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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. 

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

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

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
Waiting list

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

From per person
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