Exploring Arctic Wildlife at the Top of the World

Polar Bears

We give these apex predators plenty of space to roam, watching for them from the comfort of our ship and allowing them to go about their daily explorations without intrusion. Spotting a male hunting on the pack ice or a female with cubs playing in the endless summer sunlight are among nature’s most special wildlife moments.

Seasonality: April-August

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

This image was taken using a long-focus camera lens.

Atlantic Puffins

Iceland is home to more than half of the world’s population of these small, endearing birds that rub beaks with their mates. Puffins breed in summer along rocky coastlines where they tend to their chicks in underground burrows. Prepare for plenty of photo ops as these charismatic creatures fly to and from the sea.

Seasonality: May-Early August

Photo: Michael S. Nolan

Reindeer

Reindeer roam freely in the Arctic where they have people outnumbered. These hearty animals are uniquely adapted to year-round life on the tundra. They have two layers of fur, short and stocky bodies that reduce exposure to the cold, and the ability to warm the air they breathe in.

Seasonality: April.-Mid October

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Narwhals

Narwhals have earned the moniker “unicorn of the sea” for their epic “horn” and their near-mythic status. Because they can dive deeper than a mile and spend time far out at sea, these toothed whales are especially elusive, which makes any sighting incredibly momentous.

Seasonality: May-October

Musk Oxen

These herbivores have inhabited the Arctic tundra for many thousands of years. Weighing up to 800 pounds with horns and thick, shaggy coats, muskoxen appear intimidating, but they are still vulnerable to predation. Herds protect themselves from wolf attacks by gathering in circles with their young at the center.

Seasonality: June-September

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins