BBC Wildlife Reader Holiday

See polar bears and whales in Svalbard

Join this thrilling trip to experience the majesty of the Arctic, one of the last great wildernesses on Earth, where nothing can prepare you for your first sighting of a polar bear on sea ice, a key highlight of this unforgettable adventure.

Our voyage gives us excellent chances of seeing many exciting mammals and birds, harp seals, beluga and minke whales and, of course, the undisputed king of the Arctic – the polar bear.

We visit in late spring, taking advantage of long daylight hours when temperatures are not severe. This adventure of a lifetime also coincides with the beginning of the breeding season for most birds. You will never forget the wonderful wildlife of this harsh, beautiful landscape. Be sure at the end of the day to spend time outside on deck and marvel at the low sun lighting the mountains as the sea turns a vivid orange-pink.

We cruise with experienced wildlife travel company Heatherlea to see Arctic foxes and walruses, and to enjoy the culture and history of this unique environment in the frozen far north.

As we travel, BBC Wildlife Magazine and Heatherlea team members will join expedition staff and popular natural history TV presenter Nick Baker to offer fascinating wildlife talks.

Sail through the sea ice in sight of the spectacular cliffs of the largest island, Spitsbergen, only 800 miles from the North Pole. It’s a land where glaciers mirror the sunset, seemingly setting fire to the mountaintops, and walruses haul themselves out to doze, while countless seabirds swoop down from an endless sky and whales blow amongst the ice floes.