Expedition
Signature Expeditions Svalbard
Spring & Summer 2027 - Exclusive small-group expeditions in Svalbard
Our Svalbard Signature Expeditions are designed for explorers and photographers who want to experience the Arctic beyond the ordinary. With just 12 guests on board and led by highly experienced polar guides, we spend extended time in the pack ice, where conditions often offer the best opportunities for wildlife encounters and photography.
Why This Expedition?
- Onboard Explorer: 12 guests only
- Two Expert Guides
- Incredible Wildlife Photography
- Extended Time In the Pack Ice
- No rush!
The Small Ship Advantage
With only 12 guests on board Explorer, all guests can participate in zodiac cruises and shore landings at the same time. This allows us to be flexible and seize opportunities as they arise. Whether that means an extra day in the pack ice, or exploring other remote corners of Svalbard, our expedition is guided by nature rather than a fixed itinerary.
Led by Arctic Experts
Our Signature Svalbard Expeditions are led by Rinie van Meurs and Szymon Niezabitowski. Their knowledge and passion for the Arctic ecosystem offers a level of insight and understanding that few expeditions can match.
For more than 35 consequitive seasons, Rinie has explored Svalbard, building a reputation as one of the most experienced expedition leaders in the industry. Alongside him, Szymon brings more than 10 years of experience working in both the Arctic and Antarctica.
Not sure which Svalbard expedition is right for you?
Our expedition specialists have first-hand experience exploring Svalbard and are happy to help you choose the itinerary that best matches your interests. Available Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 (CET).
Signature Expeditions Svalbard
Map
Downloadthe brochure for this expedition
Map
Downloadthe brochure for this expedition
Sample itinerary
Travelling to Svalbard means embracing the unexpected. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, and our route will depend on weather and ice conditions.
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
We aim to sail as far north as possible, venturing deep into the pack ice. This vast and ever-changing frozen wilderness is the highlight of our Svalbard expeditions and the place where we prefer to spend much of our time. We believe it offers some of the very best opportunities to observe and photograph polar bears in their natural habitat, while also providing chances to encounter seals, and whales feeding along the ice edge.
Beyond the pack ice, we’ll explore other areas of Svalbard as well. Zodiac cruises bring us close to glacier fronts, dramatic bird cliffs, and wildlife-rich fjords, while shore landings allow us to experience the Arctic wilderness on foot. Depending on conditions, we may visit walrus haul-outs, seabird colonies, historic sites, and some of Svalbard’s most spectacular landscapes.
Rather than following a rigid schedule, or trying to tick off a list of landing sites, we let the Arctic shape our route. Weather, ice conditions, wildlife activity and photographic opportunities all play a role in our day-to-day decisions. If we’re enjoying exceptional encounters in the pack ice, we may choose to spend several days exploring this remarkable environment. If conditions are more favourable elsewhere, we can adjust our course and make the most of opportunities as they arise.
For photographers, this expedition offers outstanding opportunities. Whether we’re drifting through the pack ice, observing wildlife from the zodiacs, or exploring ashore, our experienced guides will help you make the most of every moment in this unique Arctic environment.
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.
Ship
The Explorer offers a high-end small ship cruising experience with only 12 guests on board.
“I loved the Explorer. It’s open so that all the guests can get excellent locations on deck for photography. Expedition leader Rinie was a photographer for many years, which he did not do during the trip, meaning he gave his undivided attention to spotting wildlife.” ★★★★★ – Louis
Impression
Dates & Rates
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
- Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
- Travel insurance.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
- Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!