Arctic summer in northern Spitsbergen

GJoin Oceanwide Expeditions on a discovery journey and experience the Arctic summer. Explore North Spitsbergen and take in the striking landscapes of towering glaciers and deep fjords. Keep an eye out for the king of the Arctic, the polar bear, as well as many other inhabitants of this unique natural environment. Enjoy the views from the outer deck as icebergs and floes pass by. The price per person is based on accommodation in a twin cabin; other cabin categories are available on request. Please note that this is a sample itinerary, which may be adjusted according to weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings. A high level of flexibility allows for a personalised experience.

Itinerary: Arctic Summer in North Spitsbergen

Day 1: Embarkation and start of the Expedition
You will be collected from the airport or your hotel in Longyearbyen and transferred to the ship. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon, where the expedition team will be ready to welcome you. Once you have settled into your cabin, the journey begins. In the afternoon, the ship leaves the port and heads out into Isfjorden. From the outer deck, you may be able to spot the first whales, such as dwarf whales or harbour porpoises. In the evening, the ship sails to Trygghamna, where the following morning you can visit the remains of a 17th-century British whaling station and an 18th-century Pomor hunting station.

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Day 2-10: North Spitsbergen
Each day begins with breakfast before new adventures await. The daily programme depends on the prevailing weather and ice conditions. From Trygghamna, you will hike to Alkhornet, a well-known seabird colony that is currently establishing its breeding sites. Arctic foxes may be seen under the cliffs, though sightings are rare. In areas with little snow and with some luck, reindeer may also be encountered grazing on the vegetation.

In Fuglefjorden, you will have views of Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, which are partly breeding grounds for great skuas. Polar bears may be present in the area, but sightings are not guaranteed. On Ytre Norskøya, you can follow in the footsteps of historic whalers while passing notable bird cliffs. In Raudfjorden, on the northern coast of Spitsbergen, glaciers can be observed; ringed and bearded seals, various seabirds, and occasionally polar bears or beluga whales can also be seen.

If ice conditions allow, a landing on the northern side of Graahuken is possible, from where walks to Hyttesletten can be undertaken. Reindeer, waders, divers, or king eiders may be present, but sightings depend on the season and conditions. The entry into Liefdefjord, with views of the steep Monaco Glacier front, is also dependent on ice conditions. The glacier front can attract black‑legged kittiwakes, and pack ice may bring polar bears close to the ship; however, sightings are not guaranteed. If ice prevents entry, an alternative route along the west coast of Spitsbergen may be taken.

The journey continues south to Magdalenafjord. A landing at Gravneset allows you to see the remains of 17th-century British whaling activities. The itinerary then proceeds to Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden, where historically significant sites await: Ny London, with the remains of early 20th-century marble mining, and Ny-Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements in the world. Krossfjorden offers views of large glaciers and towering peaks. On the way south, there is the opportunity to observe a walrus colony at Sarstangen, or alternatively land at Engelskbukta.

The expedition continues to Bohemanflya, a wide tundra area with birdlife and notable geological formations along the coast. The journey combines wildlife observation with historical sites and provides ample opportunities to experience the region’s flora and fauna.
 
Day 11: Disembarkation and departure
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place in the morning, and you will be transferred back to your hotel or the airport in Longyearbyen.


Expedition ship
he SV Rembrandt van Rijn is a sailing vessel well suited for expedition cruises between smaller islands, offering excellent viewing opportunities from the outer deck even when the sails are set. Two inflatable boats (Zodiacs) allow landings and wildlife observation in otherwise inaccessible areas. The ship is 49.5 metres long, 7 metres wide, and has a draught of 2.8 metres, with an average speed of 6.5 knots. The crew consists of 12 experienced members, including 2 expedition leaders. The Rembrandt van Rijn can accommodate up to 33 passengers in 16 cabins: one private triple cabin with shower, toilet and porthole; six private twin inside cabins with shower and toilet without porthole; and nine private twin cabins with shower, toilet and porthole.
Selected departures (14.06. - 24.06.2027) of this voyage take place during the solar eclipse, offering the rare opportunity to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon in a truly unique setting.
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