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Expedition

Signature Expeditions Svalbard

Summer 2026 & 2027 - Exclusive small-group expeditions in Svalbard

Polar Bears in Svalbard © Evolumina
Note: Depending on the camera lens used for photography, wildlife may appear closer than it actually is. We always follow local regulations and keep a safe distance to wildlife.

Last Minute Special Offer

We now offer a 30% discount on our Summer 2026 Signature Expeditions.
Book your voyage today and take advantage of this limited-time offer!

Our Svalbard Signature Expeditions are designed for explorers and photographers who want to experience the Arctic at its very best. Aboard a small luxury ship with just 12 guests and guided by two highly experienced expedition leaders.

The Small Ship Advantage

Traveling to Svalbard on a small ship offers something rare: the freedom to experience nature on our own terms. Unlike larger vessels which are bound to rigid schedules, our expeditions onboard Explorer have no fixed itinerary. We seize opportunities as they arise. All guests can disembark at once for zodiac cruises and shore landings, ensuring minimal waiting times and maximum time to explore. A polar bear at midnight, whales alongside the ship, or sudden perfect Arctic light for photography, with our swift operations, we will make most of every opportunity.

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Why This Expedition?

  • Onboard Explorer: 12 guests only
  • Expert Guidance
  • Incredible Wildlife Photography
  • Extended Time In the Pack Ice
  • No rush!

Sample itinerary

Travelling to Svalbard means embracing the unexpected, and we can’t guarantee wildlife or influence weather and ice. We move with the rhythm of the Arctic, adjusting our course to seize the best opportunities for wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments as they arise naturally.

Day 1 | Embarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Boarding begins in the late afternoon, when you step aboard our expedition ship Explorer in Longyearbyen. As we set sail, the ship glides into Isfjorden, the vast fjord system that forms the gateway to Svalbard’s spectacular west coast. From the very first moments at sea you are surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes that define Svalbard.

Exploring Svalbard

You’ll travel north along the west coast of Svalbard while enjoying zodiac cruises and shore landings in various locations where our expedition team expects to find wildlife. Zodiac cruises will take you up close to glacier fronts and through scenic fjords, with opportunities to spot whales, seals, walrus, and seabirds. With two zodiacs available, we can head out quickly with all guests at the same time.

Hikes and walks are another great way to experience Svalbard’s rugged beauty, from tundra and sandy beaches to panoramic viewpoints. With the midnight sun providing us 24 hours of daylight, we’ll have plenty of time to explore the Arctic wilderness ashore. With fewer guests, every landing feels personal, and wildlife experiences are never crowded.

We aim to sail as far north as possible, venturing deep into the pack ice. This ice realm is our favorite place, beyond the reach of most other vessels. An everchanging frozen wilderness where we hope to spend several days capturing its unique beauty and, with luck, see polar bears in their natural habitat. At the same time, it’s a great place to spot whales as they feed along the ice edge.

As conditions allow, we will sail along the northeast of Svalbard, exploring areas such as Wijdefjorden and the Hinlopen Strait, with the flexibility to visit some of the remarkable landing sites, walrus haulouts, glaciers and wilderness areas found there.

For photographers, this voyage offers endless opportunities to capture stunning Arctic moments. Our expert guides will share their knowledge, helping you refine your skills in this unique environment. The small group setting of this Svalbard Expedition provides flexibility to take advantage of light conditions and unique wildlife encounters.

Polar Bear on the ice in Svalbard ©Evolumina
Polar Bear on the ice in Svalbard ©Evolumina

Final day | Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

After breakfast on the last day, you’ll disembark the ship in Longyearbyen, bringing your Svalbard adventure to a close. We recommend booking your return flights for the afternoon or later to ensure a smooth and relaxed journey home.

Impression

Dates & Rates

Svalbard 2026 – Available Voyages

Only a handful of cabins left for this summer! We are offering a 30% disount on the final spots:

11–20 June 2026 (10 days) 

  • Single Deluxe Cabin EUR 14,400 EUR 10,080

20–29 June 2026 (10 days)

  • Superior Suite EUR 13,500 EUR 9,450 per person

11–23 July 2026 (13 days)

  • Single Deluxe EUR 18,800 EUR 13,160
  • or Superior Suite EUR 19,700 EUR 12,530 per person

All prices are per person and depending on availability. Reach out for a personal offer for your preferred departure!
Enquire About Available Cabins

Special offer: 30% off!

Svalbard Awakening

Spring season at its' peak with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
11 Jun - 20 Jun 2026 10 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 13500 per person
More info
Special offer: 30% off!

Svalbard Awakening

Arctic Summer Soltice with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
20 Jun - 29 Jun 2026 10 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 13500 per person
More info
Fully booked

Svalbard’s Frozen North

Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
29 Jun - 11 Jul 2026 13 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 17900 per person
More info
Special offer: 30% off!

Svalbard’s Frozen North

Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
11 Jul - 23 Jul 2026 13 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 17900 per person
More info
Walrus Svalbard © Evolumina
Waiting list

Svalbard Untamed

Wildlife & Wilderness with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
23 Jul - 30 Jul 2026 8 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 10800 per person
More info
Waiting list

Svalbard Untamed

Wildlife & Wilderness with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
30 Jul - 06 Aug 2026 8 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 10800 per person
More info
Polar Bears on the ice ©Evolumina

Svalbard Awakening

Svalbard in the Light of the Summer Solstice
Dates and duration
19 Jun - 28 Jun 2027 10 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 14700 per person
More info
Waiting list

Svalbard’s Frozen North

Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
28 Jun - 13 Jul 2027 16 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 24300 per person
More info
Fully booked

Svalbard’s Frozen North

Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
13 Jul - 25 Jul 2027 13 days
Explorer 12 passengers

More info

Svalbard Untamed

Wildlife & Wilderness with Rinie van Meurs
Dates and duration
25 Jul - 04 Aug 2027 11 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 16100 per person
More info

FAQ

As of 01 January 2025, all tourist ships in Svalbard are required to adhere to new regulations. These rules have been put in place to protect the environment and safeguard an increasingly fragile wildlife amid the challenges of climate change and rising visitor numbers. We believe visiting Svalbard will remain an extraordinary experience and a unique chance to view Arctic animals in their natural home.

The most impactful new regulations involve restrictions on visiting protected areas:

  • A limit of 200 passengers on board ships
  • Landings are limited to 43 landing sites of which 13 will be restricted to amaximum of 39 persons at once
  • The use of drones is prohibited inprotected areas

Starting from 2025, stricter regulations will be enforced regarding the viewing of wildlife:

  • Minimum distances from polar bears; 300 meters from July 1 to February 28 and 500 meters from March 1 to June 30.
  • Minimum distances from walrus haulout sites; 50m when on land and 150m for motorised boats with a maximum speed 5 knots within 300 metres.
  • A speed limit of 5 knots applies within 500 metres from certain bird colonies.

Keep in mind, nothing will change in regards to approaching polar bears, which has never been allowed.

Providing the best possible photography and wildlife viewing, while maintaining a safe distance, is our top priority. Beyond polar bears, we always keep an eye out for walrus, seals, whales, arctic foxes, and birds, not to mention the spectacular scenery.

The new rules and regulations are of hardly any impact on our operations. Our expeditions take place on board small ships (12 guests), allowing us to maintain access to all of Svalbard’s landing sites. Additionally, our high ice-class vessel Explorer allows us to explore the pack ice, which is outside Svalbard’s territorial waters.