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Svalbard Awakening

Exclusive Svalbard Expedition with Rinie van Meurs

Polar Bears on the pack ice - Svalbard © Evolumina

Our Signature Expeditions aboard Explorer offer an immersive journey through Svalbard’s breathtaking wilderness. This exclusive 10-day voyage is guided by Rinie van Meurs, a renowned Arctic expert with over 30 years of experience. His deep knowledge and passion bring the Arctic to life through engaging lectures on Svalbard’s wildlife, environment, and history.

Explorer in Svalbard © Evolumina

Polar Bear in Svalbard © Rinie van Meurs

Walrus in Svalbard © Evolumina

Northern Fulmar © Evolumina

Svalbard Tundra in bloom

Svalbard Reindeer

Guillemot on a cliff

Jacuzzi on board Explorer © Evolumina
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With its high ice-class rating, Explorer is built to navigate into the pack ice of northern Svalbard. This vast, frozen landscape is our favorite place to observe polar bears. Beyond bears, we expect to encounter a diverse range of Arctic wildlife, including walrus, whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and many migratory seabirds.

Svalbard summer

Highlights of Svalbard in June

  • Spring season at its’ peak
  • Tundra flowers begin to bloom
  • Thriving seabird colonies
  • Walrus with calves
  • Experience the Summer Solstice!

Our expeditions are designed to experience the Arctic with respect for the fragile nature. Traveling aboard a small expedition yacht allows for a more intimate and meaningful adventure.

Sample itinerary

Travelling to Svalbard means embracing the unexpected. We cannot guarantee wildlife, or influence weather and ice. With flexibility and spontaneity at the core, this is an expedition in the true sense of the word!

Day 1 | Embarkation in Longyearybyen

Your Svalbard expedition starts in Longyearbyen, where Explorer will be ready to welcome you in port. Boarding takes place late in the afternoon. You will have some time to get comfortable and meet the crew and your fellow guests. Departing from Longyearbyen, the ship will sail through Isfjorden, the gateway to the west coast of Svalbard.

Day 2-9 | Exploring West & North Svalbard

In June, Svalbard comes to life. The melting snow makes way for blooming flowers and incredible wildlife activity. This expeditoin cruise takes place around the Summer Solstice, marking the onset of summer. With the midnight sun providing us 24 hours of daylight, we’ll have plenty of time to explore the Arctic wilderness ashore. 

The ship will sail north towards the pack ice along the western shores of Svalbard. During the expeditions you might possibly visit places like Ny-Alesund, Smeerenburg and Virgohamna.

We aim to spend as much time off ship as possbile. 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.

Taking advantage of the ships’ ice capacity, we hope to reach the pack ice in the far north. From here onwards, there’s only ice all the way up to the north pole. If lucky, we might spot polar bears hunting for seals on the ice. At the same time, the ice edge is a great place to look for whales.

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.

Day 10 | Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

After breakfast on the last day, you’ll disembark in Longyearbyen. We recommend scheduling your return flights for the afternoon or later. This is the end of your Waterproof Expedition in Svalbard, and we wish you a pleasant journey home.

Explorer in Svalbard ©Evolumina
Explorer in Svalbard ©Evolumina

Ship

Our A1 ice-class polar yacht Explorer is designed for easy navigation through high seas and ice, enabling us to venture into the pack ice. This significantly enhances our chances of spotting wildlife on the ice. Explorer offers the most refined and high-end small ship cruising experience in the Arctic. With only 12 guests on board, it will feel like you are on a private luxury expedition!

Impression

Dates & Rates

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

Other dates

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

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

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
Only 1 spot available!

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

If you're interested in adventure travel, you simply will not find a better, more knowledgeable, experienced, and whale-centered crew than with Waterproof. As repeat customers, 10/10 would recommend Waterproof and we will continue to return to this area of the world as their customers.

