Exploring Arctic Wildlife at the Top of the World
The wildlife that inhabits the Arctic is as diverse and fascinating as the region itself. As summer unfolds, the landscapes begin to churn with life, drawing travelers here for the chance to witness these creatures in their natural icy realm. Because these species have far-reaching habitats, you will have the chance to spot many no matter your itinerary, especially with long lenses and binoculars. From the sea to the skies to the frozen tundra, prepare for encounters of the wildest kind.
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.
Arctic Fox
Small and stealthy, arctic foxes are omnivores who traverse the tundra in search of lemmings, fish, berries, and birds. Though known for their striking white coats, in summer their fur morphs into shaders of brown that blend in with the landscape.
Seasonality: April-July
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
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
Atlantic Walrus
These boisterous, giant pinnipeds can grow as large as 12 feet and weigh up to two tons. As social animals, walruses find comfort in large numbers, so they are often found in sizable herds, stretched out on ice floes or gathered in impressive haul-outs on shore.
Seasonality: May-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
Arctic Terns
Marathon fliers, Arctic terns migrate approximately 91,000 miles annually from pole to pole in search of 24 hours of daylight. They arrive back to their Arctic breeding grounds still full of fight and energy, which is needed to protect their colonies from arctic foxes, polar bears, or large gulls.
Seasonality: June-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
Ringed Seals
Named for the little circles on their coats, ringed seals are the smallest and most common Arctic seal, as well as the favorite prey of polar bears. With claws on their front flippers, these pinnipeds can dig snow caves to birth pups and maintain breathing holes in the sea ice.
Seasonality: March-June
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
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