South Spitsbergen Explorer & Bear Island

This expedition starts and ends in Longyearbyen and combines classic areas of South Spitsbergen with a visit to remote Bear Island. After departure through Isfjord, the route enters the Hornsund region with its side fjords, mountain peaks and fourteen glaciers, where seals and polar bears are possible and seabird cliffs such as Sofiakammen host large colonies. The voyage then operates around Bear Island, viewing major seabird cliffs from the ship and, where permitted, approaching sites such as Sörhamna and Revdalen, before landing at Kvalrossbukta to visit the remains of an early twentieth century whaling station. Continuing north, the ship may encounter sea ice and operate along and through pack ice, with chances for polar bears and a range of whales, seals and seabirds, and possible sightings of walruses and belugas near the western side of Tusenøyane. Further landings include Diskobukta with a kittiwake filled canyon and opportunities for long walks, Agardhfjellet with breeding ivory gulls and fossil rich ground, and the Boltodden and Kvalhovden area known for dinosaur track fossils and large seabird colonies, with a Zodiac cruise at Kvalbreen for seal observation. The final expedition day focuses on Bellsund, where sites such as Ahlstrandhalvøya with beluga skeleton remains or side fjords near Vaarsolbukta offer a mix of history, tundra walks and wildlife. Diving is optional and requires cold water experience and at least 30 dry suit dives.

South Spitsbergen Explorer & Bear Island: The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen and embarkation
You arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen and the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Before embarkation there is time to explore the former mining town independently, with the parish church and the Svalbard Museum as notable stops. Although the surrounding landscape can appear stark, more than 100 plant species have been recorded in the area. In the early evening you embark on m/v Ortelius and the ship sails out of Isfjord. As the vessel heads into open water, you may spot the first minke whale of the voyage. The evening is used to settle in on board and to receive initial briefings about expedition routines and safety.

Day 2: Hornsund, glaciers and seabird cliffs
The day begins with a quiet cruise through the side fjords of the Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, dominated by steep mountain peaks. Hornsundtind rises to about 1,431 metres, and the peak of Bautaen illustrates why early Dutch explorers used the name Spitsbergen, meaning pointed mountains. Fourteen glaciers are found in this region, shaping the fjord system and coastal scenery. There is a fair chance of encountering seals and polar bears, so wildlife conditions are monitored continuously. The cliffs of Sofiakammen host thousands of nesting pairs of kittiwakes and little auks. In the evening, near Sørkapp, you may see large numbers of harp seals rutting on ice floes, depending on conditions and timing.

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Day 3: Bear Island, west coast seabird cliffs and Sörhamna
The expedition reaches Bear Island and ventures along the west side toward the southeast, an area well suited for viewing large seabird colonies. The nesting cliffs here are part of an extensive nature reserve where shore landings are not permitted, so observation is primarily from the ship. The coastline is steep and exposed, and the day is structured around careful positioning for viewing and photography. After this initial coastal transit, the ship sails northeast into Sörhamna, where it may be possible to get closer to the seabird cliffs. Brünnich’s guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars are among the key nesting species in this area. The day remains focused on seabird observation and coastal scenery, with plans adjusted to wind and sea state.

Day 4: Bear Island, Revdalen, bird mountain walk and Kvalrossbukta landing
Just northeast of Sörhamna lies Revdalen, where, at a safe distance, you can watch breeding great skuas, large seabirds known for strong territorial behaviour. From there, the programme may include a climb partway up the bird mountain near the coast, depending on conditions and safety. Later, at Kvalrossbukta, a landing is planned at the remains of a whaling station from the early part of the previous century, adding a historical element to the day. As the ship continues north along the east side of Bear Island, the expedition team looks for additional suitable landing and activity sites. The day combines seabird focused observation with a permitted landing and a broader exploration of Bear Island’s eastern coastline.

Day 5: Along and through the pack ice, Tusenøyane wildlife possibilities
Sailing northward, the ship may encounter sea ice, and the day is shaped by navigation along and through pack ice where conditions allow. This is an area with good chances to spot polar bears, as well as various species of whales, seals and seabirds. While sailing along the western side of Tusenøyane, sightings may include polar bears, walruses and belugas, depending on local conditions. Observation from deck is continuous, and route decisions are guided by ice distribution and safety. The day is primarily a sea based expedition day, with the focus on wildlife watching and the changing structure of ice and open leads. Plans remain flexible, as ice conditions can change quickly.

Day 6: Diskobukta, kittiwake canyon and long walk options
A landing is planned at a beach where bones of prehistoric bowhead whales are scattered. From here you walk to a canyon that holds more than 10,000 pairs of breeding kittiwakes on both sides. Arctic foxes are often present and may prey on eggs, and a polar bear is also possible in the area, so wildlife awareness remains important. The valley south of the colony is suitable for longer walks, allowing time to experience tundra terrain and coastal scenery beyond the immediate bird cliffs. The day is structured around a substantial onshore period, with the pace and route adjusted to conditions and wildlife presence. This is one of the more walking focused days of the voyage.

Day 7: Agardhfjellet, ivory gull breeding sites and fossils
You land on the east coast of Spitsbergen at the mouth of the Skjolddalen river, where ivory gulls gather to breed. From the landing site, a relaxed walk leads toward the summit of Fleinskallen, about 300 metres high. Along the ridges, several tens of breeding ivory gulls may be spread out, and observation is carried out with care to minimise disturbance. The ground in this area is rich in fossils, including belemnites, so attention is also drawn to the geology underfoot. The day combines a clear wildlife objective with a moderate hike and a strong geological component. As always, the exact route and timing depend on local conditions.

Day 8: Boltodden and Kvalhovden, dinosaur tracks, seabird cliffs and Kvalbreen
The area around Boltodden is known for preserved dinosaur fossil tracks. Behind these sites rise the steep bird mountains of Kvalvaagen, home to many thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots and other seabirds. At Kvalbreen, there is a good opportunity for a Zodiac cruise and seal observation, depending on ice and sea state. Polar bears are not uncommon in this region, so the expedition maintains careful watch during operations. The day combines geological points of interest with major seabird colonies and time on the water for closer observation. Plans are adjusted to conditions, with safety and wildlife awareness guiding the sequence.

Day 9: Bellsund, history, tundra and beluga possibilities
Bellsund is one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard and offers opportunities to combine history and wildlife observation. One possible site is Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found, remains linked to poorly managed nineteenth century whaling. Belugas were not hunted to extinction, and there is a good chance of encountering a pod in the area. Alternatively, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you may explore tundra where reindeer feed and rock slopes where little auks breed, near Vaarsolbukta. The day’s plan depends on conditions and sightings, but remains focused on a final full expedition day combining landscape, wildlife and historical context.

Day 10: Longyearbyen disembarkation
You return to Longyearbyen. The package ends after breakfast on board with disembarkation. You may then explore the town further or prepare for your onward flight.

Included South Spitsbergen Explorer & Bear Island

- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- 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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