Discover Svalbard
Positioned halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard Archipelago represents the ultimate Arctic frontier. From the towering ice walls of Hornsund and Hinlopen Strait to the windswept tundra of Spitsbergen, this frozen sanctuary operates under the spell of the midnight sun and polar night. It offers a legendary marine and ice expedition where polar bears roam vast pack ice, massive walruses haul out on gravel beaches, and belugas navigate glacial fjords.
Why Svalbard?
Realm of the Polar Bear
Home to a thriving population of Ursus maritimus, Svalbard offers one of the world's most accessible opportunities to observe wild polar bears in their natural sea-ice habitat.
High-Arctic Marine Megafauna
Expeditions frequently encounter massive walrus haul-outs, Beluga whales, Bowhead whales, Blue whales, and Svalbard’s distinct sub-species of reindeer and Arctic fox.
Glacial & Sea Ice Landscapes
Over 60% of the archipelago is covered by glaciers, featuring
sheer ice fronts, deep fjords, sea-ice fields, and dramatic alpine
peaks (Spitsbergen).
Photographer's
Dream
The 24-hour golden light of the Midnight Sun, stark white-and-blue glacial vistas, and high-latitude predator dynamics make Svalbard an extraordinary photographer's frontie
Wildlife of Svalbard
Mammals
Polar Bear, Walrus, Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Blue Whale, Fin Whale, Humpback Whale, Bowhead Whale, Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Harp Seal
Birdlife
Svalbard supports over 240 recorded bird species (with around 45 regular breeders), including the Little Auk, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Ivory Gull, King Eider, Arctic Tern, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, and the endemic Svalbard Ptarmigan.
Flora
High-Arctic tundra vegetation featuring dwarf shrubs like the Arctic Willow (Salix polaris), Svalbard Poppy (Papaver dahlianum), Moss Campion, Purple Saxifrage, and vast carpets of tundra mosses.
Explore Svalbard
THE SVALBARD EXPERIENCE
More Than a Safari
Svalbard is about more than searching for a polar bear. It is the anticipation of entering the ice fields at first light, watching the pack ice shift and crack, feeling the Arctic air, and experiencing wildlife in its rawest natural surroundings.
Every expedition day is different. Some bring unforgettable wildlife encounters; others reward patience with smaller discoveries, striking ice scapes, and moments that could never be planned.
When to Visit Svalbard
Spring & Fast Ice Season
April – May
Brilliant polar light, heavy snow cover, and frozen fjords. Ideal for snowmobile/ski expeditions and viewing polar bears on the fast ice, though marine access by ship is limited.
Summer & Expedition Cruise Season
June – August
24-hour Midnight Sun, melting sea ice opening up circumnavigation routes, peak bird cliff activity, walrus viewing, and high-latitude polar bear tracking along the northern ice edge.
Things to Know Before Your Safari
Strict Polar Bear Safety & Firearms Regulations
Due to the high density of polar bears, leaving the main settlement (Longyearbyen) requires carrying approved firearms, flare guns, and trained polar bear safety personnel.
AECO Environmental Protocols
Landings and marine navigation operate under rigid environmental laws that dictate distance limits from wildlife, designated walking zones, and mandatory boot washing to prevent invasive species.
Dynamic Sea-Ice Navigation
Expedition itineraries around the archipelago (such as full circumnavigation via Hinlopen or reaching Nordaustlandet) remain flexible and strictly dependent on real-time satellite ice maps.