Tern Polar

12/11/2021

Are polar bears the most incredible mothers? (obviously excluding our mums... mum you're definitely the best!!)

Now we've set that right - this is why we think polar bears are the best!

After mating out on the ice in spring (that's April to June) the males will hang around for a day or two then head off in search of food or another female (try to resist the easy jokes here!). What is incredible is that any fertilised eggs will not become fully implanted until autumn and only then if the female has fattened up enough to sustain a pregnancy.

When winter starts to set in she will then dig her den in the snow, ready to give birth hidden away from prying eyes (and mouths).

Most polar bears are born in December and are either twins or triplets. They will live in that warm den, protected from the elements until spring arrives. Mum won't eat or drink anything in that time, she is totally reliant on her fat stores.

Emerging from the den when the cubs are strong enough is the first step into a dangerous world for the new family.

The mum will nurse her cubs for up to 30 months, teaching them how to sniff out and hunt seals and protecting them from marauding males who will consider a cub to be an easy meal.

When the cubs are strong enough they leave mum and head off leaving her to start the process all over again. She may go through this process 4 or 5 times in her 20 to 25 year lifespan.

Surely a candidate for Mum of the Year??

(should we cover why emperor penguins are the best dads next?)

07/10/2021

The Northern Lights overhead at night, whales and dolphin swimming around your historic ship by day and constantly surrounded by the Norwegian fjords!! What's not to love and then to live in the memory forever!
From just £1,840pp for eights days it's one incredible experience, do you want to know more??!

18/07/2021

Next year will be the 125th anniversary of Solomon August Andrée's ill-fêted attempt to reach the North Pole by hot air ballon. He, along with Knut Frænkel and Nils Strindberg, set off from Kvitøya, a small island in the Svalbard archipelago. In July 2022 a special voyage will take place onboard the fabulous Polar Pioneer with space for just 53 passengers. Travelling with specialist guides this is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in the golden age of exploration. Along the way you'll explore a spectacular coastline, discover fjords, glaciers and keep an eye out for the ever present polar bears among the myriad of Arctic wildlife.

***Register your interest now for more details***

06/06/2021

With many new ships entering the polar fleet it's almost hard to keep track. There is one pair of sister ships that we're really excited about though - SH Minerva and SH Vega. These true, ice-class, expedition ships are set to carry just 152 passengers in some pretty serious comfort. With a hugely experienced expedition team, backed up by a top hotel team onboard it's going to be a hard combination to beat.

Right now you can also claim a 20% discount and if you are a single traveller you will pay no extra for your own cabin.

More details are on our website - www.ternpolar.com/sh-minerva or contact us directly.

25/09/2020

09/09/2020

We've got exciting news! 2022 dates for Arctic expeditions are being released and you can pre-register for free now!
If you are at all considering a voyage into the ice to see polar bears then get in touch.
Expeditions to Svalbard, Greenland and the Russian Far East all included.

19/04/2020

Unlike other big bears, polar bears do not hibernate but mother bears will retreat into a safe den to raise their cubs through that first winter. With a global shut down on travel, it feels like the whole industry has retreated to that den, but we are all still here and ready to help you plan your next adventure. Why not talk to us now about your dreams for when this is all over?

14/04/2020

So much has changed in the last two weeks let alone the year since this pic was taken in the Norwegian Arctic at the end of an astounding week exploring the far north. It seems a fitting image with the trail of plane lights coming to a sudden end.

It might seem hard to imagine that we will travel again and there's no doubt that, when we do, things will be different.

But, nature, beauty and amazing people will still be there and we will travel again.

When we get to that point Tern Polar will be here to consult with on which trip and where to book it, making sure you get the best and safest option.

17/03/2020

Have you ever wanted to go dog sledding?

16/03/2020

A mother will protect her cub to the death purely because she knows that a hungry male will eat it given half the chance. Nature is brutal and does not compromise - what a privilege to experience these beautiful animals in their own habitat.

13/03/2020

What does Polar Travel mean to you?

12/03/2020

12/03/2020

There's something magical about sailing north of the Arctic circle. The sound of the boat cutting the waves and the wind in the rigging. The scenery isn't bad either!
Why not get in touch if you want to give it a try.

09/03/2020

09/03/2020

Welcome to Tern Polar. We're here to help you plan your Polar Adventure with free and independent advice and guidance. That independence is vital to our approach, we want you to be on the right adventure for you. We are not driven by numbers and allocations but by matching your dreams to reality.

09/03/2020

Imagine being on a ship in Svalbard with just 11 other passengers, 2 professional photographers and ten days to capture that perfect polar bear image! We've got a few spaces left in September 2020 - get in touch for more info.