Svalbard in Depth

Having made your way to Longyearbyen, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.   

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.   

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel 

This morning is at leisure prior to meeting your guide at our hotel in the early afternoon.   

Our locally guided journey begins with a drive to the outskirts of Longyearbyen. The stark landscape plays host to a vault unlike any other worldwide. Although not open to the public, the unique design of its entrance affords us an insight into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, home to a seed bank of over 4000 plant species. We continue to Camp Barentz, located in the Advent Valley, where we enjoy a presentation in the large ‘lavvo’ – a traditional building common in northern Norway. Here your host shares tales of living in the remote Arctic. You’ll learn about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, its early explorers and Svalbard’s most famous inhabitants – the polar bear, before we meet the camp’s friendly huskies or perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the eclectic Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon.  

After embarkation, settle into your cabin before attending mandatory safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. Sail out of the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin. Find a spot in one of the observation areas to watch seabirds, including graceful ivory gulls, kittiwakes and guillemots. They rise and fall skilfully, using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.  

This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and your friendly expedition team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure. 

NOTE: Sometimes our ship is unable to dock in Longyearbyen port due to space and capacity. In these instances, we reach the ship by Zodiac. Please ensure that you keep your wet-weather gear in your hand luggage to use in the Zodiacs, if the situation arises. Please ensure your cabin luggage tag is completed clearly showing your cabin number and name. Our crew will deliver your luggage directly to your cabin.

Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable will be encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. Your Expedition Team is just as keen as you are to find them – they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come.

During the early morning we cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkation and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport to continue your journey.

Note: We do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage. 

Important note: Aurora Expeditions operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to be flexible and to adopt an adventurous attitude when joining our voyages. This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control.