North Pole Animals

In this guide, I cover all the animals you can see on a North Pole cruise in the High Arctic region.

In our experience, the wildlife on every North Pole expedition varies, and as with any cruise, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Each North Pole Cruise has a team of naturalists and guides who are always looking for animals to maximise sighting opportunities.

My Top Tip: The endless sea ice of the Arctic region is a habitat that supports a diverse range of wildlife. Because animals are spread out over a large area, spending time on deck is essential for the best wildlife-watching opportunities.

Wildlife is rarely seen at the North Pole, but most species are seen on the journey there. Reaching 90 degrees north is a big attraction of a North Pole trip, but so are the animals you see en route.

Which animals live in the North Pole?

Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)

• Description: Polar bears are the kings of the Arctic. Their thick fur and fat layers make them well-adapted to the cold.
• Habitat: Sea ice and coastal areas, where they hunt seals. They use the Arctic ice for hunting and resting.
• Behaviour: Powerful swimmers and polar bears spend most of their time on ice floes, waiting patiently for seals to surface.

For the best chance of seeing polar bears, we recommend any North Pole Cruise that departs or arrives in Svalbard. Our top tip is to spend time out on deck scanning the endless sea of ice with binoculars. Polar bears are considered dangerous to humans on land, but it’s safe to view them from the ship’s deck or in a Zodiac with highly experienced guides.

Arctic Foxes (Vulpes lagopus)

Description: Small and quick, the Arctic fox has fur that changes colour with the seasons and is perfect for camouflage.

Habitat: Tundra areas, where they feed on small mammals, birds and scavenged carrion.

Behaviour: Intelligent and adaptable, arctic foxes often follow polar bears to scavenge leftovers.

You will not see Arctic foxes on the pack ice between the land and the North Pole. For the best chance of seeing them, we recommend a cruise with landings in Svalbard, where they can be seen at the foot of bird cliffs.

Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus)

• Description: Recognizable by their long tusks and wrinkled skin, walruses are social animals that rest on the sea ice or are hauled out on beaches.
• Habitat: Coastal areas and ice floes, where they feed on clams and benthic invertebrates. They are part of a complex food web, including arctic cod, a primary food source for many marine mammals.
• Behaviour: Vocal and impressive haul-outs where they rest and socialize.

Walruses are often seen on a North Pole Cruise resting on large ice floes. In Svalbard, groups of walruses are frequently hauled out on the beaches, pushing and shoving for space.

Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas)

Description: The beluga whale is white and known as “sea canaries” for their vocalizations.

Habitat: Arctic and subarctic waters, bays, estuaries and open ocean.

Behaviour: Social and inquisitive, belugas travel in small pods, adding a lovely dimension to Arctic waters.

Belugas are rarely seen but can be spotted swimming in pods among the ice or near glacier fronts in Svalbard.

Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

• Description: Sleek and streamlined, minke whales are the smallest baleen whales, black on their back.
• Habitat: Open Arctic waters where they feed on krill and small fish.
• Behaviour: Known for their acrobatic displays, minke whales may breach and slap their tail on the water’s surface.

Minke whales are seen in open waters and along the ice edge in summer.

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

• Description: Humpback whales are giant baleen whales with long pectoral fins and complex vocalizations.
• Habitat: Arctic and subarctic seas where they migrate to feed on krill and small fish.
• Behaviour: Humpbacks are beautiful in Arctic waters and breach and slap the water with their fins.

Humpbacks are often seen from the deck in open Arctic waters.

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros)

• Description: Long spiral tusks, medium-sized toothed whales, mottled grey.
• Habitat: Arctic waters, ice edges and deep fjords.
• Behaviour: Elusive and social, narwhals are known for their tusk displays and can be seen near sea ice. Like narwhals, bowhead whales are also adapted to the Arctic environment.

Humans rarely see one of the Arctic’s most enigmatic creatures, Narwhals, as they swim through open leads in the sea ice. For the best chance of seeing Narwhals, we recommend a North Pole cruise, including Scoresby Sund in East Greenland.

Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis)

• Description: Small, sparrow-sized, white plumage snow buntings are well adapted to the tundra.
• Habitat: Tundra and open landscapes where they forage for seeds and insects.
• Behaviour: Seasonal migrant’s snow buntings have white plumage during breeding.

Snow Buntings have been seen as far north as the North Pole itself. We recommend a good pair of binoculars and any of our North Pole Cruises for the best chance of seeing Snow Buntings.

Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea)

• Description: Medium-sized seabirds with sleek designs, white plumage, and black cap on their head.
• Habitat: Coastal areas, cliffs and open waters where they feed on small fish.
• Behaviour: Long-distance migrants Arctic terns have impressive annual migrations between the Arctic and Antarctic.

Arctic Terns are common in the Arctic and can be seen flying close to the ship.

