Seal Meeting

Seal training and feeding are among Polaria’s most popular attractions. By booking a Seal Encounter, you get the chance to assist our animal trainer and take part in the session up close. You will also be guided around the seal pools, where we introduce the different species we house and explain how seal training works. The training is important for stimulating and developing the animals, as well as reinforcing positive behaviour. The Seal Encounter is a unique opportunity to learn more about our seals — and take a SELfie.

Polaria is home to three different seal species. Our bearded seals Bella, Mai San and Vlad belong to a true Arctic species. Bella and Mai San arrived from Svalbard in 2003, while Vlad came from Océanopolis Aquarium in France in 2024. They share the facility with the harbour seals Loffen and Lyra, who were born at Lofotakvariet in 2010, their son Leo, who was born here at Polaria in 2023, and the ringed seal Junior, who arrived together with Vlad.

After the encounter, you are welcome to explore Polaria on your own. Sit back and enjoy our spectacular films in the Panorama Theatre, learn more about the vulnerable Arctic through our research-based exhibitions, and discover the many species in our Arctic aquarium. On your way out, make sure to stop by our gift shop, which offers a wide selection of high-quality local and Nordic products.

Please note: Entrance to Polaria is not included and must be purchased separately. The Seal Encounter must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Included: Guided tour of the seal pools, introduction to the seal you will meet, introduction to seal training, seal encounter during feeding, photos, videos and close-up selfie
Please bring: Mobile phone
Number of participants: 2
Age limit: 10+
Level of difficulty: Easy. Not accessible for wheelchair users
Start time and place: Daily at 1:30 pm (13:30), Polaria, Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø
Duration: 30 minutes