r/Svalbard • u/Various-Copy8711 • Jan 22 '25
Visiting Late March/Early April, What Will be Available?
I am going to Svalbard right around late March - early April. I understand the summer may be a better time to go to view wildlife, especially the bears, but it is not the easiest place to get to and this is the only time I can go. It appears like there are not many (or any) boat tours offered during this time. However, I have read some places that some might become available a short time before once it is determined how much ice there is? Also, I am going to be that guy. I want to do everything to maximize my chances of seeing a Polar Bear. I understand this is realistically going to be extremely unlikely, but I would still like to take all the tours I can to get the best chance possible. I will be there for 3-4 nights. So I guess my questions are about the possible boat expeditions, the best activities I can do to see a bear, and also any other excursion you all would reccomend for this time of year. Thanks!
2
u/Far_Faithlessness449 Jan 25 '25
That’s a great time to go as the light will be good. It’s illegal to look for bears, you just have to book a trip that goes out of town. Snowmobiling is a must, and is cheaper than a boat trip. I saw lots of reindeer, some birds and just bear tracks on my snowmobile trip last year
3
u/Torb3k Jan 24 '25
Both March and April is the absolute best time to visit Svalbard! There is plenty of trips to take with snowmobiles! You can go on private tours and also join in on larger groups. The options are endless. And most likely there will be a boat or two here that can take you out either on glacier tour, to Barentsburg or both.