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.
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.

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.
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.
























