Our Polar Bear Adventure Tour has been recognized by Luxury Travel Magazine! In an article they posted called, “Last-Chance Tourism: 11 Places to Visit Before They Disappear,” they list our Polar Bear Adventure tour as one of the best ways to both see the polar bears and to promote awareness of the negative impact that climate change has on the Arctic environment. At Gondwana, we take great care to promote sustainable, eco-friendly travel and to educate our travelers on the importance of preserving our natural spaces. And we know that one of the best ways to accomplish this is by allowing them to experience the wonder and the beauty of these places for themselves.
The Threat to the Polar Bears
According to NASA, Arctic sea ice is declining at a rate of 12.8% per decade. That might not sound like a l
ot, but it has had a significant impact on the polar bear population. Polar bears are completely dependent on sea ice for hunting, resting, and breeding. Their main source of food is the seal, which is usually enough to provide the calories that they need in order to survive. Unfortunately, as the ice melts, they have to travel farther and farther distances in order to find their next meal, sometimes expending calories that they can’t afford to lose. A study showed that the population of polar bears dropped 40% in northeast Alaska and Canada between 2001-2010. Because of this drop, and the threat to their environment from climate change, the polar bear has now been listed as a threatened species in the United States.
The plight of the polar bears due to the declining Arctic sea ice is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change. As these majestic creatures struggle to adapt to their changing habitat, researchers and conservationists are stepping up their efforts to protect and preserve the species. Conservation initiatives such as stricter regulations on hunting, habitat preservation, and raising awareness about climate change’s impact on polar bears are vital in ensuring their survival. With collaborative action and global awareness, there is hope that we can reverse the trend and secure a future for these iconic Arctic predators.
What Our Tour Can Teach You
While we are aware of the problems facing the polar bears and their environment, we hope that they are not destined to disappear forever. That’s why we want to educate as well as entertain our travelers. We’ll visit spectacularly beautiful landscapes and see amazing wildlife, but we’ll also meet with environmental experts and community leaders who are witnessing these problems first hand.
By immersing ourselves in these issues and experiences, we can foster a deeper connection to the natural world and inspire positive change. Through education and awareness, we aim to empower our travelers to become ambassadors for conservation efforts, spreading the message of protecting our planet and its inhabitants. By engaging with local communities and experts, we hope to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face and the solutions they propose. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of the polar regions.
Fred Vreeman, an environmental science teacher for the University of Alaska, is your guide throughout the tour and Bruce Inglangasak, a native Inupiat Eskimo and experienced wildlife guide, joins our polar bear expeditions. Both guides are personable, incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the region we explore in this part of Alaska. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with an author active in environmental management to talk about the effects of climate change. To gain another important perspective of life in the arctic, we’ll meet with a tribal elder of the Inupiat, who will share insights about how traditional native life is adapting to the challenges of modern times.
9 Simple Ways to Support the Polar Bears
Polar bears are majestic creatures facing the harsh reality of climate change and dwindling habitats. By making a few simple changes in our daily lives, we can extend a helping hand to these magnificent animals.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste and lessen the strain on their environment.
- Support organizations dedicated to polar bear conservation efforts.
- Spread awareness about the challenges polar bears are facing and the importance of their conservation.
- Opt for sustainable seafood choices to prevent overfishing in polar bear habitats.
- Minimize energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming.
- Choose eco-friendly products to decrease pollution levels that harm polar bear habitats. 7. Advocate for stronger environmental policies and protections for polar bear habitats.
- Volunteer for clean-up efforts in areas near polar bear habitats.
- Educate yourself and others on the effects of climate change on polar bears.
- Encourage others to join in the effort to support and protect these iconic Arctic animals.
By implementing these simple ways, we can make a significant difference in the preservation of polar bears and their fragile ecosystem.
Journey Through Alaska’s Wilderness
You can learn a lot on our 7-day tour of Alaska, but perhaps what you will learn the most is what it feels like to come face-to-face with one of the largest predators on earth in their natural habitat.
There are hundreds of places to choose from when deciding on your next big trip. There are lots of places to travel, but few make a lasting impression on how you view the world in which you live. Being at the top of the earth, watching polar bears cross a vast icy tundra and learning about this unique and complex ecosystem is an experience that you’ll never forget.
Learn more about other great areas of Alaska! Going on an Alaskan coastal adventure promises breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, majestic glaciers, and abundant marine life. Embark on exhilarating activities such as whale watching, kayaking amidst icebergs, and exploring remote fjords, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of Alaska’s coastline. Whether it’s spotting grizzlies along the shore or marveling at towering ice formations, an Alaskan coastal adventure offers unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Download Our Northern Lights Brochure Here.
