A curious polar bear get a closer look at the National Geographic Explorer ship.

National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears

Photo by: Michael S Nolan

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The National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears voyage sails north just as the spring sun mounts higher in the Arctic sky. Scan the icescapes for emerging bears, walrus and other wildlife. Walk on a frozen sea. Cruising along Svalbard is a unique and memorable experience. Enjoy a unique visit to Camp Barentz on Longyearbyen, for a taste of Arctic culture.

Arctic Svalbard, a remote archipelago situated just over 350 miles north of Norway’s North Cape, is a place of deep fjords, mountains and massive sheets of ice. During summer, when the sun never sets, the tundra experiences a warm revival and becomes carpeted with wildflowers, sleepy walrus, reindeer and hunting polar bear. During the spring, Svalbard is stunning with vistas of snow and ice. The changing light initiates a true awakening as this part of the world transitions from polar night to polar day. Even experienced Arctic sailors find this moment to be remarkable, so special that it deserves its own itinerary. Watch the frozen world awaken alongside expert naturalists, experienced crew and National Geographic photographers, whose goal is to spot the earliest risers of polar bears, walrus and reindeer.

Sail along Svalbard aboard one of two identical sister ships: the 126-guest National Geographic Resolution or National Geographic Endurance . With a polar ice class 5 rating, state-of-the-art educational equipment and highly qualified naturalist guides, these ships are ideal for an Arctic cruise. After daily explorations via hiking, kayaking and Zodiac cruising, relax in the sauna, yoga room, library or bar, then watch your expedition ship crush through ice from the bridge or deck and enjoy the highest technologies in ice-stable small ship cruising.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises , Svalbard polar bear cruises and Arctic trips .

Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard Itinerary

The 10-day National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears voyage begins and ends in Oslo, Norway with a flight to sail from Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Route map of National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears voyage, operating round-trip from Oslo, Norway, via Longyearbyen, Svalbard, with visits to sites along Spitsbergen's northern, western and southern coasts.

Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, the introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner at your leisure.

Hotel Bristol (or similar)

Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn the story of Svalbard and its context in Norway and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern mining, research and tourism. Then tour the Gallery Svalbard to view the permanent art and cultural collections as well as studios of local artists. Embark the ship, your home base for the next 6 days.

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory by design and the exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. The main focus is the search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife: polar bear, reindeer and walrus. Observe seals and arctic foxes and search for the very symbol of the Arctic—majestic polar bears. Cruise in Svalbard’s fjords and venture to the foot of stunning tidewater glaciers. Take Zodiacs and kayaks among beautiful icebergs and experience the geology, wildlife and wildflowers that give color and vitality to the High Arctic.

Disembark in Longyearbyen, meet up with a local guide and take a short bus ride to Camp Barentz in the nearby Advent Valley for a taste of Arctic culture. Discover a unique collection of buildings including an authentic gamme, a traditional round building with an open fire in the center, and a lavvo, the traditional tent of the Sami people. Enjoy refreshments and meet some of the friendly, sled dog huskies that reside at camp. Fly back to Oslo and overnight at the SAS Radisson Blue Airport Hotel.

SAS Radisson Blu Airport Hotel (or similar)

breakfast, lunch

After breakfast, proceed to the airport for the flight home or continue on to other adventures.

Expedition parka to keep; two hotel nights in Oslo; accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Round-trip charter flight Oslo-Longyearbyen ($1,140 per person in 2024, subject to change); immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation  

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure: 120 or more days – 100% of deposit** 119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost 89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost **Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.  

( For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023 : Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears cruise begins and ends in Oslo, Norway (OSL). Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights from New York, New York (JFK). Disembarkation times may vary depending on local conditions on Day 9. Plan departing flights after breakfast on Day 10 of the itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights  resource page.

Internal Flights

The round-trip charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen is not included in the cruise price, but is arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled charter flight for your particular departure. Airfares vary by departure; your Adventure Specialist will detail these for you in their proposal and on your invoice. See Exclusions for sample airfare rates, subject to change.

There is a strict luggage limit of one checked bag weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg), and one carry-on bag weighing up to 18 lbs (8 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat. In Oslo, arrangements can be made to store excess luggage which can then be delivered back to you upon your return from Svalbard.

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, Zodiac excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details.  Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

The 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

The 126-guest National Geographic Resolution is one of the newest additions to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions.

Reviews From Our Experts so You Know What to Expect

A travel expert lends her Arctic cruise insight on what you can expect aboard a small ship polar bear cruise in the Arctic Svalbard region.

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us Before

Endurance is a wonderful ship with a crew that not only sailed her with great competence but coordinated superbly. Our many land hikes through snow, rocky terrain and on tundra were enhanced by the experts who led us. When Zodiacs were not safely able to land, we had memorable landings on drift ice.

Accommodations Review

Not only was our suite excellent, it was cared for by a dedicated member of their hotel staff (Gema). The open bridge policy is great and we made frequent visits, always learning lots and enjoying the views.

Meals Review

Dinner at Charlie’s Table was over the top and we enjoyed learning all the symbolism behind creation of the various courses.

Traveler Advice

People who are choosing this trip in order to tic off seeing a long list Arctic animals should think again. Animals are as unpredictable as weather and the staff always errs on the side of caution when positioning passengers. Wildlife may only be visible at a considerable distance.

Crew & Guides Review

Hazel, Sergei, Kirsten, and Stefano always seemed to be on top of any situation. Antonio and other staff in the dining room were also great.

Fellow Passengers Review

We met a wide variety of lovely people. The children among us were well behaved and pleasant to be with. Their parents seemed to be well engaged with them.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew - and in his absence, Kevin - were always prompt to respond and/or find answers for us (even over the weekend before our Monday departure.

Featured in this Traveler Review

  • National Geographic Endurance
  • Andrew Browning
  • Kevin Marshall

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In conjunction with this cruise, the following pre- and post-cruise options are available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.

Iceland’s Natural Wonders Extension is a 4-day post-cruise exploration of the geological wonders in the heart of the Icelandic wilderness: towering glaciers and gushing hot springs, boiling mud pools, lava fields and thundering waterfalls.

Norway’s Fjords Extension  is a 7-day pre-cruise exploration of the rich landscapes of southern Norway, including Sognefjord—the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. Thundering waterfalls and snowy peaks offer wonderful photo ops.

