Highlights

On this summer expedition, as the sea ice opens up around Svalbard, we take the unique opportunity nature presents us with and set out to circumnavigate the archipelago.

Our aim is to reach the remoter areas of Svalbard, including the mammoth Austfonna ice cap, with its famous, horizon-stealing ice wall. Along the way, we will explore every corner of the archipelago, the last stop before the North Pole, marvelling at its magnificent creatures and stunning scenery, under the light of the midnight sun.

The warmth of the sun invites migratory species back to Svalbard and encourages resident animals to come out from their wintery hiding places, making summer the best season to spot whales, seabirds, walruses, and polar bears in their natural habitat.

Head out on Zodiac cruises and hikes amid the Arctic majesty of picturesque fjords, mountains, and icebergs. Search for walrus haulouts on remote beaches, and scour the sea ice for polar bears. This is the Arctic experience you’ve been searching for.

Map/Itinerary

Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the Expedition Leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.

Day 1Depart in Longyearbyen

Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.

Day 2Poolepynten

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and a burial site.

Day 3-4Kongsfjorden, Smeerenburg and Virgohamna

Visit Ny-Ålesund Research Station, the world’s northernmost year-round research facility, and Kongsfjorden, with landings and cruises to its two glaciers, Kronebreen and Kongsbreen.

Sail to Smeerenburg, a former whaling settlement and source of an enduring myth, now home to a walrus colony.

Possible landing in Virgohamna, a historical site, to learn about the attempts to reach the North Pole by air that departed from here and see remains of blubber ovens from the 1600s.

Day 5The ice edge

Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.

Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.

Day 6-10Alkefjellet to Hambergbukta

Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.

Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise by Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe’s third-largest glacier by volume and area.

Sail through the narrow sound of Heleysundet.

Zodiac landing at Teistpynten in the bay of Mohnbukta, taking in views of Hayesbreen glacier.

Enjoy the green Kapp Lee headland on Edgeøya, spotting walruses, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, along with remnants of the walrus hunting industry.

Zodiac landing and hike at Kvalvågen, a geologically interesting bay known for its Cretaceous period dinosaur footprints.

Take a Zodiac cruise of Hambergbukta, an attractive bay in south Spitsbergen.

Day 11Hornsund

See Hornsund, with a landing in Gnålodden to marvel at the scenic bird cliff (home to black-legged kittiwakes) and trapper’s hut.

Sail back to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.

Day 12 Longyearbyen

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions

Expert guide team
Lectures and tutorials
Highly experienced captain and cook
Extended use of Zodiacs (dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
Boots on Loan
Polar bear protection guides for shore landings
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)
WiFi
Bedding and towels
Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation