Sail north from Longyearbyen on a small expedition ship and scan the pack ice and the shores of Spitsbergen for polar bears hunting seals under the midnight sun. A 2015 survey counted about 260 bears in the archipelago, and they roam a vast area and no sighting is promised. Since 2025 ships and visitors must stay at least 300 metres from a bear, and 500 metres from 1 March to 30 June, so the meeting happens through binoculars and long lenses.
Up to 70% sighting chance in Spitsbergen and the pack ice, Svalbard, Norway. Best months: July, August, June.
From June to August, when the ice opens enough for ships to sail around Spitsbergen. July offers the most stable conditions.
Since 2025 the minimum distance is 300 metres, and 500 metres from 1 March to 30 June. Bring binoculars and a long lens.
No. Bears are spread over a huge area, and longer voyages toward the ice edge raise the odds.
Fly to Longyearbyen from Oslo or Tromsø. The expedition cruises start from its harbour.