Set sail  for 8-9 days aboard a French luxury ship on this Norwegian fjords cruise. Discover dizzying cliff faces, Viking history and the Norwegian capital of Oslo, a city with unique energy.

Discover the jewels of the Arctic aboard cutting-edge small expedition ships. Among Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland there is something for every traveler to discover. Add-ons like kayaking, rock climbing and scuba diving make the journey even more rewarding for the adventurous.

Join National Geographic expert leaders aboard 126-guest Nat Geo Endurance or Resolution to see the Arctic's unparalleled beauty, exploring where polar bears prowl and walruses haul out on rocky shores.

Trips You Might Also Like

On this 10-day adventure aboard 199-guest Ultramarine, 138-guest Ocean Explorer or 128-guest Ocean Adventurer, cruise Spitsbergen's coastline and discover fjords, sea cliffs, polar bears and walrus.

Board a luxury French ship to voyage along Spitsbergen's west coast in comfort and style. For 8 days, cruise to the heart of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, in the company of specialist teams, to discover the exceptional flora and fauna that lives in these extreme conditions.

A flexible itinerary allows the 132-guest Greg Mortimer to follow the best weather and wildlife-spotting opportunities. The option to add on scuba diving and kayaking is particularly unique for expeditions in this region.

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On a Cruise to the Remote Arctic, Where Polar Bears Roam (for Now)

What an expedition cruise in the rugged yet fragile high arctic can teach travelers about the planet..

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More than 3,000 polar bears call Svalbard home—though in April, they’re challenging to spot.

Photo by Bailey Berg

The polar bear is sizing us up.

We’re close enough to see the rise and fall of her shoulder blades as she paces before her trophy, a seal she’s only just pulled from below the ice. There’s steam spiraling from her nostrils, and she’s breathing so heavily we can see the inky blueness of her tongue—it took a lot of work to ambush the pinniped, and she’s tired. But more importantly, she’s hungry, and she’s wondering if she’ll have to defend her supper.

Ultimately she decides the gaggle of humans standing on the ship’s bow before her, frantically clicking away with camera shutters, pose no threat and tucks into her meal.

Once memory cards fill and the subzero temps prove to be too much, my travel companions and I retreat inside to find the warm embrace of a hot toddy. We’re aboard Lindblad Expedition’s National Geographic Resolution for a 10-day sailing around Svalbard, a clutch of islands halfway between Norway and the North Pole, well inside the Arctic Circle. It’s mid-April, making this the earliest expedition (by more than a month) around the archipelago that Lindblad—or any cruise company, for that matter—has ever done. These quiet, rare moments with one of the estimated 3,000 polar bears that call this part of the High Arctic home are why we’ve come.

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National Geographic Resolutions is purpose-built to navigate icy regions—it can also “park” in the ice, so guests can get off and explore.

There’s no set plan for the week other than to look for what expedition leader Bud Lehnhausen, who has been leading trips to Svalbard since the 1980s, called “little butter balls” on the mosaic of broken sea ice off the coast, where the bears prefer to hunt. For safety reasons (polar bears are the only species of bear that will actively stalk humans), we’ll spend much of our trip aboard the ship. (We do get off the vessel one particularly memorable day to watch a stubby-legged subspecies of silver-furred reindeers playing what one can only call reindeer games.)

For much of the week, I find myself on the bridge—aka the ship’s control center, where the captain and officers man the vessel—which on Lindblad sailings is open to everyone, 24 hours a day. I chat often with Captain Heidi Norling and scan the horizon with a pair of borrowed binoculars. We’re more than 600 miles north of Norway and at a higher latitude than everywhere but some of Greenland and part of Canada’s Nunavut territory, so it’s still firmly winter here—most of the mountains were buried in meringue-like snow, though streaks of rock the color of misty midnight occasionally peeked out. (The color palette this time of the year extends only from pearl to smoke, though visitors in July will see wildflowers and emerald hills.)

Compared to polar bears, seals and walrus were easier to find—they appeared in the distance of the crisp white landscape like smudgy letters on a page. With each sighting, guests and crew dash onto the deck for a better view before coming back in with eyelashes rimmed in frost. Birds are the readiest to spot—they often fly in the ship’s wake, like it’s the lead bird in their V-formation. One afternoon, Captain Norling parallel parks the vessel near a vertical rock face dandruffed with thousands of Brunnich’s guillemots, a black-and-white bird that breeds in colonies on jagged cliffs. For more than an hour, we sit spellbound in the Observation Lounge, sipping coffee and watching out the floor-to-ceiling windows as clouds of birds swoop and dance around the vessel.

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Because it’s an expedition sailing, the Resolution doesn’t pull into ports, except for Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard at about 2,500 year-round human residents, for embarkation and disembarkation. Rather, the ship explores the area, cruising where it can with its 407-foot length, as dictated by the ice and weather conditions. The eight-story ship can accommodate 126 passengers (with most of the rooms being suites with balconies) and has two dining rooms, a bar, a spa with two outdoor hot tubs, a gym, and a library. There are also two glass igloos on the stern, outfitted with hot water bottle–warmed beds and eye masks for those brave enough to spend the night atop the ship.

Most evenings, the staff naturalists give presentations on the landscape and animals before dinner. During many of those evenings, one of the topics is the King of the Arctic: the polar bear.

The Latin name, ursus maritimus , means bear of the sea, though bear of the ice might be more appropriate, as the frozen fields are where they spend most of their time—it is both their highway system and their hunting grounds. And it’s disappearing rapidly.

While the bears are the marquee cast members, a more prominent presence is stealing the show.

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The eight-story ship can accommodate 126 passengers.

Part of the reason we’re able to come so early is that the Resolution , which launched in late 2021, was purpose-built to navigate the icy polar regions. But the bigger reason—the elephant (seal) in the room—is climate change. The Arctic is warming more than twice as fast as the rest of the Earth, and the effects of those rising temperatures on Svalbard is a constant topic of conversation over the course of the week.

During one nightly briefing, Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions and one of AFAR’s 2018 Travel Vanguard winners , shared that he’d been coming to Svalbard since 1973. Considered one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas, Svalbard’s electric blue ice fields (more than 60 percent of Svalbard is covered by glaciers), dizzying fjords, and raw landscapes provide the backdrop for a sixth of the world’s remaining polar bears, as well as other creatures like the Arctic fox, bearded seal, and Svalbard reindeer. In the summer months, the sun never sets, but rather hangs low on the horizon, so the “golden hour” lasts all day. In the winter, the sun doesn’t rise for five months, but on clear nights the northern lights pirouette across the sky.

