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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

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
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