Polar Fauna & Expedition Experiences
Where
Wildlife
Reigns
The Arctic and Antarctic are the last great wildernesses — home to species found nowhere else on Earth. Encounter them on their terms, guided by naturalists who have spent careers earning the right to be present.
40+
Species Observed
12
Shore Landings
4
Seasons
100%
Guided Encounters
Interactive Species Explorer
Polar Fauna
Field Guide
Filter by expedition route and season to discover which species you may encounter on your voyage.
Route
Season
Ursus maritimus
Polar Bear
The apex predator of the Arctic. Encounters are rare and profoundly moving — typically observed hunting along sea ice margins or resting on pressure ridges.
Odobenus rosmarus
Atlantic Walrus
Colonies of hundreds haul out on rocky shores, filling the air with their distinctive calls. Zodiac approaches allow intimate observation without disturbance.
Vulpes lagopus
Arctic Fox
Masters of camouflage, shifting from brilliant white in winter to brown-grey in summer. Often seen near seabird colonies where they scavenge opportunistically.
Monodon monoceros
Narwhal
The unicorn of the sea. Narwhals surface in open leads between ice floes, their spiral tusks catching the Arctic light. Witnessing a pod is among the rarest experiences in polar travel.
Megaptera novaeangliae
Humpback Whale
Feeding aggregations of humpbacks are a hallmark of summer Arctic voyages. Bubble-net feeding — a coordinated hunting technique — is among the most spectacular wildlife behaviours on Earth.
Fratercula arctica
Atlantic Puffin
Nesting in vast colonies on sea cliffs, puffins are among the most charismatic of Arctic seabirds. Their comical landings and devoted parenting make them endlessly watchable.
On-Expedition Activities
Immersive
Experiences
From silent kayaking among icebergs to under-ice diving, every activity is designed to deepen your connection with the polar environment.
Zodiac Expeditions
2–4 hoursNavigate between icebergs and sea ice in our fleet of Zodiac craft. The low profile of these vessels allows intimate access to wildlife and ice formations impossible from the main ship.
Sea Kayaking
3–5 hoursPaddle silently through fjords and among ice floes — the most intimate way to experience the polar environment. The absence of engine noise transforms wildlife encounters entirely.
Tundra Hiking
3–6 hoursShore landings reveal a tundra alive with Arctic flora, nesting seabirds, and the tracks of polar bears. Guided hikes are led by naturalists who read the landscape like a text.
Aurora Watching
All nightThe polar night transforms the sky into a theatre. Aurora alerts wake guests when the geomagnetic conditions peak. Dedicated observation decks and expert astrophysicists guide the experience.
Under-Ice Diving
1–2 hoursFor certified divers, the world beneath the ice is otherworldly. Visibility can exceed 40 metres in polar waters. Encounters with sea angels, nudibranchs, and the underside of sea ice are unforgettable.
Photography Workshops
DailyProfessional wildlife and landscape photographers lead daily workshops, from dawn light sessions on the bridge to post-processing clinics in the ship's media suite.