Decades ago, the earliest they could visit was July, because this part of the Arctic Ocean was frozen over. Now, most of the sea ice has broken up or melted by May or June—if they can find any at all. And the ice isn’t important only to the bears. It’s the platform where all other systems in the Arctic start. The microorganisms that feed the fish grow there—as the ice diminishes, so do the fish populations. In turn, it means fewer seals and fewer polar bears. Hunting polar bears has been illegal since 1973, but the bears aren’t immune to other problems brought on by humans elsewhere on the planet.

Though Svalbard’s landscape—largely devoid of human life or infrastructure, marked only by the prints of Arctic animals and the wind over the snow—seems rough and rugged, it’s incredibly fragile. And while the Arctic can feel like the outer rim of the globe, almost lunar in its starkness, it’s intimately connected to the rest of the world. The consequences of what happens here reverberate throughout the globe . The ice is an important part of what keeps the Earth cool—it reflects the sun’s energy better than land or water does. As it melts (and flows into the ocean, causing sea levels to rise, which lead to flooding and habitat loss), the Earth absorbs more energy from the sun, thus heating up faster.

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Thanks to hunting bans, Svalbard’s walrus population has rebounded in recent years.

Yes, tourism is part of the problem—an estimated 8 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from tourism each year, according to Sustainable Travel International. But in cases like this—where travelers can see firsthand how delicate the balance has become—it may also be a benefit to conservation. The visitors able to witness the challenges the polar bears, reindeer, and other denizens of the High Arctic face may come home with a new appreciation for the planet, says Lindblad.

“I think it’s incredibly important that people have the opportunity to see these places, learn about them, and develop a sense of reverence and importance for their existence,” Sven Lindblad tells the cruisers over dinner one night. (He’s not on every sailing but was on this one because it was the earliest his company had ever gone to Svalbard.) “The goal is to show people the world, create wonder, and inspire them to change.”

The experience crystallized for me one afternoon while zooming between shimmering, bobbing bits of ice on a Zodiac. While I lifted my camera to capture a walrus (a species whose population has rebounded in recent decades due to new protections that ban hunting) perched on the edge of an iceberg, I could hear a nearby millennia-old glacier seem to groan in protest. As I turned to look, great chunks of ice calved from its face.

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  • Search for the very symbol of the Arctic—the polar bear—and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Take naturalist-led shore walks, and cruise among beautiful passing icebergs in a Zodiac or a kayak.
  • Experience the legendary midnight sun: the ethereal light of the northern summer, when the sun never sets.
  • Watch for huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, and reindeer.

What's this trip about?

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Travel themes.

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

  • Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Pre-departure information
  • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
  • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
  • Ground transportation during the expedition
  • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
  • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
  • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges

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Travel Map

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Depart Oslo on a private charter flight, and enjoy breath taking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark the National Geographic Explorer, your base for the next six days.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner ( Daily)

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel

In Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, disembark and enjoy time to explore. Founded by an American coal executive in 1906, this is one of the northernmost human settlements on Earth. Fly back to Oslo this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight home.

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Adventures

National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.

We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

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Polar bears live along shores and on sea ice in the icy cold Arctic. When sea ice forms over the ocean in cold weather, many polar bears, except pregnant females, head out onto the ice to hunt seals.

Polar bears primarily eat seals . Polar bears often rest silently at a seal's breathing hole in the ice, waiting for a seal in the water to surface. A polar bear may also hunt by swimming beneath the ice. But climate change is making it harder for polar bears to hunt. Ice melts earlier and re-forms later than it has in the past. Without the sea ice, the polar bear must scavenge for other, less nutritious food.

Polar bears roam the Arctic ice sheets and swim in that region's coastal waters. They are very strong swimmers, and their large front paws, which they use to paddle, are slightly webbed. Some polar bears have been seen swimming hundreds of miles from land—though they probably cover most of that distance by floating on sheets of ice.

In fall pregnant polar bears make dens in earth and snowbanks, where they'll stay through the winter and give birth to one to three cubs. In spring the mother emerges from her den followed by her cubs. During that time she will protect them and teach them how to hunt. The U.S. , Canada , Denmark , Norway , and Russia signed an agreement in 1973 to protect polar bears.

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Amazing animals, comeback critters, save the earth tips, endangered species act.

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  • Exploration

Canadian Arctic Polar Bear Capital of the World

The Arctic tundra is one of our planet’s most stunning wildlife habitats: an endless snowscape in the winter that bursts with life when summer arrives, drawing migrating species such as caribou, beluga whales, and—most famously—polar bears. Travel to the Canadian Arctic this summer to experience this habitat and wildlife up close, using an Arctic research facility in Churchill, Manitoba, as your base. Choose either the Photography or Wildlife Conservation On Assignment, and delve into your focus area as you set out with a National Geographic Explorer to learn more about the unique adaptations that allow species to survive the extreme Arctic conditions, and how they and the communities that live there are coping with a changing climate.

  • Head out in all-terrain vehicles across the tundra to track and photograph polar bears
  • Take a dog sledding lesson and learn about the importance of this mode of transport
  • Kayak with beluga whales and learn about scientists understanding of their “singing”
  • Use your camera to capture shooting stars and, if lucky, the Northern Lights

Meet the Experts

Alison Criscitiello is a National Geographic Explorer, ice core scientist and high-altitude mountaineer. She explores the history of sea ice in polar and high-alpine regions using ice core chemistry. This involves long months of living in a tent and drilling ice cores in places like Antarctica, Alaska and the Canadian high Arctic. Criscitiello’s work also focuses on environmental contaminant histories in ice cores from the Canadian high Arctic and the water towers of the Canadian Rockies. She is the Director of the Canadian Ice Core Lab and an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta. In 2010, she led the first all-women’s ascent of Lingsarmo, a 22,818-foot peak in the Indian Himalaya. Criscitiello has received three American Alpine Club (AAC) climbing awards, the John Lauchlan and Mugs Stump alpine climbing awards, and she earned the first Ph.D. in glaciology ever conferred by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Criscitiello is the founder and co-director of Girls on Ice Canada. When not busy shivering for science, Criscitiello seeks out the cold for fun, working as a climbing ranger in the national parks and guiding expeditions to peaks in the Andes, Alaska, and the Himalaya.

