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Svalbard Untamed

Explore the Wildlife & Wilderness of Svalbard

Svalbard shore hike in Svalbard © Evolumina

Our Signature Expeditions aboard Explorer offer an immersive journey through Svalbard’s breathtaking wilderness. This 11-day voyage is a great choice if you want to see the best of Svalbard. An exclusive experience, guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience. His knowledge and passion bring the Arctic to life through engaging lectures on Svalbard’s wildlife, environment, and history.

Explorer in the ice © Evolumina

Polar Bear on land © Rinie van Meurs

Zodiac cruise in Svalbard © Evolumina

Sabines Gull in Svalbard © Rinie van Meurs

Polar Bears on the ice ©  Jenny Varley

Polar Bear © Kyriakos Kaziras

Jacuzzi on deck © Evolumina
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With its high ice-class rating, Explorer is built to navigate into the pack ice north of 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 Expedition

Expedition Highlights

  • Peak bird activity
  • Tundra at its’ most vibrant.
  • Melt waterfalls along glaciers
  • Great wildlife viewing
  • Sail into the pack ice

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 Longyearbyen

Explorer will be waiting for you in the port of Longyearbyen and boarding takes place late in the afternoon. Once onboard you will have some time to get comfortable and enjoy the views as the ship departs. You will find yourself in a breathtaking Arctic landscape from the moment you set sail. 

Day 2-10 | Exploring West Svalbard

During Svalbard’s summer, wildlife thrives under the midnight sun. Throughout the expedition, we aim to spend as much time off ship as possbile. Zodiac cruises will take you through scenic fjords, with opportunities to spot whales, seals and walrus. Seabird colonies will be bustling with chicks taking their first flights, while Arctic foxes prowl the cliffs in search of an easy meal.

The glaciers of Svalbard are constantly transforming, and as the summer sun intensifies, they release meltwater that creates striking blue rivers and waterfalls. Whether viewed from the zodiac or the ship, the glaciers are a highlight of Svalbard and a dream subject for photographers.

Hikes and walks ashore are another great way to experience Svalbard’s rugged beauty, from tundra valleys to panoramic viewpoints, there’s plenty to explore. The expedition team will design your voyage from day to day, maximising your time in Svalbard. With two zodiacs available, we can head out quickly with all guests at the same time, taking advantage of every opportunity.

Taking advantage of the ships’ ice capacity, we hope to reach the pack ice and, ideally, spend multiple days exploring this unique environment. 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.

Walrus - Svalbard © Evolumina
Walrus - Svalbard © Evolumina

Day 11 | Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

On the last day of your voyage, you disembark in Longyearbyen after breakfast. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or later. This is the end of your Waterproof Expedition in Svalbard, and we wish you a pleasant journey home.

Ship

Explorer, our A1 ice-class polar yacht, is built for smooth navigation through rough seas and icy waters, allowing us to navigate into the pack ice. This gives us an exceptional opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. On board, you’ll experience the most sophisticated and intimate small-ship cruising in the Arctic. With just 12 guests, it feels like your own private luxury expedition.

Impression

Dates & Rates

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

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
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
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