A truly amazing holiday with many, many highlights. A common thread was how the fieldcraft of the ship's captain, zodiac pilots or expedition leaders positioned us to enjoy intimate and extensive views of so many different animals without disturbing them. Watching, for example, the Polar Bear sliding down a slope on its back and then returning to do the same again in case we'd missed it the first time. The magnificent Bowhead Whale, not just an occasional or distant view of the double blow, but repeated views over a period of nearly two hours and including two great tail flukes when diving. The Belugas, not just white blobs, but fully visible in a feeding frenzy with Kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls. They came so close we could watch them swimming underwater. And the list goes on: King Eider, Grey Phalarope, Arctic Fox, Walrus all enjoyed many times with some superb views. The glorious weather and incredible Arctic scenery just added to the experience. We felt privileged to be part of this wonderful adventure.
Spitsbergen - Realm of the Polar Bear (June 2024) by A.S., Kent