Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard

Get a taste of everything the Arctic has to offer, beginning in Longyearbyen, the island’s largest settlement. With an itinerary geared toward optimum wildlife viewing, this expedition provides plenty of occasions to chance upon polar bears, walrus and reindeer. The opportunities to get some amazing photographs in the continuous daylight are as bountiful as the environment itself. Examine the history and geology of Spitsbergen while checking out the remarkable scenery and colorful tundra.

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation day in Longyearbyen

Your Spitsbergen adventure begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island’s largest settlement. As you embark, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside village.

Days 2-8: Exploring Spitsbergen

You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.

Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, we do have some favorite destinations, including the 14^th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is more likely here than almost anywhere else, with Hornsund being one of their preferred hunting areas and the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet providing many free bird egg meals for both them and the arctic fox.

Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t forget. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.

If you’re itching for a more personal and intimate view of the arctic scenery, then taking an optional kayaking excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen is highly recommended. At Smeerenburg, you can also visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site honors the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme arctic conditions.

In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species, a polar bear resting between hunts, or a century-old abandoned hut.

Day 9: Depart Longyearbyen

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Included

Adventure Options