Ashley

Winter Whales of Norway- 2025
My wife and I can't thank the team at Waterproof Expeditions enough for an incredible trip to Norway to swim with orcas. The booking was easy and straightforward, and we were taken care of from the minute we met our guides in Tromso. The ship is comfortable with plenty of spaces to hang out and stay warm, a hot tub, sauna, and hot water available for coffee and tea.

Yoni

Winter Whales of Norway- 2025
We had an absolutely amazing trip in Svalbard. The communication with Waterproof was at all times very friendly, punctual and correct. We would highly recommend booking trips with them and especially onboard the Plancius.

Petra

Svalbard 2025
It was my dream for many years to see Orcas. With Waterproof Expeditions it was so much more than that. The weather was challenging but Rinie and Szymon where the best guides and hosts for this trip I could imagine. I would highly recommend the trip to whale lovers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers and whoever is looking for memories of a lifetime. Everyone on our trip was fantastic, also the other guests which made the journey even better.

Sabrina

Winter Whales of Norway 2024
We participated in the Winter Whales of Norway expedition aboard the Polarfront in November 2024 and it was one of the most incredible experiences we have had. Like with all wildlife and nature expeditions, we came into the trip nervous about whether the whales and orcas would be present and whether the weather would cooperate. The trip ended up vastly exceeding our expectations!

Zachary Seelenfreund

Winter Whales of Norway- Nov 2024
This was the best trip I have literally ever taken. If you are looking for an expedition that put whales front and center, while also truly caring about the ecosystem and simultaneously your needs are being taken care of, then do not hesitate to book!

Karen J

Winter Whales of Norway- Nov 2024
Went to Antartica on the MV Ushuaia Expedition Cruise booked through Waterproof Expeditions. Everything was well organised. The team was super prompt with their responses in addressing the queries. Highly recommend!

Hiral Shah

Expedition Cruise Antarctica - Dec 2023
This was by far the best week of my life. The crew were fantastic from start to finish and the guides went above and beyond to make sure our trip was great. The pre-trip information was useful and thorough. I really hope to be back again one day.

Helen Wing

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2023
We all had a wonderful time last summer and I cannot rate highly enough the entire experience: the ship and crew were exceptional and with Rinie's expert help, we had fantastic polar bear sightings.

Rita Fryer

Expedition Cruise Svalbard - Jun 2023
Wonderful time on the vessel Explorer. Great staff and great guides. Safe, wildlife-respectful and rich snorkelling experience with the whales and orcas in the Norwegian fjords.

Julie Dinet

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We have booked three vacations through Waterproof Expeditions so far and have experienced unique moments snorkelling with orcas and humpback whales. Everything went smoothly with the organization and the contact was always very friendly and helpful.

Andreas Geislinger

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We have been on many wonderful trips, but this one is certainly one of the finest. The Orcas and whales, the ospreys and the magnificent scenery left an unforgettable impression. The icing on the cake were the northern lights. The guides were also of champions league level. The captain and his crew did their utmost to spoil us. Thanks for organizing this trip very professionally.

Daniël Jacobs

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
Waterproof is a reliable, responsible travel agency. The trip I went on was very well organised. My booking was very last minute and the contacts were always friendly and helpful. The trip itself was amazing, from accomodation, crew, food to exceptionel guiding (very responsible with wildlife, too). Would certainly book again!

Susanne Schex

Winter Whales of Norway - Jan 2022
I had an amazing trip snorkeling with the orcas in Norway. The trip was really well organized, communication was great, the staff incredibly friendly and helpful, and our guides were the best. Absolutely unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend this trip.

Izelle Volman

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We went on a Norway cruise with Waterproof Expeditions. It absolutely exceeded our expectations. Orca’s, Humpbacks (from the boat as well in the water), northern lights, beautiful scenery. It was an amazing experience thanks to the professional care of our guides and crew on the boat. Absolutely recommended to choose this organization to make a trip.

Sten Nijs

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2021
Antarctica is a very beautiful place. We are very grateful that we were able to travel there and trust that it will continue to remain a wild and unspoilt place.

Carol Warman

Expedition Cruise Antarctica - 2018