This Svalbard expedition departs from the far northern settlement of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen in the famed Svalbard archipelago. You’ll explore the island’s northwestern coast, home to dramatic mountain scenery, tidewater glaciers and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.
On this Arctic wildlife cruise, you also venture to the jumbled edge of the north-polar ice cap in search of polar bears stalking their prey. Here, at the dynamic boundary between implacable ice and bountiful sea, the wildlife cruise presents the rare opportunity to experience raw nature and incredible events hardly ever seen.
Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and starting point of our Arctic expedition! At the Longyearbyen airport, you will be greeted by staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged in advance and is included in the price of the itinerary. You will then be free to explore the charming, walkable town center.
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Longyearbyen. Take in the views of icy fjords and glaciated mountains surrounding this historic former coal-mining town. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, Longyearbyen offers quick and easy meal options including the most northerly pizzas and kebabs in the world.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where you will warmly welcomed aboard a deluxe expedition vessel.
The itinerary for this voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of western Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard archipelago. This area contains Svalbard’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.
One of the pristine natural areas on this itinerary is South Spitsbergen National Park, a vast region of varied landscapes including polar deserts and impassible mountain ranges. Also on your route is Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the crown jewel of Svalbard’s scenic wonders. Here you find deep fjords flanked by serrated mountain peaks and immense tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into turquoise waters.
Human habitation along your route can be found at Ny Ålesund, a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world’s most northerly settlements where we find a museum, gift shop and post office.
In addition to exploring the terrestrial environment and inshore waterways of western Spitsbergen, your Captain and expedition team will make a special effort to reach the edge of the polar pack ice. At this dynamic boundary between solid sea ice and open ocean, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to witness the dramatic interplay between polar bears and seals.
After enjoying one final breakfast buffet on board, we bid you farewell in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard and final destination of your expedition. After disembarkation, a captivating sightseeing tour awaits you, showcasing some of the most interesting locations in the world’s northernmost city. Transfers to the airport or to the town center are provided in case you plan to stay longer in Svalbard.
Please note:
This expedition includes:
This expedition excludes:
Sea Kayaking: US$ 795 – 875 pp, depending on the date of departure
Photography: Included
All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD
Sort by
Start: Jun 13, 2027
End: Jun 22, 2027
Departure: Longyearbyen
Arrival: Longyearbyen
Duration: 10 Days
Start: Jun 29, 2027
End: Jul 8, 2027
Departure: Longyearbyen
Arrival: Longyearbyen
Duration: 10 Days