Arctic light is captivating in the spring. As we pulled into Bellsund, the ice glittered with the low sun, drawing in our attention at this beautiful site. We approached a haul out of Atlantic walruses and boarded Zodiacs for better views. Long-tailed ducks and common eiders streamed by our small boats as little auks zipped in front of our bows. After an incredible morning ride, the afternoon saw us hiking in the snow. We enjoyed observing Svalbard reindeer before we returned to the ship and concluded another wonderful day in this special place.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 03 May 2025
Bellsund, Svalbard, 5/3/2025, National Geographic Resolution
- Aboard the National Geographic Resolution
- Arctic
Steve Backus, Naturalist
Born in the mountains of east Tennessee, it was easy for Steve to fall in love with the wonderful natural environment around him. What started as a childhood passion to scan the creeks and ponds for all they would reveal evolved into a studied desire...
Read MoreShare Report
Svalbard in Spring: Arctic Wildlife, Light and Ice
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/6/2025
Read
National Geographic Resolution
At Sea, North of Svalbard
Today was a day spent exploring the pack ice 12 miles offshore from the northern tip of the Svalbard Archipelago. Everyone spent time on the bow and on the bridge looking for wildlife. We were rewarded with an amazing encounter with a curious polar bear and several sightings of bearded seals. There was a presentation in the Ice Lounge from our undersea team and another to learn more about polar bears. In the afternoon National Geographic Resolution cruised south, headed toward Longyearbyen. To the east, the coastline was rugged and beautiful. What a day!
5/5/2025
Read
National Geographic Resolution
In the Ice 80° North
Today we awoke in the ice, heading north to explore the frozen environment. We made a spectacular discovery of killer whales in the pack ice, a sight that none onboard have ever seen in Svalbard waters. Later, we continued moving through the ice and spotted a hooded seal, also a rare find, which made it very exciting. In the afternoon, we parked National Geographic Resolution in a floe of sea ice 40km long and had a nice walk off the ship and onto the ice. The wonderful day was rounded out with an amazing show by the crew.