At Sea, off Nordaustlandet Island, 6/11/2025, National Geographic Endurance
Aboard the
National Geographic Endurance
Arctic
We spent an amazing day exploring the sea ice, the environment that supports and gives life to the High Arctic. We spent the whole day enjoying iconic views of an iconic landscape and had several opportunities to admire numerous wildlife species, from the ubiquitous black-legged kittiwake to walruses, polar bears, and the ethereal ivory gull. Wonderful!
Carlos J. Navarro is a biochemist specializing in marine biology, a M. Sc. in Environmental Management and a freelance wildlife photographer/author. Carlos has spent most of the last 30 years living along the shores of the Sea of Cortez and participa...
This morning, we awoke to bluebird skies in the breathtaking Hornsund Fjord, greeted by soaring puffins and the dramatic silhouette of Hornsundtind towering above the landscape. The stillness of the water mirrored the snow-streaked peaks, offering a picture-perfect Arctic welcome. Later in the day, we set out on invigorating hikes along the surrounding terrain, where every step revealed new vistas—glaciers, rugged slopes, and panoramic views of the fjord stretching into the distance. The light danced across the cliffs, illuminating this remote and wild corner of Svalbard in unforgettable clarity. It was a stunning day of Arctic exploration.
In the morning, guests enjoyed kayaking in calm water near the Wahlenberg Fjord of the Northeast Island. Nearby, a walrus fed at the bottom, surfacing every few minutes to catch a breath before diving again. In the afternoon, a landing was offered with strenuous, moderate, and casual hikes on Torellneset. Guests hiked across a series of raised beaches that extended several kilometers in every direction. About 30 m above the shoreline, a few weathered whale bones were found. Apparently, they were at least 1000 years old. When we returned to the landing site, we found it was blocked by moving sea ice. It required a bit of time and skill to find a way in the labyrinth of moving ice. The day was not yet over. After cocktail hour, recap, a briefing for tomorrow, and another delicious dinner, a Zodiac cruise was offered at the famous Alkefjellet Cliff. This cliff hosts one of the world’s most impressive seabird colonies, where more than 150,000 birds can be observed. It is home to the largest colony of thick-billed murres in Svalbard. The weather was very calm and the cliff’s reflection in the water was disturbed only by the landing and taking off of literally thousands of birds.
