Below you can read about an exciting Zodiac adventure along the rocky shores of Storøya and Karl XII Island during the trip Expedition Svalbard with M/S Quest 12 - 22 July.
16th of July 2018
Already before breakfast can we see the spectacular shape of Karl XII Island appear through the mist. As we set anchor a few hundred meters from the shore line there are two polar bears walking along the shore, apparently just as excited about us as we were about them. After breakfast, we put our Zodiacs into the water but because of the polar bears without any landing as earlier planned. At the very start of our Zodiac cruise we spot a group of walruses in the water as well. The mist vanishes and reappears, but we manage to circumnavigate the island. We see more walruses and altogether four polar bears along the rocky shoreline.
After lunch, we head east towards Storøya, which despite its name is quite small. As we approach the island we once again spot polar bears on the shore, and our landing once again must be cancelled. Instead we go for a Zodiac cruise along the coast to watch a couple of walruses and a beautiful red phalarope.
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.