National Geographic Photographer, Kiliii Yuyan, illuminates stories of the Arctic and human communities connected to the land and sea. Informed by ancestry that is both Nanai/Hezhe (Indigenous East Asian) and Chinese-American, he has traveled across the polar regions working with Indigenous cultures, wildlife, and underwater. On assignment, he has survived a stalking polar bear, escaped pounding waves diving with sea otters, and found kinship at the edges of the world. Kiliii has photographed the cover of National Geographic Magazine twice, producing nine stories for National Geographic since 2015, including the July 2022 cover story on Native North America, migratory birds of the Arctic, and Greenland’s kayak culture. His story on Indigenous conservation from Mongolia to Palau will comprise the August 2024 issue of the Geographic. Kiliii is the 2023 recipient of the National Geographic Eliza Scidmore Award and is a National Geographic Explorer. Kiliii is also an award-winning contributor to TIME, Vogue, WIRED and Bloomberg Businessweek.

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and fly together to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Get to know your group and On Assignment team during an overnight in Winnipeg, enjoy a meal and your first night together, then fly northward to Churchill early the next morning.

  • Churchill, Canada

Begin your Arctic adventure in the remote town of Churchill, nicknamed the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Dive into an in-depth orientation, take a walk in this former fur-trading outpost—home to fewer than a thousand people—and learn about everyday life on the icy edge of Hudson Bay. Head across the bay with naturalist guides to hike from the Prince of Wales Fort to the harbor at Sloop Cove, looking for bear and other wildlife along the way. Spy names carved into the rocks, marks left by early European fur trappers, and hear the history of some of these individuals as shared by our Parks Canada guides. Photograph the wilderness that surrounds the town during a hike along the rugged shores of Hudson Bay. Learn about the educational outreach initiatives being done by Polar Bear International and their studies on bear behavior, biology, and population distribution. Visit the Itsanitaq Museum for a look at life on the tundra through the ages, and check out the exhibits on narwhals, sometimes called the “unicorns of the sea.” Attend a presentation by Parks Canada guides from the local Indigenous community to learn more about the history of Churchill and the surrounding areas, including the troubling history of the forced relocation programs that began in the 1950’s. Practice the art of dog sledding on a lesson with a local dog sledding team and learn about the importance of this unique form of arctic transportation. Visit Churchill's Polar Bear Holding Facility and discuss their work to maintain human-polar bear coexistence through detaining and relocating the curious polar bears that wander into town.

  • Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Head to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, a research facility at the edge of the tundra that has hosted National Geographic-funded scientists and conservationists. Learn about the behavior of polar bears, arctic foxes, and other wildlife from the resident researchers, and get a firsthand look at how rising temperatures have affected the surrounding ecosystems. Venture out onto the tundra on foot and in our all-terrain vehicle in search of polar bears, which arrive each summer with their cubs to roam the wilds surrounding Churchill, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can hunt seals and other marine life on the pack ice. Under guidance from naturalist guides observe bears from a safe range, and photograph their white coats against the magenta fireweed that blankets the tundra each summer. Return to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre for a presentation by members of one of the remaining Indigenous fur trapping families in Churchill to hear about the practice of trapping and how the industry has changed in recent decades. Encounter and photograph other wildlife who inhabit the far north, including caribou, red foxes, and a host of migratory birds. Kayak in waterways that teem with beluga whales, which migrate here in the thousands during the summer months to feed and give birth to their young. These marine mammals are known as the “canaries of the sea” for the singing noises they make. Watch them play at the water’s surface, and listen to their clicks and whistles as we learn how scientists are working to decipher their communications. With the help of our host biologists, investigate the ecological health of an estuary that serves as a temporary habitat for calving belugas. Present your On Assignment project and celebrate your time together in northern Manitoba before catching a flight from Churchill to Winnipeg.

The next morning, fly together to Minneapolis, Minnesota, then, continue on to your final destination.

A Day in the Life: Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Every day will be a little different as we adjust to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Here is a snapshot of a day at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. Please note that, although we work with local experts to optimize our chances of spotting wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

  • 8am Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre
  • 9am Brief talk by researchers sharing field reports and the latest bear sightings
  • 10am Embark on a tide pooling excursion and photograph the unique landscape
  • 12:30pm Head to the shores of Hudson Bay for a picnic lunch
  • 1:30pm Join naturalists on a kayak trip into the Churchill River to spy and learn about the beluga who migrate to the estuary each summer
  • 4pm Warm up with a hot chocolate in town at an old trading post-turned-cafe
  • 5pm Head back for a shower and downtime before dinner
  • 6:30pm Enjoy dinner at the Churchill Northern Studies Center
  • 8pm Settle in for a presentation on the fur trapping industry from one of the few remaining active trappers in Churchill
  • 9pm Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
  • 11pm Optional late viewing of the Northern Lights, weather permitting

What to Expect

  • On Assignment Themes

Choose either the Photography or Wildlife Conservation workshop, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus. Photography Workshop: Create a portfolio showcasing the many facets of the tundra. Learn to photograph wildlife using polar bears and caribou as your subjects. Experiment with color as you frame your friends in fields of magenta fireweed, and capture vivid constellations across the night sky and—if we’re lucky—the swirling flares of the Northern Lights. Wildlife Conservation Workshop: Examine the tundra’s complex ecosystems and learn about the uniquely adapted life that thrives in these harsh landscapes. Discuss the latest research on resident and migratory species and investigate the health of area waterways on tidepooling excursions. See firsthand how findings are being used to protect area wildlife from the effects of rising temperatures.

  • Physical Activity

This is a physically active summer travel program that includes several active excursions in an Arctic environment. To get the most out of the program, you should be enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as light hiking and kayaking. You do not need to have previous experience to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are interested in trying all activities.

In Churchill, we stay in a family-run hotel in the center of town. During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations.

We eat meals at the research station or residence, and take packed lunches while out exploring the tundra or kayaking. On occasion the group may stop at local cafes for snacks and warm beverages.

Please call our office with any questions about the physical nature of this program or to discuss specific accessibility and accommodation questions.

