Svalbard Bear Island & Tromso

We begin our expedition in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world. Soak in the stark beauty of the surrounding mountains before boarding Aqua Lares and setting sail into the frozen wilderness.​

We arrive in Bellsund to explore Calypsobyen, a former coal mining settlement and beluga hunting station that operated in the early 20th century. Here, scattered ruins and weathered structures stand as silent witnesses to the industrial era that once brought life to this remote corner of Svalbard, creating a stark contrast between natural beauty and manmade history.​

In the morning, we explore Gnålodden, home to one of Svalbard’s best-known trapper’s cabins, set beneath towering cliffs alive with seabirds. The site offers a vivid glimpse into the lives of those who endured the harsh Arctic wilderness. After lunch, we arrive at Sørkapp, the southernmost point of Spitsbergen. This remote and rarely visited cape reveals stark Arctic landscapes where glaciers meet the sea and seabirds such as kittiwakes nest along coastal cliffs.​

Today, we head out on excursions along the remote cliffs of Bear Island, home to vast colonies of puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. Enjoy close encounters with the destination’s remarkable population of seabirds while out on a tender exploration. Learn more about the island’s unique ecology from our naturalist guides. ​​

Step ashore at Bleik, a fishing village set along one of Norway’s longest white-sand beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for sperm whales attracted to the surrounding waters’ rich feeding grounds, while just offshore, the triangle-shaped island of Bleiksøya hosts one of Norway’s largest puffin colonies.​

Savor a final breakfast on board before parting ways with Aqua Lares and the crew in Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic.