Among one of the most remarkable places for seeing Arctic whales on earth is Svalbard. Different species of whales can be found in the cold waters around Svalbard, providing an opportunity to observe these gigantic creatures in their natural environment.
Whale watching in Svalbard is something that will stay with you forever; it allows you to see some iconic whale species such as minke, humpback, beluga (white), fin and blue whale along with bowheads.
The best time to go whale watching in Svalbard is during the summer months – from May until September when the Arctic ice has melted away and nutrient-rich waters surround these islands, attracting the whales. During this time “the midnight sun” shines which means that sun does not set below horizon line even at night, creating surreal backdrop against glaciers or towering mountains while spotting them.
Various types of whales come closer because warmer seas bring more food so it’s also an ideal period for going on trips aimed at observing these giant animals. Whether you are cruising through fjords aboard R/V Kinfish or using Zodiac boats along the coastline – meeting a whale should be considered among one of the highlights of visiting Svalbard.
Svalbard’s waters are home to a diverse range of whale species, each with its unique characteristics and behaviours. Let’s explore some of these in more detail...
The minke whale is one of the most sighted whales in Svalbard. Known for their curious nature, minkes often approach boats, offering visitors an up-close experience. These smaller whales, reaching up to 10 metres in length, are agile and can be seen breaching or surfacing in the fjords.
Sightings of single animals are most common, but small herds have been known to occur occasionally. During the winter months they leave the Arctic and retreat to latitudes somewhere between Portugal and the Caribbean.
They’re particularly difficulty to photograph as they only show up for a few moments before diving back down again and surfacing in another location.
The humpback whale is renowned for its acrobatic displays and haunting songs. These whales are often spotted in Svalbard's waters, with their long pectoral fins and distinctive tail flukes making them easy to identify. Watching a humpback whale breach the water’s surface is a breathtaking sight and if you’re lucky enough they will show up to two thirds of their entire body length when breaching.
Humpback whales spend the summer in polar waters before heading to more tropical latitudes in the summer. They’re a great success story as they were reduced in numbers massively until being protected in 1966.
Since 2012 humpback whales are quite regularly seen in Spitsbergen and given how playful and curious they are they’re often seen as the favourite whale by photographers.
The beluga, or white whale, is a unique species that thrives in the Arctic’s cold waters. These small, white whales are highly social and often travel in pods. Belugas are frequently seen in the shallow coastal waters of Svalbard, often in fjords near glacial fronts where their pale colour contrasts beautifully with the sea.
White whales were hunted in Spitsbergen for centuries until 1962 but today they’re protected in Svalbard waters (though still hunted in Canada and Greenland).
The fin whale is the second-largest whale species on the planet, surpassed only by the blue whale. Femaltes can reach 24m in body length and up to 75 tones in weight. Fin whales are fast swimmers and can be identified by their sleek, streamlined bodies and the asymmetrical colouring of their lower jaws. Spotting a fin whale in the wild is a truly awe-inspiring experience due to their immense size. They are a protected species in all areas other than limited hunting in West Greenland and can live to almost a century.
The blue whale, the largest animal to have ever lived, occasionally graces Svalbard’s waters. These giants can reach up to 30 metres in length and are easily recognised by their enormous size and blue-grey colouring. Encountering a blue whale is a rare and humbling experience, as just a few individuals have been known to appear in the waters around Svalbard.
Their life expectancy is around 90 years with only Orcas being their natural predators (and they will only hunt calves and weakened individuals).
The bowhead whale, sometimes also called the Greenland whale, is one of the most elusive species in the Arctic. These whales are specially adapted to life in the icy waters of the polar regions and are known for their massive, bow-shaped heads, which they use to break through ice. Bowheads are rarely seen, but your best chance at spotting one would be around drift ice.
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Find out the best place and time for polar bear tracking in this detailed and free guide.
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Explore the High Arctic on a 5-day adventurous snowmobiling expedition to Isfjord Radio.
From 4000 per person
Snowmobile and Sail
We are delighted to announce the first safari that combines both land and sea exploration of Svalbard! Journey by snowmobile through the remote wilderness of Spitsbergen to Isfjord Radio on a three-day expedition, before embarking on the R/V Kinfish and navigating the Svalbard Archipelago, seeking out epic Arctic landscapes and potential wildlife encounters.
By sharing our environmental concerns as we explore the wonders of nature, we look forward to guiding our travellers towards becoming ambassadors for these remote corners of the world. In our experience most travellers return from their adventures with the strongest dedication to natural preservation.
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Experience the Arctic like a true explorer via tented camp and husky sled, looking out for the Northern Lights and spotting wildlife in Svalbard's dramatic wilderness. Begin your adventure into the wilderness at Basecamp Hotel before spending two days camping under the stars, scouring for the magical Northern Lights and exploring the far reaches of the Arctic. Watch for wildlife and travel by husky sled before recuperating in luxury with a stay at Isfjord Radio, a converted radio station turned comfortable wilderness hotel.
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Intreview with the Owner of R/V Kinfish - Robin Dahlberg
The R/V Kinfish, a 12-passenger expedition ship, has been chartered by NWS since 2018. Will fell in love with her as soon as he saw her, and our guests on expeditions since then, have raved about her and the crew. We sat down with Robin Dahlberg, owner of the Kinfish, to chat all things expeditions in Svalbard.
This safari combines the peaceful fjords of the Lofoten Islands with the dramatic glaciers and mountains of Svalbard, while the mystical Aurora Borealis illuminates the night skies. Experience dog sledding and snowmobiling across vast snowy plains, keeping an eye out for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife.
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Discover a Year of Incredible Arctic Adventures
As our charter vessels, RV Kinfish and MS Polarfront both return home for the winter, our Polar Product Manager Katie takes the opportunity to reflect on our Arctic season in Svalbard.
Whale watching in Svalbard is typically conducted on small boats or Zodiacs, allowing for an intimate experience with the marine environment. The tours are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and the best spots for sightings. These guides provide valuable insights into the behaviour of the whales and the ecological importance of the Arctic waters.
The silence of the Arctic, broken only by the sound of a whale surfacing, creates a profound connection with nature.
Svalbard's whale populations are part of a delicate Arctic ecosystem that is highly sensitive to environmental changes. The impact of climate change, including the melting of sea ice and changes in prey availability, poses significant challenges to these species.
As a result, conservation efforts are critical to ensuring the survival of Arctic whales. Responsible whale watching in Svalbard involves adhering to strict guidelines that minimise disturbance to the whales and their habitat.
Here at NWS, we’re committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that visitors can enjoy whale watching without negatively impacting the environment.
This includes maintaining a respectful distance from the whales, limiting noise pollution, and avoiding areas where whales are known to be feeding or breeding.
Whale watching in Svalbard is not just about observing wildlife; it’s about experiencing the magic of the Arctic. The combination of dramatic landscapes, pristine waters, and the presence of these majestic giants makes for an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor to the Arctic, the opportunity to see whales in Svalbard is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
