Highlights

This extended micro cruise sets sail when the midnight sun is at its zenith, scouring the ice edge in the far north of Svalbard for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

In the glowing 24-hour sun of the Svalbard summer, experience Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Make the most of the superior conditions on an intrepid itinerary, where great swathes of the archipelago bring a new encounter with the wild.

Explore the ice edge in the lesser-seen north of Svalbard during the summer solstice.
This is the best time to witness Svalbard’s wildlife at its most active, under uninterrupted daylight that reveals the full drama.
Enter a world where whales glide through icy waters, polar bears roam the sea ice, and Arctic foxes hunt beneath towering cliffs teeming with thousands of seabirds.

Map/Itinerary

Please note:

Voyages may last from 10 to 12 days depending on the day of departure
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

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

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

Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.

Day 2-3Poolepynten - Sail along the continental shelf

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

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

Day 4-7The ice edge

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

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

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

Explore the island of Kvitøya, taking in the walrus colony and cultural remains of the Andreeneset headland.

Day 8Sjuøyane

Hike on an area of Sjuøyane, or “Seven Islands”, the northernmost part of Svalbard, home bird cliffs, overflowing in the summer with black guillemots, ivory gulls, and kittiwakes, cultural remains, and walrus haulouts.

Day 9-11Liefdefjorden to Longyearbyen

Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut.

See the historical site at Bruceneset in beautiful Alicehamna bay, during a Zodiac cruise or hike.

Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains.

Stand before Lilliehook glacier, in search of calving ice.

Tour St. Johnsfjord, landing at Copper Camp to view cultural remains.

Sail past Alkhornet (Bird Mountain), home to extensive seabird colonies, and marvel at Sveabreen, one of Svalbard’s largest and most active glaciers. Return to Longyearbyen.

Day 12Longyearbyen

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions

Lectures, workshops on board, and daily exploratory activities
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) beverages served during meals, while on board our micro cruises
Rubber polar standard boots for shore landings
One piece insulation suits available on board
IAATO and AECO fees, and operational fees and permits included
Due to restricted local service options, all transfers included – from the airport to your hotel on arrival, between your hotel and the ship for embarkation and disembarkation, and from your hotel to the airport on departure day

Exclusions

International flights – we recommend booking early
Travel and cancellation insurance – we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your expedition
Additional expenses outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
Gratuities
Additional purchases or services on board
Other transfer or hotels unless specified as included as part of the voyage description