Whale watching in the Arctic
Now, everyone knows that the Arctic’s most famous resident is the polar bear, but of course this is also one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Belugas, bowhead whales and narwhals – the unicorns of the sea – are all resident in the Arctic throughout the year, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. At least 14 other species are found here at various times of year, including humpbacks, minkes and even predatory orcas, arriving to feed when the ice melts in the summer.
On an Arctic cruise, you’ll spend a large part of each day on your ship’s observation decks. The sight of a tail fluke in the distance, a pod of ghostly white belugas, a humpback breaching off to the side – these are all fairly common occurrences. Binoculars are, if not mandatory, very strongly recommended.
The Arctic Circle obviously covers a vast expanse, and cruises go to several different areas. The likelihood of seeing a particular type of whale can increase depending on where you sail. Importantly, many Arctic cruises are accompanied by specialists in marine biology, there to interact with passengers on the observation decks throughout the tour, and able to help you identify species and interpret their behaviours for you.
Where to see whales in the Arctic
Svalbard Archipelago and Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago, and the only one with a permanent population. It is among the most sought after destinations for Arctic cruise vacations, not only for its substantial population of polar bears, but also for its incredible marine life. The summer currents here swirl with nutrients, attracting cetaceans from around the world including blue whales, the largest animal on Earth. It’s hardly surprising then that in the 17th and 18th centuries this was a center of the whaling industry, and you may see former whaling huts and blubber ovens at the settlement of Smeerenburg (Blubber Town) on Amsterdam Island.Greenland
Around 15 species of whale are known to frequent the seas off Greenland, making it an exceptional cruise destination for those with a passion for marine life. Belugas and narwhals are there all year round, as are the huge bowhead whales, which can live up to 200 years and smash through the sea ice with the crown of their heads. In the summer you’re also frequently going to see minkes, fins and humpbacks, the last of which are known for spectacular aerial acrobatics.Canadian Arctic
While most Arctic cruises focus on Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago, there is also a few that travel into the Canadian Arctic. Whales can often be seen around Baffin Island during summer, with bowheads off Isabella Bay and narwhals off Pond Inlet. Belugas, one of the smallest whale species and easily recognisable with their prominent foreheads and sociable, chattery nature, frequent Hudson Bay in summer, feeding and calving.
Franz Josef Land
Only the hardiest of Arctic expedition cruises make it to the remote Russian archipelago of Franz Josef Land. This region is almost entirely undeveloped bar a military air base and as a result the archipelago is incredibly biodiverse: belugas, minkes and humpbacks are seen here frequently and if you don’t see at least one polar bear then you must have your eyes closed.
Arctic icebreaker cruise, Spitsbergen
Wildlife-focused, expert-led small ship Arctic cruises
From
£3160 to £20195
8 days
ex flights
Greenland cruise and northern lights
The world's longest fjord & spectacular Aurora Borealis
From
€4250 to €13005
9 days
ex flights
Highlights of Spitsbergen vacation
6 night cruise through the heart of the Arctic
From
£4950 to £6925
7 days
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Arctic sailing voyages, North Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen tall-ship wildlife and natural history sailing
From
€3045
8 days
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Spitsbergen cruise, 6 days
A 6 day 'taster voyage' to explore Spitsbergen's highlights
From
£1396
6 days
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Arctic sailing voyages, around Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen tall-ship wildlife and natural history sailing
From
€6040
15 days
ex flights
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Responsible whale watching
Naturally, whale sightings can never be guaranteed, but it’s rare that an Arctic cruise vacation doesn’t result in seeing at least a few whales. When they do occur, responsible operators will never pursue the whales, and if they do follow them, only at a safe distance, so as not to cause the animals undue stress.
Sadly, some countries continue to hunt whales for food, which we oppose. If your cruise either starts or finishes in Iceland then you may encounter whale on the menu in some restaurants – we recommend people avoid it, and hopefully we will eventually see an end to the practise.
More Arctic cruising articles
Discover why the best time to go on an Arctic cruise is during the summer months.
Our travel guide reveals why one of the best ways to explore this region is a small ship expedition cruise.
There are several Arctic cruise itineraries available, focusing on different regions, activities and wildlife.
Optional activities range from nature hikes to kayaking and even the chilling ‘Polar Plunge’.
Spot polar bears, enormous walrus, fluffy Arctic foxes and several species of whales, plus birds, seals and orca.
The big ticket attraction on Arctic cruises is the chance to see polar bears.
Our advice on choosing a ship helps you pick a vessel that suits your style of adventure.
Read on to find out what life is like onboard a typical Arctic cruise.
Find out what to pack to make the most of the space in your suitcase.
Here are some of the ways you can either cut costs or supersize your trip.
Read on for the best travel advice from our vacation experts who have spent years working in the far north.
Responsible tourism in the Arctic is a thorny issue. Find out more in our guide.
