Arctic light is captivating in the spring. As we pulled into Bellsund, the ice glittered with the low sun, drawing in our attention at this beautiful site. We approached a haul out of Atlantic walruses and boarded Zodiacs for better views. Long-tailed ducks and common eiders streamed by our small boats as little auks zipped in front of our bows. After an incredible morning ride, the afternoon saw us hiking in the snow. We enjoyed observing Svalbard reindeer before we returned to the ship and concluded another wonderful day in this special place.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 03 May 2025
Bellsund, Svalbard, 5/3/2025, National Geographic Resolution
- Aboard the National Geographic Resolution
- Arctic
Steve Backus, Naturalist
Born in the mountains of east Tennessee, it was easy for Steve to fall in love with the wonderful natural environment around him. What started as a childhood passion to scan the creeks and ponds for all they would reveal evolved into a studied desire...
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Svalbard in Spring: Arctic Wildlife, Light and Ice
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National Geographic Resolution
Poolepynten and St. Jonsfjorden
Today was a stunningly beautiful day here in the Arctic with blue skies, lenticular clouds, and jagged mountain peaks covered in snow all the way down to the water. A single male walrus basked on a floating chunk of sea ice with a small group of walruses spotted farther down the shoreline. We explored the area by Zodiac in the morning, allowing for unique views of the wildlife and epic landscape. During lunch, we sailed to St. Jonsfjorden, where we went ashore and hiked. We spotted some reindeer on the lower slopes of the mountains. Back on the ship, everyone enjoyed an excellent presentation about walruses from naturalist Kerstin Langenberger. Captain Heidi Norling hosted the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party in the Ice Lounge, followed by another delicious dinner prepared by the talented galley team here on National Geographic Resolution .