Our guides are blogging on board the ships. Below, please read about one of the days on the expedition “Exploration of Svalbard”, 5th – 15th July.
11 July
Weather: Sunshine and clouds.
Mammals and birds: Polar bears (6), harp seals, ivory gull.
During the night we sailed eastwards, south of Nordaustlandet. Due to heavy ice conditions the ship had to turn around in the early morning and go back again towards Spitsbergen. That would turn out to be a fantastic decision.
It was a beautiful day, the ice made the surrounding water flat calm and the sun was making its way through the light clouds. The first polar bear was spotted in the distance after breakfast, the second one soon after. The scouting for polar bear intensified and suddenly there was another one resting on a pile of ice blocks. Captain slowly took the ship closer. After some time, the bear made a short stroll, laid down again while mirroring himself in a pond of water on the ice. The image was just breathtaking.
More polar bears! After lunch, a lone male and a female with a cub were spotted at the same time. We got close and got another fantastic polar bear meeting. The beauty of the bears, the landscape of the pack ice with edge of Austfonna in the background was overwhelming.
/Olle Carlsson, Guide
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.