Views across Magdalenefjord as we approach in the zodiac | Gesine Cheung
Views across Magdalenefjord as we approach in the zodiac  | Gesine Cheung
Expansive views from the boat in the Northern Arctic region  | Fiona Windon
A Polar Bear curiously sniffs up towards the ship  | Gesine Cheung
Walking to a Little Auks nesting spot in Svalbard  | Gesine Cheung
Exploring the Walrus colony at Sarstangen  | Gesine Cheung

North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Summer Solstice

8 Days from

$4450 USD

Trip Code: NOD
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Twin private with Porthole
$6150 USD
Twin private with Window
$6700 USD
Twin Deluxe
$7100 USD
Superior
$8050 USD
Diving
$640 USD

Duration

  • 8 Days

Activities

  • 7 days expedition cruising, kayaking, hiking and photography workshops & optional diving

Accommodation

  • 7 nights aboard Ortelius

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • Attempt to travel north to the 80th parallel
  • Spectacular glaciers and fjords
  • One of the most wildlife-rich parts of the Arctic
  • Experiencing the history of the old mining industry in the area

Overview

For those short on time, this is the ideal Arctic cruise. The North Spitsbergen Basecamp trip offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, and learn to take perfect pictures of the polar flora and fauna.North Spitsbergen is a vast wilderness that is home to incredible flora and fauna just 900kms south of the North Pole. The exhilaration of sighting Polar Bear as they roam the ice in search of food, watching the playful activities of Grey Seals or spotting a group of walrus, are just some of the attractions found on this trip. Our experienced naturalist guides will ferry us from our ice-strengthened vessels to shore for leisurely walks amongst this wilderness. The island’s bird life is prolific, with colonies of Little Auks, Black Guillemots, Brünnich’s Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic Skuas accessible to visitors. Dramatic cliffs, fjords, glaciers and an abundance of wildlife make this an unforgettable experience in the land of the midnight sun.

Itinerary

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Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting; whilst in the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.

Meals: L,D

On the first day of our activity program, we will slowly ease into things. Blomstrandhalvøya is located on the northern side of the fjord, which will offer shelter and room to change plan in case the weather changes. In the afternoon, you visit Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928). In the evening, we head north along the west coast and spend the night in the sheltered surroundings of Krossfjorden.

Meals: B,L,D

Next to our activities, we will next head toward Amsterdamoya, where you have the chance to hike past the remains of a 17th-century whaling station. You can also enjoy the beautiful panorama of Smeerenburgsleta. In the afternoon, we make for the islands around Fair Haven.

Meals: B,L,D

At Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. Here we will find the right balance between safe activities and wildlilfe watching.

Meals: B,L,D

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, we may use an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Near the area of Texas Bar and Hornbaekpollen, there are also some great hikes.

Meals: B,L,D

This is our reserve day for activities around North Spitsbergen. Weather and wildlife permitting, we will choose the right location for another day of splendid outdoor adventures.

Meals: B,D

Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here, and seabirds can be found around Fuglehuken. You may also see walrus populations around Sarstangen and Poolepynten. Alternatively, we might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. We will arrive in Longyearbyen later that night.

Meals: B,L,D

Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport. Trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation on cruise
  • All activities while on cruise including zodiac excursions, lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Use of all ship facilities and public areas
  • Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
  • Snowshoeing is complimentary

Not included

  • International flights
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Travel Insurance

Responsible travel

Extra trip info

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