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Destination

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill, Manitoba, draws wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, climate change researchers, birders, and adventurers from around the world. This remote town has become a hotspot for polar bear observations as it is situated in a part of Hudson Bay which is the first to freeze again after the summer. Hundreds of polar bears gather around Churchill waiting for the sea ice to return where they hunt their main prey, ringed seal. During the summer months, approximately 3,000 beluga whales flock to the Churchill River Estuary to feed, calve, and molt their skin. Manitoba is located in the traditional territories of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Ojibway and Oji-Cree First Nations, as well as the Metis nation. Churchill is home to several significant historical sites such as tent rings and summer campsites that have been attributed to the first inhabitants of the Churchill area, dating back 3000 years.

English and French are both official languages of Canada. English is the most commonly spoken language, followed by Cree, Inuktitut, French and Dene. The languages of Dakota, Michif, Ojibwe and Ojibwe-Cree are also used in Manitoba.

Light rain and temperatures in the mid-50s°F/13°C are most common during the summer. Churchill is known for dramatic weather shifts and summertime temperatures vary widely, ranging from the low 40s°F/5°C to low 70s°F/21°C. Days are long with the sun shining an estimated 19 hours a day!

The food on this program will likely be very similar to fare in the United States and we encourage you to try local specialties, should you come across them. Vegetarians and travelers with dietary restrictions can certainly be accommodated as well.

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national geographic polar bear trip

national geographic polar bear trip

Canada's Premier Polar Bear Adventure

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Trip Highlights

The Most Intimate Polar Bear Encounters

Superlative Tundra Vehicles Get You Closer

Search for the Aurora on the Tundra at Night

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Photo Departures Available

national geographic polar bear trip

Our immersive polar bear photography adventure includes three full days of photography on the tundra. No one offers you more time and proximity with the King of the Arctic, coupled with an intensive focus on helping you create outstanding images. Our Expedition Leader is an expert nature photographer and naturalist, by your side to offer hands-on coaching and augmenting your learning with evening lectures on Arctic wildlife and landscape photography. With just 16 guests aboard vehicles designed for 30-plus passengers, everyone has a window seat, plenty of room for gear, and space to position for the best shots.

national geographic polar bear trip

There is a Difference in Polar Bear Tours—Choose Wisely!

  • We Hold Exclusive Permits for the Best Bear Viewing Area Not every polar bear tour operator in Churchill holds permits to access the full range of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area where the best—and often only—polar bear viewing occurs. Naturally, the Nat Hab/Great White Bear team possesses one of these permits. Those who don't can only offer trips along the road to Halfway Point, which is, as the name implies, only halfway to the prime polar bear-viewing area . If you’re going to Churchill just once in your life, make it a complete experience!
  • Our Polar Rovers are the Most Impressive Vehicles in the North The original tundra buggy designed for polar bear viewing was invented in the 1980s, an innovative concept that has since been substantially improved upon. Our partner in Manitoba, a world-renowned specialty vehicle designer, has created the world's premier tundra vehicle—the Polar Rover—which we operate exclusively in Churchill. Its innovative drive train allows us to traverse the tundra with virtually no chance of breakdowns. With the advanced elite suspension system that smooths the ride, plus on-board flush toilet facilities, our guests enjoy a superior level of comfort and safety. 
  • Steel Mesh Flooring Offers Close-Up Bear Observation Built into the rear viewing platform of every Polar Rover is an innovative and exclusive feature we've pioneered for optimal polar bear viewing—corrugated steel-mesh floors that facilitate remarkably close encounters with curious bears that sometimes wander beneath our vehicles!
  • The Smallest Groups Ensure the Best Nature Adventures A fundamental element of the best polar bear expedition is a small group. It may cost a little more, but considering the hugely superior experience, we know it’s well worth it. By limiting our groups to approximately 16 guests (even though our Polar Rovers hold more than 30 passengers), we ensure plenty of space aboard our vehicles, room to angle for the best photos, and a window seat for all.
  • Private Chartered Planes Maximize Time with the Bears So we don't waste time dealing with airline schedules and airport security screenings, we charter our own aircraft to fly directly between Winnipeg to Churchill at a time that's most convenient for us. We know you'd rather spend your time watching polar bears rather than sitting around airports.
  • Sled Dog Experience Included on Every Departure Every one of our Churchill tours includes a personal visit with a local dog musher and his team, and a ride through the boreal forest behind a team of sled dogs. Earlier in the season, if there isn't sufficient snow cover, the dogs pull us in a wheeled cart. But whenever you come to Churchill, this authentic northern adventure is part of your experience. 
  • We Provide Heavy Parkas & Winter Boots for Your Use No need to go spend a lot of money buying heavy outdoor gear you may use just once—we provide Arctic-style parkas and heavy-duty winter boots for your use in Churchill, at no cost. 
  • Special Photography Departures Spend Three Full Days on the Tundra If you're especially interested in polar bear photography, choose a Photo Tour: Our custom Polar Rovers get us in prime range of our subjects, and photo departures spend three full days roving the tundra in search of bears and other Arctic wildlife, with expert photography coaching from our Expedition Leader. 
  • The Finest Naturalist Guides on the Planet Natural Habitat Adventures is known for employing the highest-quality guides in the industry. Our Polar Bear Expedition Leaders—who have been guiding bear tours for an average of more than 10 years each—receive additional training and resources from WWF’s top scientists, ensuring a superlative interpretive experience. Expedition Leaders meet you in Winnipeg and travel with the group the entire way, sharing their wealth of knowledge and insight at every turn. On our special photo departures, guides are professional photographers with extensive experience photographing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife—and they're constantly by your side to share their knowledge. Our philosophy is pretty simple: a nature adventure is only as good as the guide, so we simply must provide the best! See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
  • Local Cultural Interactions Enhance Our Adventures Through years of developing close relationships with local people, we are able to offer our guests exclusive opportunities to meet revered elders of First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultural groups in Churchill. These storytellers are some of the most senior in their communities, passing on their knowledge of the past to younger generations and also to our travelers.
  • Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Special Polar Bear Experience Natural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, clearly stating that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
  • Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

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10 interesting facts you might not know about polar bears.

For many people keen to visit the Arctic, one of the main attractions is the hope of seeing the king of the arctic, the polar bear, in its natural habitat. Here are a few particularly interesting and perhaps not so well-known facts about these amazing animals, that will only fuel your desire to see them for yourself!

national geographic polar bear trip

1. POLAR BEARS ARE CLASSIFIED AS MARINE MAMMALS Because they spend most of their lives on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean and depend on the ocean for their food and habitat, polar bears are the only species of bear to be considered marine mammals. Their Latin name is Ursus Maritimus meaning ‘Sea Bear’. Polar bears are found in the frozen wilds of the Arctic, in Canada, Alaska (US), Greenland, Russia and Norway.

