Spotting narwhals from the floe edge, your guide readies your dry suit and snorkel in anticipation of an unforgettable encounter. You carefully pull on your gear, heart racing with excitement, and lower yourself into the icy Arctic waters. As the chill bites at your skin, you’re immediately captivated by the sleek, spiraled tusks that pierce the water’s surface. Curious and graceful, the narwhals circle, diving and surfacing as they inspect their new visitor. You begin to understand why this mysterious 'unicorn of the sea' has captivated imaginations for centuries.
Snorkeling with narwhals is just one of the ways you can experience these magnificent creatures up close. You may also observe them from the edge of the ice, from a boat, or even from an aircraft above as they navigate the Arctic waters in search of food.
Narwhals are exclusive to Arctic waters and can be seen most commonly in Canada but are also found in the regions of Greenland, Norway, Russia, and Svalbard.
At Natural World Safaris, we understand the unique allure of seeing narwhals in the wild, but we also know how challenging it can be to encounter them. Narwhals are elusive creatures, their movements dictated by the unpredictable and extreme conditions of the Arctic. While our guides have extensive local knowledge and carefully plan expeditions to maximize your chances, sightings are never guaranteed. This rarity, however, is what makes a narwhal sighting so exceptional. For those fortunate enough to witness them, it’s a truly unforgettable experience — a privilege to encounter one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures in its natural habitat.
Narwhals are famous for their long, spiraled tusks, which can reach lengths of up to 9 feet. This tusk, actually a modified tooth, grows straight through the male’s upper lip, while females occasionally grow smaller tusks. The purpose of the tusk remains a mystery, though it may play a role in mating rituals. The narwhal’s compact body, small mouth, and thick layer of blubber make them well-suited to the harsh Arctic environment.
As members of the Monodontidae family alongside the beluga whale, narwhals are social creatures, typically seen in pods of 15-20. During migrations, these pods can combine, forming groups of hundreds or even thousands. Narwhals are known for their deep-diving abilities, reaching depths of up to 1,500 meters and staying underwater for as long as 25 minutes. However, this behavior also puts them at risk of becoming trapped under pack ice. Their main predators include polar bears, walruses, and humans, who value their tusks and vitamin-rich skin.
The best time to go is the summer months between May and September, depending on what you would like to experience. The Canadian Arctic is a place of sheer extremes and dramatically changing seasons. Short summers and long, cold and dry winters, with temperatures plummeting to a biting -35C.
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Encounters with the Ocean’s Giants
One of the most memorable experiences, catching eye-contact always brings a sense of understanding between the two species, creating a connection and memory that will last long after your encounter ends.
