🐻 Why the Arctic is a Must-Visit
- See polar bears, walruses, whales, puffins, and reindeer in their natural habitat
- Visit remote Arctic towns, ice fjords, and glacial bays
- Witness the Midnight Sun and experience true polar silence
- Travel in comfort with small-group expedition ships from G Adventures
📍 Where is the Arctic?
- The Arctic spans the northernmost parts of Norway (Svalbard), Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Russia
- Most cruises begin in Longyearbyen, Svalbard or Reykjavik, Iceland
- No single country owns the Arctic — it’s shared and wild
🚢 Arctic Expeditions with G Adventures
1. Realm of the Polar Bear (Svalbard)
- Duration: 8 days
- Depart: Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Norway)
- Highlights: Glaciers, polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes
- Book This Tour
2. Arctic Highlights (Iceland + Greenland)
- Duration: 15 days
- Depart: Reykjavik, Iceland
- Highlights: Fjords, icebergs, Inuit culture, whales
- Explore This Expedition
Wildlife Encounters (Full List)
- 🐻 Polar Bears – The Arctic’s top predator and most iconic animal
- 🐋 Beluga Whales – White, social whales often seen in pods
- 🐳 Bowhead & Humpback Whales – Known for their massive size and acrobatics
- 🦌 Reindeer (Caribou) – Common in Arctic tundras, especially in Norway and Canada
- 🦬 Muskoxen – Prehistoric-looking, shaggy mammals that roam the tundra
- 🦊 Arctic Foxes – Fluffy, white foxes adapted to the cold
- 🦭 Walruses – Huge tusked marine mammals found lounging on ice
- 🐧 (None) – Penguins live in Antarctica, not the Arctic
- 🐦 Puffins – Bright-beaked seabirds often seen in Iceland
- 🦅 Snowy Owls – Striking white owls adapted to Arctic open spaces
- 🐺 Arctic Wolves – Rare but present in some remote northern regions
- 🐦⬛ Various seabirds – Guillemots, kittiwakes, skuas, and more
📅 Best Time to Visit the Arctic
- June to August (Arctic Summer)
- 24-hour daylight
- Most wildlife visible
- Glaciers accessible by ship
🏨 Where to Stay Before/After Your Cruise
🌄 Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Norway)
🌍 Reykjavik, Iceland
🛒 Amazon Arctic Essentials – Shop Before You Go
Planning your Arctic expedition? Make sure you’re fully geared up. Here are must-haves you can grab from Amazon before you set sail:
- 🥾 Waterproof Insulated Boots
Stay warm and dry on deck and during shore landings
🔗 Shop Arctic Boots on Amazon - 🧤 Thermal Gloves
Essential for zodiac rides and wildlife spotting in the cold
🔗 Shop Thermal Gloves - 🧣 Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
Windproof protection for your face and neck
🔗 Get Neck Warmers - 🔭 Binoculars
Zoom in on polar bears, whales, and puffins!
🔗 Buy Wildlife Binoculars - 📸 Camera with Zoom Lens / DSLR
Capture epic Arctic moments in crystal clarity
🔗 Best Arctic Cameras - 🧳 Dry Bag / Waterproof Backpack
Protect electronics and clothes during zodiac rides
🔗 Browse Waterproof Bags - 💤 Eye Mask
Block out the midnight sun for better rest onboard
🔗 Shop Sleep Masks - 🚢 Motion Sickness Bands or Pills
Small ship = sometimes bouncy waves. Be ready.
🔗 Motion Sickness Relief - Want epic 360° views of icebergs, polar bears, and zodiac rides? Use an Insta360 camera to capture the entire journey — not just in front of you, but all around!
- 🔗 Explore Insta360 Cameras on Amazon
🌎 More G Adventures Trips to Explore
If you’re dreaming beyond Antarctica, here are other amazing adventures by G Adventures you might love:
🔹 Active Tours – For high-energy explorers who love hiking, biking, and physical challenges
🔹 Geluxe Collection – Luxe-style travel with intimate group sizes and exclusive touches
🔹 Family Tours – Safe, fun, and immersive adventures for the whole crew
🔹 Wellness Tours – Yoga, mindfulness, slow travel and spa-style rejuvenation
🔹 Solo-ish Adventures – Perfect for solo travelers who want a group vibe without feeling “solo”
🔹 Rail Tours – Epic train journeys through scenic landscapes around the world
🔹 Costa Rica Active Adventure – Jungle hikes, waterfalls, and pura vida magic
🔹 All G Adventures Trips – Not sure where to start? Browse everything!
🔗 Explore All G Adventures Tours
❄️ Don’t Miss: Explore Antarctica Too
Love icy adventures? Don’t forget to check out my Antarctica guide featuring penguins, glaciers, and life on the White Continent.
🔗 Read the Antarctica Blog Now (Insert your Antarctica blog URL here)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting this blog!