Svalbards 12 Most Iconic Animals - Nexta Expeditions
Svalbard’s 12 Most Iconic Animals

Svalbard’s 12 Most Iconic Animals

Each of our Arctic regions offers its own distinct and unforgettable features: Greenland boasts mountainous shorelines and record-setting fjords, Northern Norway is renowned for the aurora borealis and historic masted schooners, and Svalbard (especially Spitsbergen) is where you're most likely to encounter a variety of Arctic wildlife.

However, these areas are not limited to the mentioned attractions. You can experience nearly all Arctic essentials (snow-capped peaks, expansive fjords, and diverse wildlife) on almost any Arctic cruise.

Since we're dealing with nature, we need to talk in terms of probabilities. Your best chance of seeing iconic Arctic animals is in Svalbard. Below are a few species you might encounter there, included for both their popularity and the likelihood of sightings.

1. Arctic fox

One of the more common and beloved animals in Svalbard is the Arctic fox. Often seen hunting below the area's many bird cliffs, they turn white in the winter, but their warm fur keeps them protected year-round.

blog-image

2. Bearded seal

The largest seal species in the Arctic, the bearded seal is known for its long whiskers and loud voice. The song of the male bearded seal can be heard up to 20 km (12.4 miles) away.

blog-image

3. Kittiwake

Bird cliffs are a regular feature of Svalbard and its principal island of Spitsbergen. One of the more frequently seen birds there is the kittiwake, a species of gull named for its bird call.

blog-image

4. Svalbard reindeer

Once on the brink of extinction, the Svalbard reindeer now thrives across this Arctic island chain. It can run up to 80 kph (50 mph) despite preferring a more sedentary existence, feeding on the islands' many tundra regions.

blog-image

5. Humpback whale

Known for the way it humps its back before a dive, the humpback whale is often first noticed by its spout, which can reach as high as 6 meters (20 feet) and be heard as far as 245 meters (800 feet) away.

blog-image

6. Little auk

Even more abundant in Svalbard than the kittiwake, the little auk forages in large flocks and creates breeding colonies that sometimes number in the millions. The little auk also grows faster than any other auk, which may partially explain its numbers.

blog-image

7. Polar bear

Though not technically among the more common animals in Svalbard, no list of Svalbard wildlife is complete without the polar bear. You have a better chance of seeing one in Svalbard than perhaps anywhere else in the Arctic.

blog-image

8. Harp seal

This species of seal is known for spending most of its time at sea, and its Latin name means "ice-lover from Greenland." Still, the far-ranging harp seal is a frequent Svalbard inhabitant.

blog-image

9. Black guillemot

The feathers of the black guillemot get whiter the farther north it is found. Scientists are still trying to understand why this Arctic bird is so particular about the way it holds fish in its beak.

blog-image

10. Walrus

One of the core species of the Arctic, the walrus is found in great abundance around Svalbard. You're likely to see a walrus more than most other Arctic animals, whether lounging in large coastline harems or swimming just off shore.

blog-image

11. Minke whale

Along with the humpback, the minke whale is one of the more common cetaceans around Svalbard. Though among the smaller fin whales, it is known for its loud vocalizations, which can reach 152 decibels – as loud as a plane taking off.

blog-image

12. Puffin

The "sea clown" is probably the most recognizable bird in the Arctic, with a monk-like body coloration contrasting its carnival-esque face. It is most often seen at sea on its own, though less frequently in colonies.

blog-image

A last-minute disclaimer about Svalbard (and all other) wildlife

Though we hinted at this in the beginning, we should now state clearly that we cannot guarantee you'll see any of the Svalbard animals on this list. These species, while sometimes appearing en masse during one Svalbard trip, may be all but nonexistent on another.

All we can do on any expedition is keep our eyes open, our fingers crossed, and our expectations reasonable. At the very least, you'll see the Arctic, and that is undeniably an adventure in itself.

Best Deals

Related Trips

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

calendar08 May 2025 - 15 May 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 3.750 per person
Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Aberdeen

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

calendar31 May 2025 - 09 Jun 2025
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 2.900 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

calendar03 Jun 2025 - 10 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

calendar08 Jun 2025 - 18 Jun 2025
clock11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.350 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

calendar09 Jun 2025 - 16 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more

calendar10 Jun 2025 - 17 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special

calendar12 Jun 2025 - 19 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice

calendar16 Jun 2025 - 23 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice

calendar18 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025
clock11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 5.350 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special

calendar19 Jun 2025 - 26 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

calendar23 Jun 2025 - 30 Jun 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person
North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

calendar24 Jun 2025 - 01 Jul 2025
clock8 Days / 7 Nights
From $ 4.300 per person

Blog
go-leftgo-right

Albatross, penguin and krill research in Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Albatross, penguin and krill research in Antarctica

In the Antarctic region, extensive research is being conducted by national Antarctic programmes from countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan. These studies aim to understand species in the air, on the ground, and in the sea, and how these species are interconnected without variables such as human impacts and climate change.
Solargraphy & Pin Hole photography in the Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Solargraphy & Pin Hole photography in the Arctic

The Research Stations of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Research Stations of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic

