Expedition cruise around Svalbard (Spitsbergen)
This expedition cruise around Spitsbergen takes you as close as possible to the pack ice, the favorite summer residence of polar bears, whales, walruses and millions of seabirds. From the capital Longyearbyen you first sail to the far north, to no less than 80 degrees north latitude. You will sail back through special locations in the eastern part of Spitsbergen, such as the famous Alkefjellet - bird cliff, Edgeøya and in the southern part Bellsund and Hornsund. The exact route will depend on prevailing ice conditions, but you will visit many fantastic sites along the coasts of the Svalbard Islands, kept navigable by the warm Gulf Stream and normally difficult to access.
Impressive arctic animal world
Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this Arctic cruise. During the short summer, wildlife such as reindeer, arctic foxes and polar bears are busy gathering energy for the icy arctic winter. The cliffs teem with life; every surface is covered with birds such as black guillemots, razorbills and ivory gulls. On the coast, huge walruses laze in the sun while the many whales and seals forage along the edge of the pack ice and the coast. With Zodiacs, you can sail regularly between the impressive fjords or land ashore for an up-close look at the wildlife.
Tips & tops expedition cruise around Svalbard:
- Expedition cruise in small ships with an average of 132 passengers
- Many excursion options: landings by Zodiac, kayaking or even diving
- Experience the beauty and diversity of the Arctic landscape
- Very high chance of seeing polar bears on land or on the pack ice
- Keep an eye out for a variety of whale species such as minke whales, beluga whales and blue whales
- Visit to the famous and impressive Alkefjellet bird cliff where tens of thousands of short-billed seals breed
- There are lectures on board about arctic mammals, environment and/or culture
- With a staff-to-passenger ratio of approximately 1:8, this means more one-on-one time with your expedition team
- The expedition management consists of only specialists in various fields, who enthusiastically share their knowledge so that every moment on board is interesting and educational
- Itineraries are flexible to give you the best chance of seeing animals and if the weather blocks the route there is a plan B, C and D
