Exploring the Arctic
Located in the remote northern regions, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, the glacial archipelago of Svalbard is a surprisingly accessible part of the Arctic, comprising a vast expanse of icebergs, fjords, snow-covered islands and unspoilt Arctic wilderness. The name literally means ‘cold coast’ and, in Svalbard, you’ll experience some of the most unique and spectacular landscapes in the world, with snow-capped mountains rising above a desolate tundra, glistening glaciers under the constant midnight sun, and bright blue skies during the summer months.
THE ULTIMATE IN POLAR EXPLORATION: A TRIP TO SVALBARD OFFERS SOMETHING TRULY UNIQUE FOR THE MODERN EXPLORER
Svalbard is a land that remains wild, harsh and frozen for most of the year, but with the arrival of spring and summer, when the ice begins to melt, the archipelago’s wildlife is joined by wildflowers and intrepid travellers.
This expedition focuses on exploring Svalbard in search of Arctic flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Arrival in Longyearbyen
After your flight, you will arrive in Longyearbyen, a small Norwegian town, where your Arctic adventure will begin. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Svalbard Hotell Polfareren. Once in town, you will have the chance to relax and explore before your safari begins.
Boarding
The following afternoon, you will meet the rest of your group and your expedition leader at the Svalbard Museum of Cultural and Natural History, where your adventure will begin. After learning about the history of Svalbard and collecting your waterproof boots, you will be transferred to your boat, where you will meet your crew and begin your journey through the wilds of Svalbard.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
Exploring the Arctic
During your stay on board the ship, you will explore the Svalbard archipelago in search of Arctic wildlife. The exact itinerary will depend on weather conditions, ice conditions in the north and opportunities to spot wildlife. Weather permitting, you will sail around the island of Spitsbergen. During your safari, you’ll visit fjords filled with icebergs and framed by breathtaking mountains, sail past imposing cliffs teeming with huge colonies of seabirds, and admire gigantic glaciers flowing into the sea. You’ll spend time sailing through the ice in search of polar bears as they hunt for seals. You’ll also be able to observe colonies of walruses basking on the beaches under the Arctic sun and spot whales in the icy seas.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Departure from Longyearbyen
The ship is scheduled to arrive in port the evening before disembarkation, so that you will be in Longyearbyen in time for your flight, whatever time it is. You will enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner and your last night with the group, and in the morning, after an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport.
Meals included: breakfast
R/V Kinfish
Our comfortable and well-equipped expedition vessel is one of the finest in the Arctic. Although there are several ships that carry passengers on Arctic expeditions, only a few are capable of reaching the most remote areas of this frozen environment. Completely refurbished in 2018, the R/V Kinfish offers a host of modern amenities, whilst retaining a rich history and distinctive character.
Designed to cope with rougher seas and harsher conditions than those you will encounter in the Svalbard archipelago, it is equipped with an excellent stabilisation system that ensures a comfortable voyage, superior to that normally found on vessels of this size.
With space on board for just 12 passengers, the R/V Kinfish offers an intimate atmosphere, and its compact size allows it to navigate the narrowest fjords and inlets along the Svalbard coast, which are inaccessible to larger vessels. On board, you’ll find two spacious lounges, a state-of-the-art presentation room, modern navigation equipment and several viewing decks.
The cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, all with en-suite facilities. The portholes, situated just above water level, offer a unique view of the icy landscape directly from your cabin.
Meals provide a relaxed opportunity to get together and share the day’s experiences. The cuisine served on board is traditional, hearty Scandinavian fare: breakfast and lunch are served as a buffet or in a ‘family-style’ setting, with self-service. Dinner, on the other hand, consists of two courses, whilst the farewell dinner features three courses. During wildlife viewing, guests can enjoy aperitifs whilst sitting comfortably on deck. Il barbecue settimanale, servito all’aperto nelle giornate di sole, è un altro momento clou di questo viaggio.
Expedition leaders
Every expedition to Svalbard will be led by an experienced captain, a friendly crew and at least two nature guides, who will be on hand to offer support and information throughout the trip.
With a range of experience and skills, all our expedition leaders have spent years working on board ships in Svalbard
Whether they specialise in photography, wildlife, history, culture or a combination of these fields, they are fascinating people who will greatly enrich your Arctic experience.
As we sail towards the ice floes – when you’re not busy spotting whales and seabirds from the deck – the expedition leaders will give fascinating talks on a variety of local topics.
