Spitsbergen Wildlife Cruise

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3480
Availability : Select Dates, June

Spitsbergen Wildlife Cruise

Highlights Include:

  • Searching the coastline for polar bears
  • Whale watching from the comfort of your cruise ship
  • Sailing past icebergs in stunning fjords
  • Time to explore the vibrant town of Longyearbyen
  • Up-close experiences with nature by Zodiac

Photo: Elizabeth Blumenthal/Borton Overseas Client

Tour Details

From: $5,625 per person | Single supplement – please inquire

8 days

2023 Departures:
June 1, 8, 22, 29

Join a cruise along the pack ice of North Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago. Sailing along the coast is one of the best ways to spot the King of the Arctic – the polar bear. Sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen. You’ll also see the Monaco Glacier, the Hinlopen Strait, and Nordaustlandet. Several varieties of seabirds and whales, along with other arctic animals, may be spotted as you travel along.

Gallery
Itinerary
This is a cruise. Our Destination Specialists will work with you to customize any pre- or post-departure arrangements to your travel preferences.

Day 1Arrive Longyearbyen, Norway and Embark

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

Day 2Route to Raudfjord | Meals: B L D

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

Day 3Monaco Glacier | Meals: B L D

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

Day 4Hinlopen Strait | Meals: B L D

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

Day 5Seven Islands | Meals: B L D

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

Day 6Whales Along the Shelf | Meals: B L D

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

Day 7Arctic Wildlife | Meals: B L D

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

Day 8Depart Svalbard, Norway | Meals: B

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

Included
  • Seven nights’ accommodation on Polar Vessel in Twin Porthole Cabin
  • Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
  • Snacks, coffee, and tea while on board
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) fees and governmental taxes
  • Use of rubber boots and snowshoes
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material
Not Included
  • All flights and related taxes
  • Airline fees including meals, seat reservations, and luggage costs
  • Travel insurance (emergency medical & evacuation coverage required)
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Fees for passports
  • Transfers, sightseeing, activities, meals and beverages not specified
  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, spa services, internet, phone, etc.
Notes
  • Other cabin options may be available, please inquire
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Photo: Johan Wildhagen/Visitnorway.com
Includes airfare
11 Days
Departures: Most days, All Year