Erik the Red is believed to have been written around 1200 A.D., with the Skalhóltsbók version considered closest to the original. Additionally, Flateyjarbók (13th Century), which includes the Saga of the Greenlanders, is a crucial source for understanding the settlement of Greenland and the discovery of Vinland â North America.
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A Day of Whale Watching in Antarctica
This morning we awoke early to enjoy the first light in Wilhelmina Bay, with the snow and cloud blanketing the surrounding mountains. As dawn broke, we could see the blows of humpback whales scattered throughout the bay. Some of the whales were closer to the ship and we spotted their small dorsal fins and occasionally their white patterned tails. It was a terrific start to our first full day in Antarctica.
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What’s so Special about East Spitsbergen?
Weâve previously discussed our north Spitsbergen journeys and Spitsbergen circumnavigations, but the eastern parts of this incredible island have not received the attention they deserve. Despite the name, our east Spitsbergen voyages explore much more than just the eastern side of Spitsbergen.
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Deception Island deceptively active
In Antarctica, the South Shetland archipelago is home to Deception Island, a volcanic-rounded island that is 15 km in diameter with a shield volcano. The volcano is mainly basalt-andesite and was one of the first parts of Antarctica to be discovered, probably around 1820 by UK and USA sealers.
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The Small but Social Commerson’s Dolphin
Despite being one of the lesser-known Antarctic cetaceans, Commerson's dolphins are quite social and have been given various names over the years, including Piebald dolphins, skunk dolphins, and panda dolphins. These names have been in use since their discovery in 1767 by French naturalist Philibert Commerson.
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Antarctic Explorer’s Voyage
Thereâs off the beaten track, and then thereâs really off the beaten track.
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Port Lockroy: History, Post Office, and Resident Penguins
Sometimes itâs easy to get caught up in the stunning coastlines, fjords, and other natural wonders of Antarctica, overlooking the man-made attractions nestled in between.
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The Secret Life of Glaciers: How They Form, Move, and Melt
One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you can witness on an Arctic or Antarctic expedition is glaciers. These immense ice formations have been gradually moving from the mountains to the oceans for countless years, acting as both time capsules and indicators of our rapidly changing environment.
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Weddell Sea: the Original Antarctic Adventure
According to historian Thomas R. Henry, visiting the Weddell Sea requires a brave heart. In his 1950 book, "The White Continent," he described sudden âflash freezesâ that occur in the region. It was one of these flash freezes that trapped Ernest Shackletonâs ship, Endurance, in January 1915, forcing his crew to endure over a year in the harsh environment before they could escape.
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Greenland: Where the Kayak Was Invented
If you've ever enjoyed kayaking, you owe a debt of gratitude to the ancient Greenlandic Inuit who originally designed them for hunting. The thrilling adventures people now have navigating some of the world's most challenging rapids wouldn't be possible without the Inuit's need for a nimble form of water transportation. While travelers still use kayaks in this region, they are typically not fishing, whaling, or sealing. Consequently, recreational kayaks have been adapted to fit their new role.
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5 Misconceptions You Might Have About Greenland
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Birds of the North: 29 Arctic Birds and Seabirds
The Arctic is home to some of the worldâs most majestic mammals, both on land and sea. However, the bird life in this region is equally remarkable, showcasing numerous exotic species that are highly prized by bird enthusiasts worldwide.
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The Pack Ice and Polar Bears of North Spitsbergen
The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is renowned for being one of the prime locations to observe polar bears. The largest island in this region, Spitsbergen, not only offers sightings of these majestic Arctic creatures but also provides a unique opportunity to experience the phenomenon of pack ice.
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Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic
Given how widespread their habitat is, it is little wonder that Arctic foxes are one of the animals we most often see during our Greenland and Svalbard expeditions. The Arctic fox is a circumpolar species whose feeding grounds include North America, Eurasia, even Iceland, ranging from nearly the North Pole all the way down to the sub-Arctic islands.
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Adélie Penguins: the Little People of the Antarctic
Described as âan object of endless pleasure and amusementâ by Apsley Cherry-Garrard, survivor of Robert Falcon Scottâs ill-fated Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole, the Adélie penguin stands with the regal and iconic emperor penguin as one of only two penguin species found on mainland Antarctica.
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Amazing Greenland
If you ever get the chance to take a trip to Greenland, you will be amazed by its coastlines, fjords, ice-covered peaks, and great expanse of snow-covered land. You will also notice that Greenland is a rugged area with a rich diversity of life, making it a dream location for scientists as well.
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Large and in Charge: Antarctica’s Southern Elephant Seals
Southern elephant seals are the largest species of seal on the planet and a highlight among Antarctica cruise wildlife.