Since 1896, we’ve been taking curious travellers to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places and are committed to being the world’s most sustainable expedition brand. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the RSPB to offer members opportunities to see wildlife up close in their natural habitats, whilst working together to preserve the pristine environments we visit.

The Hurtigruten Foundation has also supported the RSPB, donating approximately £16,500 since 2020 to the Gough Island Restoration Programme. This initiative aims to protect the vital seabird nesting ground in the South Atlantic Ocean, where predatory mice threaten native birds like the Tristan Albatross and Gough Bunting. The foundation's contributions are crucial in safeguarding these endangered species on the remote island.

For over 12 years, the Hurtigruten Group has donated over £600k to the RSPB through donations from member bookings. When RSPB members book a Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise directly with us they will receive a 5% discount and 10% of the total booking cost will be donated to the RSPB.

For over 100 years the RSPB has been rallying people together to save nature and from humble roots is now the largest nature conservation charity in the UK. From saving declining species and restoring our precious lands to protecting our seas, the RSPB’s work makes an impact in the UK and internationally too, and none of it would be possible without the help of partners and supporters.

Through big campaigns like the Big Garden Birdwatch and Revive our World the RSPB also encourages people all over the UK to come together to take action for nature and inspires them to stand up and give nature the home it deserves.

Alaska

Crested Auklet | Aethia cristatella 

Alaska is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to not just the iconic Bald Eagle, but crested auklets, known for crests that hang in front of their faces. They're noisy nesters, settling among rock piles, and can be seen flying and diving closely together. On your Alaska adventure, you'll also likely spot murres, puffins, ptarmigans, and other Alaskan birds. If you sail to the Aleutians, you may spot the rare McKay's Bunting on St Matthew Island or Hall Island!

Antarctica

Wandering Albatross | Diomedea exulans

With the longest wingspan of any living bird at over 11 feet, the Snowy Albatross is on every serious and not-so-serious birder’s list. Antarctica is home to 73 species of birds, including albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, cormorants, skuas, gulls, terns, and of course, penguins. The best time to see chicks? Late January through the end of February.

Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Penguin | Spheniscus mendiculus

The Galapagos Penguin, found mostly on Fernandina and Isabela Islands, is one of several species of sea birds in the Galápagos archipelago, along with Blue-footed Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Frigatebirds, flamingos, and cormorants. For land birds, your spotting list includes the mockingbird, short-eared owl, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos dove, and 17 species of Darwin's finches.

Greenland

Snow Bunting | Plectrophenax nivalis

Greenland is home to about 252 different species of birds, only 30 of which live there all year. The snow bunting breeds in high Arctic, lining their nests with fur and feathers which warm the deep cracks and rock cavities where they incubate their eggs. Because the female can't leave the nest very often, the male brings her food almost every 15 minutes. In addition to snow buntings, you'll likely see black guillemots, northern fulmars, sea eagles, auks, puffins, and terns.

British Isles

Atlantic Puffin | Fratercula arctica

Known for their colourful beaks and distinctive appearance, these birds are found in the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding on coastal cliffs or offshore islands in parts of the British Isles, Iceland, Norway and Greenland. Despite their small wings relative to their body size, they are adept at manoeuvring both in the air and underwater, reaching speeds of up to 55mph through the air. On our expeditions around the Scottish Isles, the main populations are found at Staffa and Fair Isle.

Svalbard

Red Phalarope | Phalaropus fulicarius

You'll be lucky to spot one of a few ocean-going shore birds, the Red Phalaropes. In terms of ocean mammals, keep an eye out for beluga and minke whales. You'll likely see puffins, northern fulmars, kittiwakes, terns, and other auks, too!