Guillemots (Various species)

• Description: Guillemots are seabirds with black and white plumage, they nest on cliffs.
• Habitat: Coastal cliffs and rocky shores where they breed and dive for fish.
• Behaviour: Agile divers and guillemots are known for their synchronized dives for prey.

For the best chance of seeing them, we recommend a cruise to Svalbard. The Alkefjellet bird cliffs are home to over 60,000 breeding pairs of Brünnich’s guillemots. From the Zodiacs, you can get up close and see this amazing sight.

Arctic Hares (Lepus arcticus)

Description: Large hares with white fur in winter blend in with the snow and have a grey-brown coat in summer.

Habitat: Tundra and rocky areas where they graze on grasses, mosses and other vegetation.

Behaviour: Agile and fast, Arctic hares are elusive in the Arctic landscape.

Arctic Hares are more likely to be seen on land than sea ice. For the best chance of seeing them, we recommend a cruise with landings in Greenland or Svalbard.

Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis)

• Description: Medium-sized seabirds with a tube-like structure and white and grey plumage on their bills.
• Habitat: Open Arctic waters where they feed on fish and zooplankton.
• Behaviour: Soaring flights, northern fulmars can cover vast distances over the open sea.

Watch as Northern Fulmars fly alongside, swooping and soaring over the ship.

Bearded Seals (Erignathus barbatus)

• Description: Named for their long whiskers, bearded seals have a robust body and mottled greyish-brown coat.
• Habitat: Arctic waters, near pack ice, where they feed on fish and invertebrates.
• Behaviour: Found resting on ice floes, bearded seals are vocal and a great addition to Arctic marine life.

Bearded seals are often seen resting on the pack ice. A great way to see them is from the ship’s deck as it crushes through the pack ice.

Puffins (Fratercula species)

• Description: Small, cute seabirds with brightly coloured beaks puffins are great fliers and swimmers.
• Habitat: Cliffs and islands, where they burrow and eat fish.
• Behaviour: Agile in flight and underwater, puffins are a fun and charming addition to the Arctic birdlife.

You can see puffins all over the Arctic. Sometimes, they’ll bob past the ship in open water in small groups.

Musk Oxen (Ovibos moschatus)

• Description: Big, hairy mammals like musk oxen are well suited to the tundra.
• Habitat: Tundra, where they graze on grasses, mosses and lichens. They’re common in the Canadian Arctic, where they graze on the tundra.
• Behaviour: In social animals, musk oxen form a circle around their young and use their horns for defence.

Musk Oxen live in East Greenland, not on the sea ice. For the best chance of seeing Musk Oxen, we recommend a North Pole Cruise that visits East Greenland.

Kittiwakes (Rissa species)

• Description: Medium-sized gulls with white plumage and a distinctive “kittiwake” call.
• Habitat: Coastal cliffs and rocky ledges, where they nest and eat fish.
• Behaviour: Social birds are often seen in large colonies, and kittiwakes are excellent flyers and foragers.

Kittiwakes fly overhead. You can see them from the ship before it enters the heavy pack ice.

Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)

• Description: A subspecies of reindeer, Svalbard reindeer are smaller with a more compact build and thicker fur.
• Habitat: Arctic tundra and coastal areas, where they graze on lichens, mosses and grasses.
• Behaviour: Well adapted to the Arctic climate, Svalbard reindeer migrate seasonally and have special hooves for digging through snow. The Arctic wolf is one of the predators that hunt Svalbard reindeer, showing the dynamic nature of the Arctic ecosystem.

As the name suggests, Svalbard reindeer are only found in Svalbard. They can be seen on land and sometimes in the capital, Longyearbyen. To see them, we recommend a route with landings in Svalbard.

Hooded Seals (Cystophora cristata)

Description: Males have an inflatable hood-like sac, bluish-grey coat and distinctive markings.

Habitat: Arctic and subarctic waters, where they haul out on ice to give birth and nurse their pups.

Behaviour: Hooded seals, known for their unique calls and displays, are a great addition to Arctic marine mammal sightings.

The favourite food of polar bears, hooded seals, can be seen on large ice floes.

See Animals on a North Pole Cruise

Seeing wildlife on a North Pole cruise is a real thrill. Here are our top tips to increase your chances of seeing the amazing Arctic wildlife:

Research and Learn

Before you go, please read up on the specific wildlife species found in the Arctic, their habitats and their behaviour. This will help you identify and appreciate what you see.

Choose the Right Time and Route

Choose cruises that coincide with peak wildlife activity, usually in the Arctic summer—research routes with good wildlife sightings, areas with sea ice, and rich marine life. Our Travel Experience Team is always happy to help with any questions. Consider the challenges of the Arctic winter when planning your trip; it can have a big impact on wildlife activity.

