Life on the Edge: The Arctic’s Remarkable Wildlife
30 October 2025 | Arctic Circle
From the polar bear to the Arctic hare … the diverse wildlife of the Arctic region is simply magnificent. Each species is a true survivor – built for months of darkness and brutal, icy winters, while taking full advantage of the brief, fruitful summer season.
Polar Bears
The largest land predators on earth, the polar bear can reach a massive 800kg – their bodies adapted to a life of hunting in the freezing Arctic climate. An iconic symbol of the region, polar bears cleverly use floating sea ice to roam for prey in the winter months, following the moving platforms to search and hunt seals. As the sea ice covers much of the Arctic region, Polar bears can travel vast distances in search of prey – hundreds and even thousands of kilometres.
Known for their lumbering, steady gait, polar bears can run at high speed to capture their prey, but due to their size, they prefer to stay still and wait patiently for a seal to surface at a breathing hole. While they don’t hibernate, pregnant female polar bears will retreat from hunting activities in October-March to give birth to their cubs in snowdrift dens.
Polar bears have adapted well to the Arctic landscape – with a thick, double-layered fur coat and fat layer to shield against the cold, creamy white fur to camouflage against the snow and ice, and large, wide paws for efficient swimming and walking across the ice. Hinlopenstretet and Torellneset in Svalbard are among the best areas for polar bear sightings.
Walruses – a Keystone Treasure
Hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th and early 20th century for their blubber, tusks, and skin, walruses have made a remarkable comeback in the Arctic, thanks to strict hunting regulations and conservation efforts. In Svalbard, walrus numbers have risen from a few hundred in the 1970s to over 5500 today.
Walruses are considered a “keystone” species – an organism that has a large sway on a natural environment, helping to maintain the ecosystem. As bottom feeders, walruses use their sensitive whiskers to undercover prey on the seabed. When movement and shapes are detected, the walrus burrow into the sand with their snouts and use powerful jets of water from their mouths to release clams, mussels, and essential nutrients into the water.
Their tough ivory tusks are used for several purposes – breaking holes in the ice for breathing, fighting and dominance among males, and as a defence against predators. They’re also used to haul their immense frames out of the water – fully grown males can top the scales at 1700 kilograms and 3.6 meters long. Walruses are social creatures who can be seen in large herds that number up to a thousand animals. These ‘haul out’ sites allow walrus herds to rest, warm up, and engage with each other before the next feeding foray. Mothers are particularly attentive to their calves – nursing their offspring for up to 2.5 years as the youngsters learn social and foraging skills. Samarinvågen and Burgerbukta in Svalbard are two reliable haul-out sites where massive herds of walrus gather to sunbathe, sleep, bark, and roar to one another.
The Whale Migration
Whales are a vital presence in the marine ecology of the Arctic region, but they have also played a role in shaping human history during the whaling period. Once hunted for their commercial value, these majestic creatures are now revered for their environmental importance - a symbol of resilience and recovery.
Each summer, the Arctic welcomes whales from across the globe on their annual seasonal migration. Humpback, Gray, Southern Right, Minkes, and Orca whales undertake extraordinary journeys of thousands of kilometres to feed in the nutrient-rich waters and build up energy reserves for breeding and birthing. Watching these whales’ breech, fin slap, and push water through their blowholes evokes immense joy and wonder.
Only three whales make the Arctic home year-round: Beluga, Narwhal, and Bowhead. These whales have cleverly adapted to the frigid environment and can use their tough skulls and power to break through the sea ice for breathing. These whales don’t have dorsal fins, which is thought to help them move more easily through the ice and minimise heat loss.
Bearded and Ringed Seals
Six main species of seals live in the Arctic: Bearded, Harp, Hooded, Ribbon, Ringed, and Spotted. Sleek and streamlined – seals have a finely developed sense of hearing and smell to allow them to capture prey in dark waters. Their fur and blubber keep them well insulated when the temperatures plummet. Some Arctic seal species are facing the threat of extinction, as sea ice loss shrinks their feeding and breeding areas.
Reindeers
Found across the Arctic tundra, reindeer or caribou are perfectly adapted for life in the harsh environment. Their thick, double coat acts like a winter jacket, and their specialised hooves can be both soft and spongy for moving through summer marshland and hard and sharp during winter for traversing ice. Their pupils also transform between seasons - adapting to long periods of darkness and light. Reindeer often migrate long distances during the seasons, moving to more plentiful feeding grounds and escaping harsh weather.
Wildlife continues to thrive in the Arctic, despite the extreme environment, rapidly shrinking sea ice, rising sea temperatures, and the threat of increased human activity.
At Aqua Expeditions, our exploration of the Arctic region is guided by a deep commitment to responsible travel. Our philosophy is to tread lightly in the extraordinary places we visit - supporting conservation, local communities, and sustainability. Our actions ensure this precious part of the planet endures for generations to come.
Aqua Expeditions' Arctic Circle voyages set sail in 2026. We look forward to welcoming you on board. Learn More.
Images are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect the proximity of wildlife encounters during our excursions.