2. POLAR BEARS ARE THE UNDISPUTED KING OF THE ARCTIC Polar Bears are regarded as apex predators as they have no natural predators and are top of the food chain in the Arctic. Male polar bears can weigh up to 800kg, as much as 10 men, and are twice the size of females. This, in addition to the fact that they can measure up to 3 metres long, makes polar bears the largest bear species and the largest land carnivore in the world. Big, strong and powerful, no other animal dares rival the Polar Bear – the true king of the Arctic.

3. POLAR BEARS ARE ACTUALLY BLACK, NOT WHITE. Polar bear fur is translucent, and only appears white because it reflects visible light, and it allows them to camouflage into their environment. Beneath all that thick fur, their skin is jet black, which helps them soak up the sun’s rays and keep warm.

national geographic polar bear trip

4. POLAR BEARS CAN SWIM CONSTANTLY FOR DAYS AT A TIME Polar bears can swim at speeds of up to 6mph in the water and have been recorded swimming for nearly 10 days at a time and traveling up to 427 miles (687 kilometres) in a single swim without stopping to rest. They use their large paws that are specially adapted for swimming to paddle through the water while holding their hind legs flat like a rudder.

5. POLAR BEARS HAVE MORE PROBLEMS WITH HEAT THAN THEY DO WITH THE COLD Polar bears have more problems with overheating than they do with being cold – they are specially adapted to their environment have 2 layers of fur that prevent almost all heat loss in the freezing temperatures. That’s why they typically walk at a slow pace – they can run for a short distance, as fast a racehorse, but quickly overheat!

national geographic polar bear trip

6. POLAR BEARS CAN SMELL THEIR PREY AS MUCH AS 20 MILES AWAY Polar bears have an incredible sense of smell which they use to find food. They can smell a seal that is up to 20 miles away and they can even smell a seal hidden 3 feet below the ice from nearly a mile away! This is very handy as polar bears often hunt by waiting for seals to breathe at the breathing holes in the ice. They locate them with their powerful sense of smell and wait for the seals to emerge. Polar bears have to be smart and patient because the wait can be long—sometimes hours, or even days.

7. BABY POLAR BEARS WEIGH THE SAME AS A GUINEA PIG Pregnant polar bears build snow dens where they give birth and care for their young cubs for the first few months of their lives, protected from the harsh Arctic environment. The mother does not feed during this time and can go up to 8 months without food – the longest deprivation time of any mammal. At birth, the cubs are only around 30cm long and weigh around half a kilogram – that’s about the same as a guinea pig!

8. POLAR BEARS FACE MORE THREATS THAN CLIMATE CHANGE There are only about 26,000 polar bears living in the wild, according to the IUCN. However, estimating the number of polar bears is difficult because they live in such remote habitats at low densities, and information about their subpopulations is often poor or outdated. Polar bears are listed on the U.S. Endangered Species List as threatened and are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. While climate change remains the greatest threat to the polar bear’s survival, that is not all that the predator is up against. Other challenges to the bears include increased commercial activities, conflicts with people, pollution, disease, inadequate habitat protection (of denning and seasonal resting areas), and the potential for over-harvest in smaller or declining polar bear populations. At National Geographic Expeditions all our cruises are carefully crafted to minimize any disturbance to fragile natural and cultural resources. An environmental impact assessment is made by our experts for cruises in sensitive regions and our passengers are supervised by onboard guides, who explain important considerations when encountering local flora, fauna and populations.

national geographic polar bear trip

9. SCIENTISTS CAN EXTRACT POLAR BEAR DNA FROM JUST THEIR FOOTPRINTS An innovative new technique developed by WWF and DNA specialist firm SPYGEN allows scientists to isolate DNA from a polar bear’s footprint in the snow. Two tiny scoops of snow from a polar bear track revealed not just the DNA of the polar bear that made it, but even from a seal it had recently eaten!

10. GRIZZLY-POLAR BEAR HYBRIDS EXIST As recently as 2006, genetic testing confirmed the existence of polar bear-grizzly bear hybrids, also known as ‘grolar bears’ or ‘pizzly bears’. As the world warms and Arctic Sea ice thins, polar bears are being driven ever further south, where they meet grizzlies, whose ranges are expanding northwards. And with that growing contact between the two species comes more mating, and therefore increased sightings of their hybrid offspring. The hybrid physically resembles an intermediate between the two species, but as wild hybrids are usually birthed from polar bear mothers they are raised and behave like polar bears. The ability for polar bears and grizzly bears to interbreed is unsurprising when you consider that polar bears evolved from brown bears as recently as 150,000 years ago!

While you can never guarantee to see one or more of these majestic beasts, travelling with our experienced Expedition team and our National Geographic Experts who know the land and their favourite spots, you have the best possible chance! Find out more about our Arctic adventures here

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Michael W Travels…

Keeping you informed about most things travel, win a national geographic expeditions trip for 2 to japan.

National Geographic

The prize includes airfare and a 11 day/ 10 night group guided trip for two “Inside Japan.” The guided trip includes hotel accommodations, meals and more.

We visited Japan around ten years back and had an incredible time. I’d love to win this prize to head back and see more of the country

Let’s take a closer look at the sweepstakes.

The Prize : An 11 day/ 10 night National Geographic Expeditions “Inside Japan” trip for 2

Prize includes :

  • Roundtrip coach airfare
  • A double occupancy room per location
  • Participation in a guided group travel experience
  • Transportation within the land package
  • Services of local experts
  • Services of Expedition Staff
  • On-tour luggage handling
  • All gratuities except the Expedition Leader
  • Scheduled meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)

The Rules :

  • Open to legal residents of the fifty United States or DC
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older at date of entry
  • There is a limit of one entry per day
  • Vacation Package must be booked at least 60 days in advance of travel departure date, and be booked on or before July 3, 2025
  • Trip departure dates between September 1, 2024 and September 1, 2025

Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on April 2, 2024.

Find out more and enter for a chance to win the prize here .

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  • PHOTOGRAPHY

7 extraordinary photographers share the stories behind their most iconic images

In their new documentary, Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi show how far—or high—photographers will go to get for a picture.

