Exploring Walruses in the Arctic's Wildest Destination

Special Journeys to the Arctic

Adventure travel to the polar regions is trending, even with summer temperatures hovering around freezing. While Antarctica is famous for its penguins, the Arctic draws visitors with its polar bears and walruses, particularly on the remote Svalbard archipelago. A highlight of my recent journey was aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, where I embarked on my 21st expedition in May (and my fifth to the Arctic). This vessel, built in 2021, accommodates a maximum of 138 passengers, but on this trip, we had only 93, providing ample space and exceptional service with a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio.

Onboard Experience

During Quark's excursions, the crew works hard to ensure that guests spend ample time exploring outside the ship, as that’s the main reason for being here. However, the Ocean Explorer is so comfortable that I found myself wishing for more time on board to enjoy its amenities. On this Svalbard Explorer journey, there weren’t many days at sea, as the itinerary often changed based on weather and sea conditions.

Nonetheless, I made the most of my relaxation time on board, especially at the infinity pool and hot tub on deck 7. Throughout my travels, I rarely see expedition vessels maintain a heated pool, but since we were mostly in sheltered bays, the pool was open on most days. I thoroughly enjoyed swimming and unwinding with breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding Lilliehöökfjorden.

Adapting to the Arctic Environment

After each swim, I found it helpful to hop into the sauna to warm up and relax. On one occasion, while sitting in the sauna, I heard an announcement echoing through the ship — polar bear sighting at 12 o’clock. However, having already seen many bears and only wearing my swimsuit, I decided to stay put. To my surprise, I spotted a minke whale through the window, which truly added excitement to my trip.

Close Encounters with Walruses

Most visitors to Svalbard come primarily to see polar bears, given their high density in the area. However, I found the walruses and seals to be even more captivating. In Svalbard, regulations require tourists to maintain a distance of 500 meters from polar bears, but for walruses, the distance can be closer, at just 150 meters. During this trip, I had the chance to get up close to these fascinating creatures.

The first walrus sighting occurred after dinner on a Tuesday evening. We spotted two to three dozen walruses on Moffen Island, precisely at 80 degrees north latitude. Although we couldn’t approach them closely, binoculars provided us with a clearer view. The following day at Eolusneset, we had the opportunity to get closer to the walruses, within 150 meters, just enough to hear their grunts.

Memorable Walrus Encounters

The curiosity of the walruses was truly convincing when they swam close to the ship and paused just a few steps away, staring intently at our group of tourists. I felt as though they could see right through our souls. The guide asked us to step back, but the walruses seemed satisfied with their curiosity and returned to their group.

The third walrus sighting happened on our last day in Svalbard during a Zodiac tour in Borebukta, where we encountered another group of walruses. Here, we had excellent views of them, hearing their head bumps and grumbles. As the driver was turning the boat around, a solitary walrus appeared, even closer than the previous ones. It lingered for a few minutes, showcasing its tusks and gazing directly at us. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful adventure in Svalbard.

Helpful Tips for Vietnamese Travelers

To explore Svalbard, be mindful of visa requirements. Vietnamese tourists need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter these countries. The journey from Vietnam to Svalbard typically starts from major airports like Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), with a connecting flight to Oslo, Norway, before continuing to Longyearbyen, the main hub of Svalbard. Flight prices can range from 15 to 25 million VND, depending on the time and airline.

When planning a trip to the Arctic, consider traveling in the summer (around June to September), when the weather is warmer and outdoor activities abound. The cost for such an exploratory trip can start from 40 million VND or more, depending on the type of ship and included services.

A trip to the Arctic is not just an adventure but also an opportunity to connect with nature in one of the wildest regions of the planet, home to rare wildlife like polar bears and walruses.

Article inspired and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler