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Whales of the High Arctic: Species You’ll Encounter in Svalbard

Whales of the High Arctic: Species You’ll Encounter in Svalbard

There’s a special kind of stillness in the Arctic summer, the kind that’s broken only by the soft splash of a whale’s fluke disappearing beneath icy waters. On a Svalbard whale watching journey, these moments are both humbling and unforgettable. Here, in the remote wilderness, travelers find themselves surrounded by glaciers, drifting sea ice, and the gentle giants that call the High Arctic home. Every summer, as the sea ice recedes and nutrient-rich waters bloom with life, whales migrate to the Arctic to feed. The result? One of the most rewarding wildlife experiences imaginable—encounters with humpbacks, blue whales, belugas, and even the elusive bowhead. On the Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway voyage, travelers have front-row seats to this spectacular show of nature. Explore more Arctic adventures through our Arctic expedition collection. The Arctic’s Gentle Giants The waters surrounding Svalbard are among the most productive feeding grounds in the northern hemisphere. During the long Arctic summer, whales gather in great numbers to feast on krill and small fish. Humpback whales, known for their graceful breaches and melodic songs, are often seen surfacing near the fjords. These acrobatic mammals can grow up to 50 feet long and travel thousands of miles from tropical breeding grounds to feed in the cool northern waters. The blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, is another awe-inspiring sight. Watching this immense creature exhale a towering spout before slipping below the surface leaves travelers speechless. Even at a distance, the sheer scale of these whales reminds us of how vast […]

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