Spitsbergen Wildlife Cruise

Arrive in Longyearbyen today. As the largest town in all of Svalbard, Longyearbyen has plenty to see. Walk around some of the old mining infrastructure to get a taste of what life was like 100 years ago, or head to the Svalbard Museum for more on the culture of Svalbard, but also a taste of the amazing nature you are about to discover. Embark your vessel this evening and sail out. Overnight on board

This morning you will wake up sailing along the north coast of West Spitsbergen. Your ship will sail into the beautiful Raudfjord, where you will have the opportunity to see the amazing glaciers that mark the shores. Ringed and bearded seals are often seen here, as well as seabird colonies. Today the search for polar bears will begin in earnest, as they can be seen here. Overnight on board

Today’s sailing is dependent on weather, and how much the ice has receded for the summer. If conditions allow, the ship will sail into Liefdefjorden in order to get up close to the amazing Monaco Glacier. The icy waters at the base of the glacier are frequented by kittiwake seabirds as a hunting ground. Again, you will always be on the lookout for polar bears. If ice conditions do not allow a visit to Monaco Glacier, another option would be sailing along the west coast. Overnight on board

The opportunity for excellent wildlife sightings is high today, as you will be sailing through the Hinlopen Strait, an area known for seals, polar bears, whales, and sea birds. For your up-close exploration today you will be in Zodiac boats, crossing Lomfjordshalvøya, avoiding icebergs, whales, seals, and more. If conditions allow, you may even attempt a landing at Nordaustlandet where pink-footed geese, reindeer, and walruses are frequently seen. Overnight on board

On the sailing today you will reach the Seven Islands, the northernmost islands in the Svalbard Archipelago. Today is also likely to be the farthest north your sailing will go. Many polar bears inhabit this area, so if conditions are right the ship may anchor in place to allow for searching for these wonderful creatures before heading back west this evening. Overnight on board

Today is a great day for sighting the elusive Greenland (or bowhead) whale, fin whale, and minke whale. As the ship sails along the continental shelf, keep an eye on the water, as many whales feed here in the summer. Overnight on board

Depending on weather conditions today, your vessel may sail into Forlandsundet Sound where walruses are frequently seen. You may instead sail into St. Johns Fjord or Isfjorden. In Isfjorden you anchor at Alkhornet and look for the seabirds nesting, arctic foxes hunting, and reindeer grazing. Arrive in Longyearbyen this evening. Overnight on board

Disembark your ship this morning and say goodbye to Svalbard and the unique nature there – or extend your time in Arctic Norway!