The Arctic

Then, of course, there’s the mighty polar bear, which can only be found on this northernmost edge of the world. Watching from afar as these glorious carnivores roam the ice is often a bucket list experience for travellers who journey to see them and who find much more than they bargained for. Choosing a trip here often depends on your schedule; we visit when the average summer temperature hovers somewhere around 32°F, so expeditions are best from May to September. While that does leave ample opportunity to see the botanical delights of the Arctic, you’ll also see icebergs dramatically calve off the Greenland Ice Sheet. Paddling along in a kayak, a flask of hot chocolate to warm you up, you’ll pass nesting bird colonies, keeping your eyes peeled for seals and whales. Few moments compare to spotting a pod of orca, the horizon scattered with glaciers. A flash of white may not necessarily be ice, however; mythical-looking narwhals play here too, and you can capture your most precious encounters on camera. Award-winning fine art wildlife, nature and underwater photographer Scott Portelli joins us on board on selected journeys, sharing his knowledge of the polar light and the behaviour of Arctic creatures to ensure you document the magical moments – memories to keep as a reminder of what is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.