Numerous research stations operate throughout the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, engaged in all manner of scientific inquiry. This article will cover the stations under the management of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), which conducts year-round terrestrial and atmospheric research in some of the most compelling polar locations on Earth.
Day and night in Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Day and night in Antarctica

At the Concordia station, a French-Italian research facility situated 3,233 meters above sea level at Dome C on the Antarctic Plateau, European Space Agency (ESA) scientists are investigating the effects of extended space missions. The station is more isolated than the International Space Station, with the nearest humans located 600 kilometers away.
Cruising Solo: The Benefits of Single-Passenger Polar Travel - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Cruising Solo: The Benefits of Single-Passenger Polar Travel

Traveling is often done with family, friends, or romantic partners. However, the benefits of solo travel, especially in polar regions, deserve more attention.
Where the Polar Bears Roam - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Where the Polar Bears Roam

Going to the Arctic without clapping eyes on a wild polar bear can be reasonably compared to visiting Africa without seeing a giraffe or a zebra or, most analogously, a lion.
Living the Antarctic Dream - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Living the Antarctic Dream

From October to March, during the Austral summer, thousands of breeding gentoo, Adèlie, and chinstrap penguins flock to the Western Antarctic Peninsula to rear their chicks and feast on krill before the harsh winter arrives. Alongside the penguins, field biologists from around the world gather to study these habits for conservation research. Observing these animals is one thing, but residing in an Antarctic field station for an entire breeding season is another. One particular field camp on King George Island, managed by American scientists, has perfected this Antarctic lifestyle and has thrived for over 30 years.
Three Antarctica Cruise Deals - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Three Antarctica Cruise Deals

For many travelers, Antarctica represents the ultimate polar destination. Its vast white landscapes offer an endless array of surreal vistas, much of its unique wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, and its complete lack of an indigenous human population provides a sense of untouched seclusion that few other places can match.
Tracking Greenland’s Wildlife from Space - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Tracking Greenland’s Wildlife from Space

Despite Greenland’s harsh environment, life has found a way to thrive there. If you’re lucky enough to embark on a Greenland cruise, you stand the chance of encountering many species of cold-adapted mammals, birds, and fish.
10 Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

10 Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, offer some of the most breathtaking photographic opportunities in the Arctic. However, capturing this stunning phenomenon requires more than just luck. To take your best northern lights photos, it's helpful to understand some key aspects of aurora-specific photography.
What to pack for your Atlantic Odyssey voyage? - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

What to pack for your Atlantic Odyssey voyage?

When packing, avoid burdening yourself with excessive clothing or gear. Opt for casual, practical attire that can be layered. Consider including the following:
Experience King Penguins, Seals and More in South Georgia - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Experience King Penguins, Seals and More in South Georgia

One of the most remarkable aspects of South Georgia Island is its immense population of King penguins. This island serves as a significant breeding ground, and breathtaking aerial photos have captured the sight of hundreds of thousands of King penguins gathered together. This colony is known as the largest crèche in the world, making it one of the top destinations globally for observing King penguins.
Northeast Greenland National Park - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Northeast Greenland National Park

Northeast Greenland National Park is the world’s largest national park and the ninth largest protected area on Earth. It should come as little surprise, then, that it’s also bigger than most countries, covering an impressive 972,000 square km (375,300 square miles).
The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny

Although the Arctic hare’s stern expression might make it seem like the least amused member of a serious tribunal, this polar animal is actually one of the most charming creatures on the planet – especially when Easter Sunday comes around.
Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks

The Arctic locations we visit aren’t merely made up of phenomenal landscapes, exotic wildlife, and more adventure than a Hardy Boys novel.
Seven Sublime Antarctic Bays - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Seven Sublime Antarctic Bays

Antarctica is renowned for its glaciers, icebergs, and panoramic colonies of penguins. However, less known are the stunning crystal-clear bays that dot the Great White Continent, many of which are explored on our Antarctica cruise routes.
Visiting the Nearly Unknown: New Zealand’s Campbell Island - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Visiting the Nearly Unknown: New Zealand’s Campbell Island

New Zealand is a renowned destination globally, and for good reason: It’s absolutely stunning. Almost every corner is filled with unparalleled beauty. But did you know that New Zealand includes several sub-Antarctic Islands that are almost completely unknown?
Seizing the Season: Spitsbergen’s Late Spring, Early Summer - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Seizing the Season: Spitsbergen’s Late Spring, Early Summer

Most Arctic expedition cruises can be categorized into two main types: those that operate during the autumn and winter, focusing on the northern lights, and those that sail during the high season (mid to late summer), concentrating on a broader range of experiences.
The Classic Polar Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula Facts, Pics, and More - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Classic Polar Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula Facts, Pics, and More

When it comes to experiencing the vast wonders of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula stands out as an unparalleled destination.
Svalbard a Disneyland for geologists - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Svalbard a Disneyland for geologists

Svalbard is situated in the north-western corner of the Eurasian plate. Historically, Svalbard was part of a vast continent that included North America, Greenland, and Eurasia. At one point, both Northeast Greenland and Svalbard were submerged under the ocean before resurfacing.