Svalbard circumnavigation - In the realm of the polar bears

An expedition to the Arctic with Oceanwide Expeditions: The circumnavigation of Spitsbergen gives you the best chance of observing the animals of the Arctic in their natural habitat. Look out for polar bears, whales, reindeer, arctic foxes and many more. On this cruise, you will experience unique, wild and extreme nature, impressive landscapes consisting of fjords and the very special tundra of the north. Huge glaciers and ice floes floating by are sure to fascinate you. An expedition full of highlights!

Important notes
The chances of a complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen (based on experience from 1992 - 2019) are 30% in the first half of July, 60% in the second half, 90% in the first half of August and 95% in the second half. If a circumnavigation is not possible due to ice and weather conditions, the program in the northeast or southeast of Spitsbergen will be used. The price per person refers to accommodation in a double cabin for two people, other categories on request. Please note that this is an exemplary route description, as it will be adapted to the weather and ice conditions as well as animal observation opportunities. A high degree of flexibility promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Spitsbergen circumnavigation: In the realm of the polar bears - The itinerary:

Day 1: Start in the northernmost town in the world
Your expedition starts in Longyaerbyen at the airport. The tour package begins with the transfer from the airport to the ship. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon. You move into a comfortable cabin and settle in for the next few days before the ship leaves the harbor in the early evening and sails into the Isfjord. Look out for the first minke whales and look forward to an unforgettable adventure ahead of you.

Day 2: Fascinating Krossfjord
Fortify yourself with a hearty breakfast. Today we head north along the west coast, where you will reach the Krossfjord in the morning. You have the opportunity to take a Zodiac excursion to the impressive glacier front. Marvel at the size of the glacier and admire the beautiful green slopes close to the glacier, where you can spot not only arctic flowers but also seabirds. You might even spot an Arctic fox or bearded seal in the water. In the afternoon, continue to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on earth - today a research center. There are countless breeding grounds for all bird species in the area. So there is plenty to explore. The evening ends with a cozy dinner.

Day 3: Impressive Monaco Glacier
As every morning, the day starts with breakfast. Today you can look forward to a majestic glacier: depending on the weather conditions, you will travel into the Liefdefjord and approach the rugged Monaco Glacier. With a bit of luck, you might spot a polar bear, as the hunting conditions here are good. If ice conditions prevent entry here early in the season, an alternative route can be taken along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Back on board, you can reflect on the impressions you have gathered and marvel at the beautiful landscape of Spitsbergen from the outside deck.

Day 4 - 5: Seven Islands
Today you could reach the northernmost point of the expedition - north of Nordaustland on the Seven Islands at 80° North and thus only 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. As there are many polar bears in this area, the ship can park in the pack ice and give you plenty of time to search for the king of the Arctic. If the edge of this sea ice is a few kilometers north of the Seven Islands (usually in August), there is the possibility to stay in this region for another day. Alternatively, you can go to Sorgfjord where, with a bit of luck, walruses can be observed. Nearby there are whalers' graves from the 17th century and breeding grounds for ptarmigans. The opposite side of the fjord is also ideal for unforgettable shore excursions. There is an incredible amount to discover here.

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Day 6: Hinlopen Highlights
Already at breakfast, you can look forward to today's trip to the Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals and polar bears. With luck, you may even spot blue whales from on board. Alternatively, there is a route along the west coast of Spitsbergen if there is ice in the way. The drift ice fields in the Lomfjordshalvøya area are visited with the Zodiacs. On the eastern side of the Hinlop Strait, there is an opportunity to land on Nordaustland, where reindeer, short-billed geese and walruses live. Arctic foxes, among other things, can be observed on a coastal hike over the beach embankments in the area. Back on board, you can reflect on your experiences and end the day with breathtaking views from the deck.

Day 7: In search of walruses and polar bears
Fortify yourself with a hearty breakfast. The plan is to go ashore in Freemansund, although polar bears sometimes make this impossible. There are several stops on Barentsøya to choose from, such as Sundneset (for an old trapper's hut), Kapp Waldburg (known for its kittiwake colony) and Rindedalen (for a tundra walk). There is also the option of heading south to Diskobukta - weather conditions and wildlife spotting opportunities determine the day and promise individual and above all unforgettable experiences.