What kind of person chases a tornado, or dives among sharks, or travels into a conflict zone, all for a photograph? Jimmy Chin—mountain climber, skier, photographer, filmmaker—wondered this as a child growing up in Minnesota, flipping through the pages of his family’s copies of National Geographic. When he picked up photography in his twenties, his goal was to shoot for the magazine.

Joining the ranks of National Geographic photographers in 2002, he has since shown how far—or high—he’ll go for a picture. As his friend and fellow climber Alex Honnold attempted a ropeless ascent of the El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park in 2017, Chin dangled from a safety line nearby, more than 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Honnold’s death-defying feat also became the Oscar-winning National Geographic documentary Free Solo, directed by Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, his wife and creative partner.

( How they filmed Alex Honnold’s death-defying Free Solo. )

For a new series, the two National Geographic Explorers turned the camera on photographers. In March they debuted Photographer, six episodes that embed viewers with “some of the world’s most extraordinary visual storytellers,” as Chin describes them. “We’ve always been interested in stories about people who are pushing the edges of the human experience.” Doing something that’s never been done, or capturing an image that’s never been seen, arises from the “same instinct,” he explains.

Dedication to craft unites the show’s featured photographers. From the tiniest animals to a final flight into space, the following images sample their work and the stories behind them.

( Other photographers take you behind the scenes of their favorite shots. )

Storm towers over a farm grain elevator.

Krystle Wright

Imperial, Nebraska

It’s a tough thing to see because you feel this contradiction.  On one hand it’s just like, Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m witnessing this absolute phenomenon. But then at the same time, particularly when it’s going through a town, you realize, Well, this is absolutely destroying lives.

Photographer Krystle Wright and fellow storm chasers arrived on the scene just as   a supercell storm spitting lightning threatened a farm with a UFO-like “mother ship” formation in May 2019. The team’s timing that day was “sheer luck,” Wright recalls. After retreating from a storm in Colorado that pounded their SUV with hail, they crossed into Nebraska and caught up to this system at the apex of its power.

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( How Wright got the photo of her dreams. )

Portrait of wasp.

Anand Varma

Montréal, Quebec

National Geographic Explorer Anand Varma took thousands of frames of a ladybug clutching a braconid wasp’s cocoon for the cover of the November 2014 issue. The wasp larva developed inside the spotted lady beetle; just before the wasp emerged to spin a cocoon, it paralyzed its host. Something in the process made the ladybug twitch like a zombie. Readers wrote to Varma confessing that they used to dislike insects but his picture had opened their eyes. Or, as Varma puts it, “I used to think bugs were gross, but now I think they’re cool.”

( How to take photos of the world’s tiny creatures, according to Varma. )

Young girl with beautiful big eyes on the floor of dark room and women in the doorway.

Muhammed Muheisen  

Al Mafraq, Jordan

If you want to be able to capture the right emotion, to capture the image, you have to respect the  people and you have to gain their trust. It’s not something you buy or you sell. It’s something you invest. It’s a long-term investment. 

Zahra Mahmoud, photographed here at age seven in 2018, lives in a tent in Jordan. Muhammed Muheisen, a National Geographic Explorer who documents refugee crises, met Zahra and her family in 2015, soon after they fled the war in their native Syria. Every year he visits them at the encampment and photographs Zahra, now a teenager. Muheisen says he’ll continue telling the family’s story until they’re in a more permanent living situation.

( Muheisen tells the story of animals trapped in war zones finding a second chance. )

Portrait of a painted black man with long rabbit ears.

Campbell Addy

London, England/U.K.

This image represents a time in my career and life where I was truly questioning my purpose and direction. ... I felt that I had lost ‘me’ in the work. So, to reboot my creative mainframe, I went back to the beginning. I went back to me.

Campbell Addy’s fashion and portrait photography explores identity through boldly stylized depictions of diverse, often Black, faces and bodies. As part of an exhibition in 2023, Addy moved in front of the camera for a series of self-portraits, including this one, where he wears blackface—a motif in his work—and his hair intentionally evokes the strange rabbit in the cult classic film Donnie Darko . The photographer wanted to remind himself to stay artistically brave.

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Torrents of cardinal fish casing to avoid a sea lion overhead.

Cristina Mittermeier  

Galápagos Islands

[Photography is] a very challenging job, to be gone all the time, months on end, to be so engaged in something that’s pretty isolating. To be a photographer, you’re a lone wolf. So when Paul and I met and we started working together, it was almost like finding your life jacket in the middle of the ocean.

In 2021 photographer Cristina Mittermeier and her partner, Paul Nicklen—both National Geographic Explorers— were diving together in the Galápagos Islands to promote the expansion of a protected marine reserve. As an ocean current pulled Mittermeier toward a reef and a large shark patrolled the area, she focused on the scene above her: a school of brightly colored cardinalfish darting from the path of a Galápagos sea lion.

( Mittermeier is on a mission to protect the ocean through the power of visual media. )

Polar bear swimming underwater under his upside-down reflection on water surface.

Paul Nicklen  

Nunavut Territory, Northern Canada

As Arctic sea ice disappears, hungry polar bears are increasingly forced to hunt seals in open water. In 2004 Nicklen photographed a male swimming beneath a floating piece of ice, its image reflected on the water’s surface. To get the angle, Nicklen leaned far over the side of the small boat from which he was observing the bear and dunked his camera underwater .  

( How Nicklen captured a healthy ecosystem. )

NASA Shuttle Endeavor passes through the cloud ceiling after launching from Kennedy Space Center.

Dan Winters

Kennedy Space Center, Florida

My primary work is portrait work. But the other stuff is just really my passion. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with NASA in an official capacity, which is kind of amazing. I don’t think I would’ve imagined as a kid working with NASA. 

On May 16, 2011, the space shuttle Endeavour blasted through clouds for the final mission of its 19-year career. The day before the launch—the craft’s 25th— Dan Winters positioned sound-triggered cameras around the launchpad. He manually operated another camera, which he used to make this image, lowering its exposure level to create a darker, more dramatic scene. When the rocket boosters roared, the cameras clicked.

