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.
Sailing along the pack-ice of North Svalbard, will give us the best opportunities to spot the King of the Arctic.
North Svalbard
Sailing along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen, will give us the best opportunities to spot the King of the Arctic. We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bears are often seen here.
If you travel to Spitsbergen during June you have something wonderfull to look foreward to. Polar bears are showing themselves as they are roaming the ice, while reindeers are grazing at the spots without snow. Walrusses take place on the pack-ice and seals frequently show their faces. Loads of Arctic birds are either finding a partner, sitting on their eggs or feeding their kids. All this is visible through the midnight sun that illuminates the day and provides a lovely temperature of 5°C (41°F)
Spitsbergen is great to visit from early June to the end of August.
Note:
This is a sample itinery, things may variate during your travel because weather and ice conditions can change. We try to do as much as possible but we have to keep it safe so therefore we can't guarentee anything.
You arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago of which West Svalbard is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke whale.
We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. With some luck we'll even see polar bears.
Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bear have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded seal, Ringed seal, Polar bear, and Ivory gull. At the entrance there is the possibility to see Blue whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed goose, breeding Ivory gull, and walrus.
We will try reach our northernmost point at Sjuøyane, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bear inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.
We will retrace our route westwards to keep watch for the Polar Bear
Retracing our route westwards, our route takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwelling’s along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden we have also good chances to see Minke Whale.
In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime we arrive in Longyearbyen.
We disembark the vessel in Longyearbyen the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, for the flights south to Oslo and onward home.
Up to 30% last minute discount!
Free activities, such as kayaking, snowshoeing/hiking and photoworkshop
Up to 10% discount valid till 31 May 2021
Free activities, such as kayaking, snowshoeing/hiking and photoworkshop
Up to 30% last minute discount!
Up to 30% last minute discount!
Hike & Sail
Hike & Sail
Free activities, such as kayaking, snowshoeing/hiking and photoworkshop
Free activities, such as kayaking, snowshoeing/hiking and photoworkshop
South and East Spitsbergen
Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583