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Svalbard’s Frozen North

Into the pack ice with Rinie van Meurs

Polar Bear on the ice © Szymon Niezabitowski

Our Signature Expeditions aboard Explorer offer an immersive journey through Svalbard’s breathtaking wilderness. This exclusive 16-day voyage is guided by Rinie van Meurs, a renowned Arctic expert with over 35 years of experience. His deep knowledge and passion bring the Arctic to life through engaging lectures on Svalbard’s wildlife, environment, and history.

Polar Bears on the ice © Jenny Varley

Walrus in Svalbard © Rinie van Meurs

Whale in Svalbard

Northern Fulmar © Evolumina

Arctic fox © Szymon Niezabitowski

Bearded Seal on the ice
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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.

Explorer in pack ice

Expedition Highlights

  • Extended 13-day expedition
  • Multiple days in the pack ice
  • Expert-led photography
  • Spot polar bears on the ice
  • Peak wildlife season

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

Your Svalbard expedition starts in Longyearbyen where expedition yacht Explorer will be waiting in port. Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon of the first day. Leaving Longyearbyen, you will find yourself in a beautiful Arctic scenery straight away. Grab your binoculars and have a first look at the wide coastal plains, steep glaciers and characteristic plateau-shaped mountains that are so unique to Svalbard.

Explorer in Svalbard ©Evolumina
Explorer in Svalbard ©Evolumina

DAY 2-15 | Exploring Svalbard & Into the pack ice

You’ll travel north along Svalbard’s magnificent coastline while enjoying zodiac cruises and shore landings in various locations. With 12 guests onboard, each zodiac will carry just 6 passengers. There is enough space for camera equipment and we can maximise our time, exploring and photographing the beauty of Svalbard. July is peak wildlife season and besides bears, we hope to encounter an array of Arctic wildlife, including walrus, whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals and countless seabirds.

We aim to sail as far north as possible, venturing deep into the pack ice. This ice realm is our favorite place to look for polar bears, beyond the reach of most other vessels. An ever-changing frozen wilderness where we plan to spend several days to capture its unique beauty and look for wildlife. As sea ice retreats during the summer months, the far north is the only place where polar bears can hunt for seals on the ice. It’s an absolute treat to see polar bears in their natural habitat. At the same time, the far north offer us good chances to spot whales as they feed along the ice edge.

You will get to spend quality time in Svalbard, a great chance to improve your photo skills. Our guides have a professional photography background and will take light and weather conditions into account in order to offer the best photographic opportunities. This expedition is suited for photographers of all levels, from beginners to the most experienced.

Polar Bears on the ice ©Evolumina
Polar Bears on the ice ©Evolumina

Day 16 | Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

You’ll disembark in Longyearbyen after breakfast on the final day of your expedition. 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.

Ship

Impression

Dates & Rates

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

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
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
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