Exploring Svalbard In Depth Cruise
Join us on a circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago and explore the lush tundra's, mountains and pack ice during this in depth expedition cruise.
The wildlife watching around Spitsbergen and East Greenland is phenomenal! Spot arctic foxes, bearded seals, walrus, beluga whales and hopefully a mighty polar bear
The best of Greenland and Svalbard - Jewels of the Arctic
On our expedition cruises around Norway's Svalbard archipelago and the beautiful coast of East Greenland, you will sail along sculpted glacier fronts, through breathtakingly scenic fjords and amongst sparkling ice caps lit by the midnight sun. The wildlife watching around Spitsbergen is excellent with Arctic foxes, bearded seals, walrus, beluga whales and the ultimate wildlife encounter – the mighty polar bear.
This voyage offers a complete European Arctic experience: tundra walks amidst plentiful wildlife and exquisite dwarf vegetation, Zodiac cruises near calving glacier fronts, hikes to breathtaking mountain vistas and warm welcomes into indigenous communities. We may see reindeer, Arctic fox, musk ox, countless sea and land birds, walrus, seals, whales and polar bears. There is something for everyone, whether you’re an active adventurer or you’ve come to relax. This journey takes us from Spitsbergen to Iceland via Greenland or in reverse. Please note that ice conditions vary enormously from year to year along Greenland’s coast.
The Polar Regions are still the most remote destinations on earth and a privilege to visit. East Greenland is today a protected national park with shy and elusive wildlife, the most awesome expanses of stunning natural landscapes and legendary stories of mankind's exploration and settlement in this challenging environment from the hunter's huts to today's Greenlandic Inuit communities. Join us as we explore this landscape of dramatic fjords, pack ice, late summer icebergs and endless tundra – truly stunning.
Note:
This is a sample itinerary. We do our utmost to guarantee the best experience, unfortunately we have no control over the weather or wildlife behaviour. Ports of embarkation and disembarkation and sites may change depending on vessel and departure dates, weather- and ice conditions.
We board our vessel in the late afternoon, settle in and sail down magnificent Isfjorden, flanked by bird cliffs, vast glaciers and jagged mountains.
Spitsbergen's northwest coast features calving icebergs, historic whaling stations and trappers' camps. Brunnich's guillemots, little auks and kittiwakes nest in their thousands. Reindeer roam the tundra and so can you, photographing wildflowers like saxifrage, moss campion, bell-heather and hairy lousewort. From our Zodiacs, gain fantastic views of ice cliffs, including Monacobreen, one of Spitsbergen's largest glaciers. In the north, there's a good chance of seeing walrus – and possibly even polar bears – on the pack ice.
Crossing the Greenland Sea, we sail through the Polar Basin's nutrient-rich waters, searching for fin and beluga whales, encroaching pack ice, and seabirds. Our expert naturalists and guest lecturers entertain us with fascinating, illustrated talks on European Arctic plants and animals, and epic tales of such early explorers as Nansen, Andrée and Scoresby. These are relaxed days, wonderful for getting to know fellow expeditioners and preparing for a landing, if conditions permit, in the world's largest national park – Greenland's northeast coast. The region is home to polar bear, walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox. Watch for ringed, bearded, harp and hooded seals from the Zodiacs.
Ice is often the overwhelming first impression of Greenland. An ice cap covers 81 per cent of the island and pack ice, even in summer, may fill northern bays. Ashore, cosy trappers' huts beckon from across the tundra, where musk ox, Arctic fox and eider ducks roam. These are just some of the delights in Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord. Lively cascades at Kap Humboldt provide a microclimate for spectacular hanging gardens. Kong Oskar Fjord offers spectacular glacier-carved mountains.
In Scoresbysund, the world's biggest fjord, the vast Greenland icecap sweeps down in massive glaciers that calve explosively, creating giant icebergs. Near Sydkap, our Zodiacs weave through a maze of grounded icebergs, some more than 30-metres high, sculpted with deep green tunnels and aquamarine lakes. Enjoy a warm Ittoqqortoormiit welcome, from Inuit happy to share their culture and explain the challenges of Arctic life.
Sailing south along the Blosseville Coast, searching for musk ox and narwhals and marvel at the mountain scenery that dominates the skyline. If weather permits, we head for Rømer Fjord, a deep waterway with stunning mountain views.
As we sail across Denmark Strait towards Iceland, there's time to reflect on our rich experiences, enjoy the flying antics of northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins, orcas and other whales in their feeding grounds.
Arrive early morning in Isafjordur, a stunning fishing town in Iceland's northwest. After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew and guides as you are transfered to the airport for your flight back to Reykjavik.
*NOTE: Snorkeling & Diving activity on designated trips need a minimum of 6 participants.
Now up to 30% discount
Route: Iceland - East Greenland - Jan Mayen - SvalbardIncluding Jan Mayen island
Up to 25% discount
Up to 25% discount
Up to 15% discount
Super Early Bird Discount: up to 20% off (valid until May 31, 2023)
Route: Svalbard - Jan Mayen - East Greenland - Iceland
Super Early Bird Discount: up to 20% off (valid until May 31, 2023)
Route West Svalbard - Scoresby Sund - Iceland
Route: Iceland - East Greenland - Svalbard
Route Svalbard - Northeast Greenland/Scoresby Sund - Iceland
Route: Svalbard - East Greenland - Iceland
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