Visitor Guidelines

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Basic Principles

1. Leave No Lasting Signs of Your Visit

Leave no lasting signs of your visit” means that you must, of course, not leave any litter behind, including small items such as cigarette butts. Do not engrave rocks or buildings, and do not build cairns, rearrange stones, or leave any other visible signs of your visit.

In addition, we ask that you be mindful of where you step to protect the flora and vegetation and avoid creating paths. Please avoid stepping on flowers or plant beds whenever possible.

2. Do Not Pick Flowers

In some parts of the Arctic, flora is protected by law; in others, it is not. However, AECO regards all flora as protected and asks that you refrain from picking flowers or other plants.

3. Do Not Take Anything with You

We encourage you to leave the Arctic as you found it. Cultural remains are protected. Additionally, we ask that you leave stones, bones, antlers, driftwood, and other items where they are.

4. Do Not Disturb Animals or Birds

AECO regards all fauna in the Arctic as protected and strives to avoid disturbing animals and birds whenever possible. When near animals or nesting birds, avoid making loud noises and keep conversations quiet and calm.

AECO regulates maximum group sizes during landings and excursions, as well as minimum distances from various wildlife. Your leader will provide instructions. Please help us preserve wildlife by following the guidelines.

5. Leave Cultural Remains Alone

Cultural remains are protected by law, and a 100-meter zone around them is also considered a protected area. Be mindful of where you walk and stand. Walk around, not between, objects. Do not take anything with you, and do not touch or rearrange
objects.

6. Take Polar Bear Danger Seriously

Polar bears are potentially dangerous animals, but they are also vulnerable. It is crucial that you follow your guide’s instructions. Important rules for behavior in polar bear areas are listed under the safety section below.

7. Respect Local Culture and Local People

When visiting local communities, please remember that you are a guest. Respect the people and their cultures. AECO will make every effort to ensure that our visits to local communities have a positive, rather than negative, impact.

8. Be Safe

Travel in Arctic areas may involve various risks. The number one rule is to always pay attention to and follow the instructions given by your expedition leader or guide. Never stray from your group. Some special considerations are outlined below.

Safety

Polar Bears and Firearm Safety

In areas with polar bears, these animals can be encountered anywhere and at any time. Although polar bears typically try to avoid humans, they can be extremely dangerous. However, they are also vulnerable. We will make every effort to ensure both your safety and the safety of the animals, and therefore, the following rules are non-negotiable:

Staff members will carry firearms and other bear deterrents in areas where polar bears may be encountered. The staff is trained in firearm handling; however, firearms can be dangerous. Do not attempt to touch or handle firearms.

• Never stray from your group or the leaders
  carrying equipment to protect you.
• If you spot a polar bear, stay calm and
  immediately inform your guide.
• Never approach a bear if you see one.
• Do not leave food anywhere in an attempt
  to lure polar bears.
• Always follow your leader’s instructions.

Arctic Dogs

In many Arctic towns and settlements, there will be a significant number of Arctic dogs. These are working dogs, not pets, and can be dangerous to strangers.

• Never approach or attempt to pet Arctic dogs without permission and supervision from the dog owner/handler.
• Never feed Arctic dogs without permission and supervision
  from the dog owner/handler.

Rabies

Rabies has been detected in Arctic regions. Some animals, such as the Arctic fox, Arctic dogs, and Arctic wolves, are potential carriers of rabies.

• Never touch live or dead wild animals.

Tender Boats/Small Boat Excursions

Always wear your life vest properly.

• Only one passenger should enter or leave the boat at a time
• Use the sailor’s grip when embarking and disembarking the
  boat.
• Take a seat in the designated area.
• Always remain seated. No more than one passenger should be
  standing at a time while embarking or disembarking.
• Secure your equipment and belongings to prevent items from
  being lost overboard.

Don’t expect things to be the same as at home—you left home to experience something different.

Cultural and Social Interaction

With some exceptions, the Arctic is characterized by vast wilderness areas and small, remote towns and settlements, often with Inuit populations.

Few towns and settlements in the Arctic are accessible by road, and contact with the outside world may be limited for much of the year. As a result, many parts of the Arctic are quite different from more populated and industrialized regions. For a small and sometimes isolated town or settlement in the Arctic, the arrival of a cruise ship is often a welcome and joyous event.

Locals may find both the ships and their passengers interesting. However, tourism in Arctic regions is growing rapidly, and those involved need to be mindful of the economic, social, and cultural impacts that this growing tourism may have on local communities. Responsibility for respectful interaction and local benefits also rests with tour operators and visiting guests.

• Respect local cultures.
• Work to combat prejudiced attitudes.
• Respect privacy: keep a good distance from private houses and never glance into or photograph through private windows.
• Speak to, not about, the people you meet.
• Do not visit graveyards or other areas of religious or cultural significance without permission.
• Always ask before photographing someone—if there is any hesitation, the answer is no.
• Cairns may serve as signposts—do not alter them.
• Never barter or bring banned substances into a community.
• You are encouraged to buy local souvenirs and products, but be aware of the legalities of importing or transporting purchases into other countries (e.g., CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, The Washington Convention, www.cites.org).

Cultural understanding

Tourism is an excellent way to learn about, promote, and foster tolerance between people of different backgrounds and cultures. When visiting foreign countries and cultures, guests may encounter things that are very different from what they are used to at home. It is important not to judge other cultures based on one’s own norms and values, but rather to strive to understand that cultures are inherently different.