The day started off with the AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) orientation given by expedition leader Peter Wilson. This was followed by a review of policy and procedures in polar bear country by Doug Gould. After this, everyone attended clothing decontamination in Base Camp. This is where we clean any exterior clothing to make sure we do not bring any contamination into the Arctic. In the afternoon, all guests were invited to a cruise of the southern tip of Bear Island. The seas were active with one- to two-meter swells. The air was filled with puffins, guillemots, and fulmars circling around the steep cliffs. There were high, thin clouds most of the day. The sun burned through for a short time in the afternoon. Temperatures were between 0 to 5°C.