A family of Polar Bears
A family of Polar Bears
Zodiac cruising in the Arctic  | Rachel Imber
Magdalenefjord is a bay in the Svalbard Islands
The blue sky is reflected in the Arctic Ocean
Svalbard is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, such as the walrus  | Al Bakker
Wildlife viewing on Spitsbergen  | Rinie van Meurs

North Spitsbergen - In search of Polar Bears

Journey north in search of Polar Bear

8 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: SNG
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Twin private with Porthole
$5950 USD
Twin private with Window
$6450 USD
Twin Deluxe
$6800 USD
Superior
$7750 USD

Duration

  • 8 Days

Activities

  • 7 days expedition cruising, optional snowshoeing

Accommodation

  • 7 nights aboard Plancius

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • Search for a magnificent range of Arctic wildlife including Polar Bear, walrus, seals, muskox and a multitude of sea birds
  • Zodiac cruise around glaciers and icebergs
  • Visit historical sites and follow in the footsteps of early explorers

Overview

The island of Spitsbergen is a vast wilderness, which is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna located just some 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 observing a group of walrus are just some of the highlights found on this voyage. Zodiacs will ferry us from our ice-strengthened vessels to shore to walk amongst the tundra up to high points where there are sweeping views across the vast glaciated inland.

Itinerary

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Commencing 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: D

We set sail for Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seals. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. On the offshore island of Ytre Norskøya, we will visit a 17th century Dutch whaling site, whose large graveyard is a poignant reminder of the hardships and dangers of life here at the time. The island’s bird life is prolific, with colonies of Little Auks, Black Guillemots, Brünnich’s Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic Skuas accessible to visitors.

Meals: B,L,D

Depending on the weather we may now sail to the mouth of Liefdefjorden and go ashore for a walk on the tundra island of Andøya. Many Common Eiders and Pink-footed Geese nest here, and the rarer King Eider may also be seen. We hope to sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes, and on previous voyages Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait - home to Bearded Seals, Ringed Seals, Polar Bears, and Ivory Gulls. We will navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we will attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet - home to Reindeer, Pink-footed Geese, breeding Ivory Gulls, and Walruses.

Meals: B,L,D

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

Meals: B,L,D

Retracing our route westwards, our route takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwellings along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjord we have also good chances to see Minke Whale.

Meals: B,L,D

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, your next stop. Alternatively, you 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. You arrive in Longyearbyen later at night.

Meals: B,L,D

Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport. Trip concludes. PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
  • Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
  • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • Pre-departure information

Not included

  • Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruise
  • Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes
  • Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items
  • of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • Emergency evacuation charges
  • Tips and gratuities

Adventure Highlighted Video

Spitsbergen Arctic voyage with World Expeditions

Spitsbergen Arctic voyage with World Expeditions
Jewels Of The Arctic with World Expeditions

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