Exploring Svalbard, artic wildlife

I begin one of the most awaited trips with much excitement and nerves, as I am presented with a totally unknown environment, new and very different from previous experiences.

Here, in Svalbard, wildlife unfolds in a symphony of unique biodiversity. I hear from the voice of expert travelers that if you get bitten by the "Arctic mosquito" you are already sold... because you want more and more. And yes, I can say that I have returned with the "mosquito" running through my veins.

You can come face to face with majestic polar bears, the true kings of the Arctic, while curious seals and walruses enjoy the calm waters. Among the mountains, reindeer and Arctic foxes dance in harmony with the tundra and mosses, while seabirds fill the sky with their squawks and squawks.

However, along with the excitement that Svalbard evokes, there is also an awareness of the importance of preserving this fragile and wondrous paradise. Here, sustainability becomes a sacred duty, a promise to future generations. Svalbard is a beacon of hope and an example of responsible practices. Visitors are invited to appreciate nature with respect, minimizing their impact and participating in sustainable activities.

Imagine being surrounded by untouched beauty, breathing the fresh Arctic air, feeling the sea breeze caressing your face. Svalbard awaits you with open arms, ready to take your breath away and remind you that we are guardians of this natural treasure.

Svalbard is a remote destination and as such your arrival from Spain will always require an extra night at connecting points.

The ship from which I would discover the Arctic departed from Longyearbyen and flew there from Helsinki; 4 hours later I set foot on the Spitsbergen archipelago.
The expedition started on board Ultramarine, one of Quark Expeditions' latest ships, equipped with the latest technology in navigation, safety and sustainability concept.

The experience on board is very unique, you will discover it throughout the story.
We board Ultramarine and we are welcomed with a big smile and with all the explanations about the services on board and we are invited to the onboard theater to go deeper. Excitement is at its peak, we are in the High Arctic and we are beginning to discover it.

Expedition leader Ryan Mcdevvit introduces us to the entire team that will be with us these days.
The team consists of mountain guides, expert arctic explorers, glacier specialists, marine biologists, ornithologists, historians, veterinarians, photographers... Day by day the team gives us their wisdom and knowledge both in the visits we make and in the conferences we can attend to better understand the environment where we are moving. It is very enriching to be able to delve into such an unknown environment.

After a first night marked by the experience of having 24 hours of light, I wake up surrounded by ice floes, but what a beauty!

We are in the Raudfjden and while I drink my first coffee contemplating the landscape through the window I wonder how fragile and imposing is the beauty that surrounds me. Immersed in my thoughts we get a warning... polar bears are coming to see us!

Binoculars in hand and equipped to be outdoors, I contemplate for hours the movements and games of these magnificent creatures of nature.

The best surprise of the day was the appearance of more bears in the area: a couple that delighted us with their playful and loving gestures, a mother and her cub stopped to feed at the expense of a walrus. But the one who enraptured us all day long was a young polar bear playing with the ice, bathing and posing for us. Undoubtedly a stellar day.

The days go by quickly, but always different and exciting experiences. At each landing we make with the zodiacs we have the opportunity to learn a little more. One of the ones I liked the most was walking on the tundra, where you step on the land that sustains this archipelago and from where we can breathe pure air, without pollution, see the flowers sprout in a hostile nature but always friendly with the creation of new lives.

For sports enthusiasts, it is highly recommended to sign up for kayaking or paddle boarding trips.
Kayaking in an Arctic fjord is to immerse yourself in a world of wonder and intimate connection with nature: the distant crunch of the glaciers, the crisp air and the silent vastness of the landscape envelop you as you glide over crystal clear waters.

The closeness to nature is overwhelming: the blue glow of the icebergs at your fingertips and the possibility of encountering Arctic wildlife provide a unique experience that awakens your senses and connects you deeply with this remote and sublime environment.

One of the most important moments of the navigation arrives, we are about to cross the 80th parallel. The 80th parallel is crucial because it marks the boundary of the Arctic Circle, representing a significant geographical limit. Here, the influence of climate change and Arctic biodiversity make the 80th parallel a vital research region for understanding and addressing global challenges.

My heart races as the boat creeps closer. I watch the waters expectantly. Suddenly, a humpback whale emerges majestically, its back breaking the surface in an impressive arc. The sound of steam from its breath fills the air and excitement fills me. I can't help but feel small in the face of its grandeur. It is a magical encounter that will remain etched in my memory forever, a privileged witness to the wonder of wildlife in its habitat.

If at some point of the trip you need to feel an adrenaline rush, the moment is the arctic swim or Polar Plunge as it is known in these parts.
A sunny day, outside temperatures between 1 and 2 degrees Celsius, the navy ready, photographer and the whole team with their best smile encourage us to be part of this adventure. And how can you resist! There are few opportunities in life to jump and swim in the Arctic, so don't even hesitate for a second... Jump!

I would do it again with both eyes closed.

During the whole expedition I think about how important the Arctic is in our lives and everything that happens here; it influences us much more than we imagine. We must contribute a grain of sand in each of our actions; it is like the fluttering of butterflies that can be felt on the other side of the world.

As I said at the beginning, I have returned with the "arctic mosquito" and now I only think about getting to know other arctic zones, such as Greenland, Canadian High Arctic, Alaska and why not, also exploring Antarctica.

Radio Interview:Exploring Svalvard, artic wildlife