Discovery trip to North Spitsbergen - Polar bear special

This expedition focuses on the pack ice in northern Svalbard and offers numerous opportunities to observe whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other wildlife.

Discovery trip to North Spitsbergen: The itinerary

Day 1: The Largest Town on the Largest Island
Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard on the largest island of the archipelago, you can enjoy a stroll through the former mining town. Highlights include the local church and the Svalbard Museum, which provide fascinating insights into the region’s history and culture. Despite the urban environment, more than one hundred plant species have been documented in the area. In the early evening, the ship sails into Isfjorden, where dwarf whales may be sighted.

Day 2–7: Northern Svalbard’s Natural Beauty, Wildlife, and Pack Ice
Your expedition takes you deep into the pack ice and along the remote, rugged coasts of northern Svalbard. Landings depend on sea ice, weather conditions, and wildlife sightings, with the final plan determined by the expedition leader. You may visit Raudfjord, a wide fjord on Svalbard’s northern coast, characterized by glaciers and occasionally visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and coastline provide nesting opportunities for seabirds, rich vegetation, and good chances to spot polar bears, with landings attempted at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya.

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Weather permitting, the voyage continues to Liefdefjord, approaching the five-kilometer-long front of the rugged Monaco Glacier. The glacier face is a prime feeding area for thousands of kittiwakes and offers excellent hunting opportunities for polar bears when fast ice forms. If early-season ice prevents access, an alternative route along Svalbard’s west coast may be taken. Another highlight is the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet, where the northernmost point of the expedition reaches 80°N, just 870 km from the North Pole. Phippsøya hosts a walrus colony, while Rossøya is the northernmost landmass of Svalbard. The ship may penetrate deeper into the pack ice when turning west.
The pack ice itself offers the opportunity to observe polar bears, seals, and whales in their natural habitat. The duration of time in the ice depends on its position and local sea and weather conditions. On the return journey west, you will keep watch for polar bears, ringed seals, and Greenland whales. This area is also home to ivory gulls. Walruses are often found in Forlandsundet at Poolepynten, or alternatively, the mouth of Isfjorden may be visited to observe orcas. Planned landing sites include Alkhornet, where polar foxes and reindeer can be seen, and Ymerbukta, where various eider species can be observed.

Day 8: End of the Journey in Longyearbyen
In the early morning, the ship returns to Longyearbyen. After breakfast on board, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences of the expedition. A bus transfer will take you to the airport, concluding your journey with unforgettable impressions of the Arctic wilderness.
 

Included North Spitsbergen Explorer

 
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as outlined in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage including snacks, coffee, and tea
- All shore excursions and activities via Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels, and ship for select flights to and from Longyearbyen
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- AECO fees and governmental taxes
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: each guest receives 1.5 GB of data per day, renewed every 24 hours
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition
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