( Discover our top picks for pictures in 2023, including Winters's work. )

Related Topics

  • AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
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national geographic polar bear trip

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national geographic polar bear trip

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national geographic polar bear trip

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national geographic polar bear trip

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national geographic polar bear trip

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IMAGES

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  2. Polar Bear Pictures

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  3. Polar Bear Play Image

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  4. A Real-World Approach to Preserving Polar Bears in Alaska

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  5. Polar Bears Image, Canada

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  6. Polar Bear Encounter in Canada's High Arctic

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COMMENTS

  1. Polar Bear Cruise Tour in Svalbard, Norway

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  2. Polar Bear Cruise Tour in Svalbard, Norway

    The National Geographic Endurance is an ice-class vessel that allows us to probe the floes in search of resident wildlife, including walruses, seals, and the majestic polar bear—the very symbol of the Arctic.; Discover unusual Arctic flora and tidewater glaciers on walks with naturalists, and spot huge walruses, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, and reindeer.

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    The best way to experience this snowy wonderland is on an expedition cruise. National Geographic offers a 10-night trip from Oslo to search for the polar bear and other resident wildlife, like walruses, seals and reindeer. The trip includes a National Geographic photographer guide to ensure you'll take home incredible photos.

  4. Svalbard Polar Bear Expedition

    Our polar bear expedition concludes as the National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution returns to port in Longyearbyen today. After disembarking, meet up with a local guide to take a short bus ride to Camp Barentz in nearby Advent Valley for a sampler of Arctic culture.

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  7. Land Of The Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration Of Arctic Svalbard

    The first new polar build in Lindblad's 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition.A fully-stabilized vessel of ice class PC5 Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can.National Geographic Endurance

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    Scout for Polar Bears, Seals, Walrus & Reindeer on an Arctic Wildlife Extravaganza. 10 Days / May-Jun. ~138. From $13803 (+air) A High Arctic archipelago lying north of Norway between the Barents and Greenland seas, Svalbard is just 600 miles from the North Pole. This rugged realm of deep fjords, jagged mountains and massive glaciers is ...

  9. Welcome to the polar bear capital of the world: 'It's kind of epic'

    In 1982, National Geographic released a documentary about the town and the bears, and with that, the secret was out. Forty years later, polar bear season has become the backbone of the town's ...

  10. Life on the edge: Iñupiat communities and polar ...

    The poetic collective noun for polar bears is an 'aurora', but around the community of Kaktovik they may be more accurately described as an 'inevitability'. An inevitability of polar bears. Elsewhere in the Arctic, spotting the planet's largest land predator can be a bit of a lottery, requiring binoculars and considerable luck.

  11. On a Cruise to Svalbard, Where Polar Bears Roam

    October 10, 2022. More than 3,000 polar bears call Svalbard home—though in April, they're challenging to spot. Photo by Bailey Berg. The polar bear is sizing us up. We're close enough to see the rise and fall of her shoulder blades as she paces before her trophy, a seal she's only just pulled from below the ice.

  12. Land of the Polar Bears by National Geographic...

    Land of the Polar Bears. A high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, massive sheets of ice, and magnificent polar bears. Travel under the midnight sun aboard the National Geographic Explorer and experience nature in its purest form.

  13. Polar Bear photos, facts, and map

    Polar bears live along shores and on sea ice in the icy cold Arctic. When sea ice forms over the ocean in cold weather, many polar bears, except pregnant females, head out onto the ice to hunt seals. Polar bears primarily eat seals. Polar bears often rest silently at a seal's breathing hole in the ice, waiting for a seal in the water to surface. A polar bear may also hunt by swimming beneath ...

  14. Polar Bear

    Carnivore. Average Life Span In The Wild: 25 to 30 years. Size: Head and body: 7.25 to 8 feet; tail: 3 to 5 inches. Weight: 900 to 1,600 pounds. Size relative to a 6-ft man: IUCN Red List Status:

  15. Canadian Arctic

    National Geographic Photographer, Kiliii Yuyan, illuminates stories of the Arctic and human communities connected to the land and sea. Informed by ancestry that is both Nanai/Hezhe (Indigenous East Asian) and Chinese-American, he has traveled across the polar regions working with Indigenous cultures, wildlife, and underwater.

  16. Churchill Polar Bear Tours

    Natural Habitat Adventures is known for employing the highest-quality guides in the industry. Our Polar Bear Expedition Leaders—who have been guiding bear tours for an average of more than 10 years each—receive additional training and resources from WWF's top scientists, ensuring a superlative interpretive experience.

  17. 10 Facts About Polar Bears

    This, in addition to the fact that they can measure up to 3 metres long, makes polar bears the largest bear species and the largest land carnivore in the world. Big, strong and powerful, no other animal dares rival the Polar Bear - the true king of the Arctic. 3. POLAR BEARS ARE ACTUALLY BLACK, NOT WHITE. Polar bear fur is translucent, and ...

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  19. Why this newly identified polar bear ...

    Published 20 Jun 2022, 09:39 BST. A polar bear and her cubs cross a snow-covered freshwater glacier in southeastern Greenland. Polar bears use offshore sea ice to hunt seals, but as the Arctic warms, these frozen platforms are melting sooner. As a result, coastal glaciers could be where polar bears make their last stand.

  20. Polar Bear

    Animals. Climate Change. Arctic. Travel. More. Emperor penguins march along the ice on Cape Washington on Antarctica's Ross Sea. Contrary to popular belief, these charismatic birds do not live in...

  21. Explore a place where polar bears outnumber people

    Explore a place where polar bears outnumber people. Here's how to travel and what to do in the remote archipelago of Svalbard, Norway. This story appears in the May 2020 issue of National ...

  22. Spectacular Pictures of Polar Bears

    Spectacular Pictures of Polar Bears. A polar bear watches her cubs on Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada. The bay is famous for polar bears, but their population is in decline. Thanks to a camera trap, a polar bear unwittingly makes a self-portrait in Svalbard. A polar bear jumps between ice floes near the island of Spitsbergen in Norway in 2010.

  23. Polar Bears Are Starving Because of Global ...

    Because of melting sea ice, it is likely that more polar bears will soon starve, warns a new study that discovered the large carnivores need to eat 60 percent more than anyone had realized. Turns ...

  24. Win A National Geographic Expeditions Trip For 2 To Japan!

    FX Networks is giving away a National Geographic Expeditions trip for two to Japan! The prize includes airfare and a 11 day/ 10 night group guided trip for two "Inside Japan." The guided trip includes hotel accommodations, meals and more. We visited Japan around ten years back and had an incredible time. I'd love to win this prize to head ...

  25. 7 extraordinary photographers share the stories behind their most

    As Arctic sea ice disappears, hungry polar bears are increasingly forced to hunt seals in open water. In 2004 Nicklen photographed a male swimming beneath a floating piece of ice, its image ...