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Svalbard Untamed

Wildlife & Wilderness with Rinie van Meurs

Our Signature Expeditions aboard Explorer offer an immersive journey through Svalbard’s breathtaking wilderness. This 8-day voyage is a great choice if you have limited time and 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.

Walrus © Evolumina

Polar Bear © Rinie van Meurs

Glacier front

Sabines Gull in Svalbard © Rinie van Meurs

Beluga Whales © 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.

Glacier

Expedition Highlights

  • Peak bird activity
  • Tundra at its’ most vibrant.
  • Melt waterfalls along glaciers
  • Glaciers calving
  • Great wildlife viewing

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.

Programme

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 2-7 | 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.

Depending on the circumstances, we might navigate north towards the pack ice, in order to capture that unique feeling of being at the end of the world. If lucky, we might even spot polar bears 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 8 | 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

Impression

Rinie van Meurs
Expedition Leader: Rinie van Meurs
“The vast wilderness and the animals are the main reasons why I keep coming back to the Arctic. Using weather forecasts, ice charts, and past experiences, I carefully plan each trip to maximise wildlife sightings, without disturbing the animals. Being an avid photographer myself, I consider the light conditions and guide my guests on how to approach wildlife encounters for the best possible experience.”

More about Rinie

Dates & Rates

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

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
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

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.