Svalbard Expedition

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel.

Board your ship and sail from Longyearbyen into the pristine waters of the Arctic. In true expedition style, locations and activities will depend entirely upon ice and weather conditions, with the goal of daily excursions by Zodiac and landings when possible. Your crew will navigate the western and northern coasts, islands, and coves of Svalbard, observing wildlife and exploring the flora and fauna of the area accompanied by guides. Each trip varies depending on weather, duration, etc., but some of the highlights may include: Alkhornet: A towering cliff standing over 1,300 feet tall on the west coast of Spitsbergen and covered in mossy tundra. It's also an Important Bird Area where thousands of seabirds seek shelter including barnacle geese, Brunnich's guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings, and tens of thousands of kittwakes. Arctic foxes can be seen here as well, scurrying in the rock crevices around the mountain. Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden: Kongsfjorden hosts a mixture of Arctic flora and fauna and the mixing of warmer and colder waters that flow in here create an incredibly biodiverse region. Marine mammals found here include seals, walruses, whales, and even polar bears. Krossfjorden is known for its grand tidewater glacier as well as an abundance of relics scattered around the shores—the first whaling station on Spitsbergen was established here in 1611. Prins Karls Forland: This narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to many seabirds and harbor seals. Raudfjorden: An area of immense natural beauty dominated by icy glaciers. Virgohamna: Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole began here and there are still interesting remnants from these expeditions. Bellsund: Little auks nest here by the tens of thousands. You may go ashore and walk across the tundra to get a closer look. Liefdefjorden: Meaning, "the fjord of love," this is magnificent fjord is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and you may cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier here. North Spitsbergen: Not many ships venture here and you can marvel at the silence and grandeur of this icy landscape. You have a much higher chance of sighting polar bears here. Southwest Spitsbergen: The grand fjords of Hornsund have spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks. On a clear day, you can see the summit of the highest mountain, Hornsundtind. Hornsund is a favorite haunt for some of Svalbard's polar bears and bearded seals. For those looking for more physical activity, there may be a chance to explore by snowshoe, depending on timing and weather.

In the morning, disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Days 2-8: Expedition Days in Svalbard
Day 9: Longyearbyen / Depart