Day 8: The pointed mountains of Spitsbergen
After breakfast, you will head to the side fjords of the Hornsund region in southern Spitsbergen. Here you will experience the impressive pointed mountains that give the island its name. There are 14 large glaciers in the area and therefore the chance of seeing seals, beluga whales and polar bears. On board, you can talk about your experiences and relax on the outside deck.

Day 9: Visit Bell Sund
Start the day with breakfast before heading to Bell Sund, Svalbard's largest fjord system. Lush vegetation shows that ocean currents make this region somewhat warmer than other areas of the archipelago. Beluga skeletons in the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden are the remains of whale slaughters from the 19th century and are a reminder of a bygone era. However, as the animals are fortunately not threatened with extinction, you have a good chance of spotting a group of belugas. A dreamlike landscape and untouched nature will pass you by, perhaps even with one or two reindeer or other native animals.

Day 10: Conclusion of your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen
After a final breakfast on board, you disembark in Longyearbyen. Your journey ends here with countless memories and unforgettable experiences. A transfer will take you from the ship to the airport.

Expedition ship:
MS Ortelius (dates 10.07.-19.07.24, 28.07.-06.08.24 // 03.07.-12.07.25, 12.07.-21.07.25, 21.07.-30.07.25, 30.07.-08.08.25)
The ship has the highest ice class (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefore suitable for sailing in solid one-year sea ice as well as in loose multi-year pack ice. The Ortelius offers space for up to 108 passengers and has a large number of open deck spaces. Please note that a small number of cabins may have partially obstructed views due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows in the lower half may be partially obscured by a gangway. The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge. Although our voyages are primarily aimed at providing our passengers with a wildlife exploration program with as much time ashore as possible, the Ortelius has all the amenities of a standard hotel - including a bar and lecture room. Flexibility guarantees maximum opportunities to explore the wildlife. Ortelius therefore has 10 Zodiacs with 60 hp Yamaha engines. The ship has space for 108 guests.

MS Hondius (dates 24.06.-03.07.24, 03.07.-12.07.24, 12.07.-21.07.24, 21.07.-30.07.24 // 30.06.-09.07.25, 09.07.-18.07.25, 18.07.-27.07.25)
The Hondius is the world's first registered Polar Class 6 ship and meets the latest and highest Lloyd's Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Exceeding the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius is the most flexible, advanced and innovative cruise ship in the polar regions, optimized for exploration voyages that give you the greatest possible first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctic. The Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, biodegradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art energy management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels to a minimum. This means that on board the Hondius you can enjoy the extreme landscapes and wildlife while having as little impact on them as possible. Please note that a small number of cabins may have partially obstructed views due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows in the lower half may be partially obscured by a gangway. The best view is always from the outside deck or the bridge. The Hondius offers space for up to 170 passengers.

MS Plancius (04.07.-13.07.24, 13.07.-22.07.24, 22.07.-31.07.24 // 01.07.-10.07.25, 10.07.-19.07.25, 26.07.-04.08.25)
The MS Plancius was used by the Dutch Royal Navy as a research vessel from 1976 to 2004 and was converted into a passenger ship by Oceanwide Expeditions in 2009. The expedition ship offers space for 108 passengers with private shower and toilet [4 four-person cabins with porthole, 2 three-person cabins with porthole, 9 double cabins with porthole, 25 double cabins with window, 2 deluxe double cabins (approx. 12.5 square meters) and 10 superior double cabins (approx. 21 square meters)]. Please note that a small number of cabins have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. For example, the view from some windows may be partially obstructed by the gangway. The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge. Enjoy the benefits of the MS Plancius: a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows allowing a full panoramic view. The ship welcomes you comfortably and beautifully - in keeping with its expedition character, it is not a luxury ship. Experience, exploration and education are the main focus of the voyages.
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