From July 2025, new regulations will apply to all tour operators in Svalbard, including Aurora, to strengthen protections for polar bears and their environment. All visitors must keep a minimum distance from polar bears, and it is strictly prohibited to approach, follow, lure, or disturb them in any way.
The minimum distance is 300 metres (from July 1 to February 28) and 500 metres (from March 1 to June 30).
Our expedition team will follow these rules carefully while still offering the best possible opportunities to view polar bears safely and respectfully. You will also have the chance to learn more about them through engaging onboard lectures and expert-led briefings.
To help reduce the overall footprint of Arctic tourism, only vessels carrying 200 or fewer passengers are permitted to land in Svalbard’s protected areas.
We’ve long supported this approach by operating small ships with a maximum of 130 guests. This ensures not only compliance but also a more personal, intimate and flexible expedition experience, with more time ashore and better access to wilderness areas.
Svalbard has introduced tighter controls on where landings are allowed, limiting access to 43 designated sites across the region. To reduce environmental impact, some locations now cap group sizes at a maximum of 39 people ashore at any one time.
We plan our operations carefully around these regulations to ensure you have enriching, low-impact shore excursions. Our team will guide you through these approved areas while helping preserve their natural integrity.
Viewing a large group of walrus is an unforgettable part of any Arctic journey. Observing them undisturbed in their natural environment is a powerful experience, and it’s one we aim to protect.
All ships and Zodiacs must maintain a minimum distance of 150 meters from walrus haul-out sites at all times. In addition, all vessels must reduce speed to no more than 5 knots when within 300 meters of these areas. These measures help reduce stress on the animals, particularly during rest periods.
In order to limit disturbance of bird cliffs while seabirds are nesting, these regulations limit the speed at which we can cruise past these incredible nesting locations. Motor traffic at sea must be kept at a maximum of 5 knots speed at a distance of 500 metres from land outside bird cliffs from April 1 to August 31. This ensures that nesting seabirds have ample protection to breed, nest and secure their populations. Despite this change, the abundance of birdlife in the Arctic means that there should be no fewer opportunities to see Arctic birds in their natural environment.
Breaking fast ice will be forbidden, with exceptions for shipping routes to Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, and Ny-Ålesund. This ensures the protection of habitat and routes that wildlife use to move, hunt and rest, as well as improving the overall safety of maritime navigation for all operators in the area.
The new regulations in Svalbard have introduced stricter controls on drone usage to protect the region’s delicate wildlife and ecosystems. Drone flights are now prohibited in all protected areas, including national parks and nature reserves. Additionally, between April 1 and August 31, drones must not be flown within 500 meters of bird cliffs to prevent disturbances during critical nesting periods.
Passengers are not permitted to use drones during their journey, but our expedition team may operate drones for professional purposes, strictly adhering to the new regulations and AECO guidelines. This ensures that we minimize our impact on the environment while still capturing the essence of Svalbard’s unique landscapes and wildlife.
As one of the first operators to become an AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) member, Aurora Expeditions is committed to responsible and respectful travel to the Arctic. As part of this commitment, we proudly adhere to AECO’s biosecurity guidelines. These guidelines outline how best to protect and respect the Arctic.
How will this affect my itinerary?
There will not be any significant changes to our operations. As a small-ship operator running shore-excursions in small groups, our operations are largely unaffected. The nature of expedition travel means we already operate with a lot of flexibility, ensuring we maximize opportunities to see wildlife, explore unique places and experience the Arctic in depth, while maintaining respect for Arctic wildlife and this fragile environment.
Will I still be able to see polar bears with the new distance rules?
Yes. While the new 300-meter distance rule limits how closely we can approach polar bears, our expedition team is skilled at spotting wildlife from a safe range. You’ll still have excellent opportunities to observe polar bears in their natural habitat, and our onboard lectures will help you understand their behavior and environment more deeply.
Will I be able to go on Zodiac Cruises?
Yes! Svalbard’s regulations do not impose any restrictions on Zodiac cruising, allowing guests to get out-and-about in the Arctic environment, witness incredible wildlife and immerse themselves in the far-north.
Will I still be able to see wildlife?
Yes, while additional protections are in place for some species, these regulations will not limit wildlife viewing. The Arctic offers ample opportunity to witness diverse wildlife from reindeer, arctic foxes, various species of seals and whales, as well as diverse birdlife.
While protections for polar bears and walruses do exist, with proper equipment such as binoculars and telephoto lenses, viewing and photography opportunities can be enjoyed whilst respecting these spectacular species habitat.
How do the new landing site restrictions affect the itinerary?
The new rules limit the number of designated landing sites and the group size allowed ashore at each one. Thanks to our small ship capacity (max 130 guests), we’re able to fully comply with these regulations while maintaining a flexible itinerary that prioritizes meaningful, low-impact excursions.
Why are we required to stay so far away from walrus haul-out sites?
Walruses are easily disturbed by noise and movement, especially when resting in groups. The 150-meter minimum distance and 5-knot speed limit near haul-outs are designed to protect the animals from stress. These rules help ensure your viewing experience doesn’t negatively impact the wildlife you’ve come to see.
Can I use a drone to capture footage during the trip?
No. Personal drone use is not permitted during the expedition due to strict regulations in Svalbard that protect wildlife and sensitive habitats. In some cases, our expedition team may use drones for approved purposes, in full compliance with local and AECO guidelines.
I’m booked on an Aurora Expedition, will it still run?
Yes, absolutely! While one of the major changes that these new protocols dictate are limits to ship sizes, in particular vessels with over 200 passengers. At Aurora Expeditions, we believe in running intimate small-ship expeditions with 130 passengers or less, so these regulations have no effect on our ability to operate.