Learn From Guides

All our North Pole Cruises have expedition leaders and guides with extensive knowledge of North Pole animals and ecosystems.

Binoculars and Cameras

Bring binoculars to get a closer look at distant wildlife and a camera with a zoom lens to capture the moments. We recommend a telephoto lens over 600mm for polar bears and walruses. Consider a camera with good low-light performance for the Arctic.

Be Patient and Vigilant

Wildlife in the Arctic can be unpredictable. Be patient and keep your eyes peeled. Scan the horizon, ice floes and open water for movement or shapes that may indicate animals.

Visit Wildlife Spots

Research and ask about known wildlife spots along your route. These could be areas with high concentrations of seals, walruses or bird colonies. Expedition leaders often have good knowledge of the best locations. The Russian Arctic, including Franz Josef Land, is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Understand Wildlife Behaviour

Learn about the animals you want to see. Knowing their behaviour will help you anticipate their movements and increase your chances of seeing them. For example, watching for birds circling an area may mean marine mammals are present.

Make the Most of 24 Hours of Daylight

The Arctic has 24 hours of daylight in the summer. Use this to your advantage by being on deck as much as possible, even in the late evening or early morning when wildlife is most active.

Stay Warm

Be prepared for the cold Arctic with the proper clothing. Dress in layers, wear waterproof gear and don’t forget gloves and a hat. Being comfortable will allow you to spend more time outside and increase your chances of seeing wildlife.

Join Guided Shore Excursions

All our cruises include shore excursions, so take advantage of guided walks led by experts. These excursions may allow you to get close to wildlife and explore specific habitats.

Respect Wildlife and Rules

Follow responsible wildlife viewing practices and the rules. Keep a safe distance from animals and don’t disturb their natural behaviour. The guide team will advise and make sure you know the wildlife-watching rules.

Meet Onboard Experts

Attend talks and lectures given by onboard naturalists and wildlife experts. They will provide insights into North Pole wildlife’s behaviour and ecology and help you appreciate the animals you see.

Remember, wildlife is unpredictable, and patience is key. Enjoy the scenery and the Arctic environment, and consider every wildlife sighting a bonus.

North Pole Animals FAQ

Do Polar bears live on the North Pole?

No Polar Bears have ever been seen on the geographical North Pole itself. The furthest north a polar bear has been seen was about 13 miles from the North Pole on an icebreaker (although polar bear tracks have been seen closer). Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are not exclusive residents of the North Pole itself. While associated with the Arctic region, polar bears are found throughout the Arctic Circle, including areas surrounding the North Pole. The polar bear’s range includes the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and the coastal regions of Arctic islands and continental landmasses.

Polar bears live on sea ice and hunt for seals and other marine mammals. They are often found along coastlines, especially where sea ice meets open water, as this is a rich hunting ground. When the ice melts in summer, they may come ashore on islands or coastal areas.

Polar bear’s distribution is determined by the availability of sea ice and their prey. They have been seen in areas such as the Beaufort Sea, the Chukchi Sea, the Barents Sea and other Arctic habitats, but they don’t have a fixed residence on the North Pole itself as the North Pole is mostly covered by drifting sea ice. Polar bears are well adapted to the Arctic environment, and their population is closely tied to the sea ice ecosystem. Conservation efforts are in place to address the challenges they face due to climate change and loss of sea ice habitat.

What animals have been seen on the North Pole?

The North Pole is covered by drifting sea ice and is not where animals live.

Animals have been seen at the Geographic North Pole, including Northern Fulmar, black-legged kittiwake, and ringed seal. But it’s very rare to see animals this far north. On your North Pole cruise, you will most likely see animals during shore landings in Svalbard and Greenland, sailing in open waters, and pushing through the heavy pack ice when approaching the North Pole.

Do penguins live on the North Pole?

No, penguins don’t live on the North Pole. They are found in the Southern Hemisphere, not the Arctic, which has its own wildlife adapted to the cold conditions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Penguins are most commonly associated with Antarctica, sub-Antarctic islands and the southern coasts of South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. They are not native to the Arctic; you won’t find them living on or near the North Pole.

The Arctic wildlife includes polar bears, foxes, seals, walruses, whale species, and seabirds. It has adapted to the northern polar regions’ extreme cold and icy conditions.

Which North Pole Cruise is best for wildlife?

Choosing the best North Pole cruise for wildlife depends on many factors, such as the specific wildlife you want to see, the time of year, and the cruise itinerary. When choosing a North Pole cruise for wildlife, consider the following:

Itinerary

Look for cruises that visit areas known for wildlife, such as Franz Josef Land, Svalbard or other Arctic islands.

Time of Year

Wildlife sightings vary by season – cruise during the Arctic summer when many species are active.

If you would like to visit the North Pole please check out our North Pole Cruises.