Bear Island, Svalbard's southernmost outpost, is a remote gem nestled halfway between Spitsbergen and Norway's North Cape. Despite its name, polar bears haven't been spotted here since 2004, but the island's history is deeply intertwined with the Arctic's most iconic predator, thanks to Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz's encounter in 1596. Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents seas, Bear Island boasts a unique landscape. Its northern plains, dotted with freshwater lakes, contrast sharply with the dramatic cliffs that characterize the southern coast. This pristine environment, designated a nature reserve, is a haven for wildlife. The island's southern cliffs are a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting vast colonies of seabirds, including the dominant black-legged kittiwake, little auk, common guillemot, and Brunnich's guillemot. Zodiac cruises offer an exhilarating opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, with the chance to spot rarer species like Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, glaucous gulls, and great skuas. ...
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