These informal talks will cover topics ranging from the history of whaling in the Svalbard archipelago to the effects of climate change on Arctic wildlife habitats, giving you a deeper understanding of the areas you will visit during the trip.
If you have any questions during the delivery process, you can always contact your delivery manager.
The wildlife
POLAR BEAR
The majestic king of the Arctic can be found throughout the Svalbard archipelago, but is most often spotted roaming the sea ice in search of prey. Travelling aboard a small vessel, you can get much closer to the polar bear’s habitat, increasing your chances of seeing this extraordinary animal in its natural environment.
Bearded seal
These solitary creatures can be spotted resting on drifting ice floes. They have white whiskers on their snouts, which are extremely sensitive and help them find food in the ocean. Easy to recognise, their bodies appear disproportionate compared to their front fins!
TRICHECO
Instantly recognisable thanks to their enormous tusks, walruses have large flippers and a distinctive ‘moustache’ that makes them unmistakable. They are often found in large groups resting at their favourite hauling-out sites. Their displays of dominance are frequent and truly impressive.
MEGATTERA
Humpback whales are a highly migratory species of baleen whale. These large mammals can sometimes be seen leaping out of the water, a behaviour known as breaching. Their ‘songs’ are renowned for their beauty, and they are considered to be extremely intelligent animals.
ARCTIC FOX
These hardy yet adorable-looking animals are able to survive in extreme temperatures, down to -50 °C. In winter, they have a thick white coat, whilst in summer they moult, taking on a brown colouring that helps them blend into their surroundings.
ATLANTIC PUFFIN
Also known as the puffin, this bird has a distinctive, brightly coloured beak. It can often be seen swimming on the surface of the water before diving rapidly to feed on small fish below.
URIA DI BRÜNNICH
Brünnich’s guillemots are among the most numerous birds in Svalbard. A visit to the colonies on the cliffs of Alkefjellet is likely to be one of the most spectacular highlights of your expedition, as you’ll be able to see hundreds of thousands of them gathered in one place.
ARCTIC TERN
Also known as ‘sea swallows’, these magnificent birds are famous worldwide for their circumpolar breeding patterns. They reach their Arctic breeding grounds during the northern hemisphere summer, before heading south to Antarctica, where they spend the southern hemisphere summer.
Renna delle Svalbard
This subspecies of reindeer is found exclusively in the Svalbard archipelago. It is the smallest of all reindeer and has a thick coat that helps it keep warm during the long Arctic winters. In fact, it is the world’s northernmost herbivorous mammal.
Photo credits: Eva Westerholm and Giancarlo Gallinoro
- DATES AND PRICEPrices per person in a double cabin start from €12,500.
Please contact us for the exact price for your chosen departure dateDuration in days Dates 10 25 May – 3 June 10 2–11 June 11 27 June – 7 July 11 6 – 16 July 12 25 July – 5 August - INCLUDED• Donation to Polar Bears International
• 1 night’s accommodation at the Svalbard Hotel Polfareren in Longyearbyen on Day 1
• Admission to the Svalbard Museum
• Hire of waterproof boots (muck boots) from Day 2 until the day of disembarkation
• 7, 8, 9 or 10 nights’ accommodation on board the R/V Kinfish
• All meals during your stay on board the R/V Kinfish
• Return airport transfers to and from Longyearbyen Airport on Day 1 and on the day of disembarkation
• Transfer to the R/V Kinfish on Day 2
• All zodiac and shore excursions and activities led by expert expedition leaders
• Onboard lectures - EXCLUDED• International flights to and from Longyearbyen
• Technical clothing for polar conditions
• Comprehensive travel insurance and cancellation cover
• Optional tips for the ship’s crew and guides (recommended: 20–30 USD per person per day)
• Any other personal expenses - FAQS
Temperatures
Svalbard is located in the High Arctic, but has a relatively mild climate compared to other areas at the same latitude, with an average daytime temperature of 6 °C in summer, dropping to -14 °C in winter. Precipitation is very scarce and, during the winter, the archipelago is covered by a thick layer of ice and snow. In the summer months, however, the ice loses its grip and the coast becomes navigable by boat. It is then possible to discover the beauty of the midnight sun. Bear in mind that the weather in Svalbard can change very quickly.
Will I be getting off the ship during the disembarkation?
Yes, absolutely! The nature of the Zodiac excursion will depend on the weather conditions and the behaviour of the wildlife, but, whenever possible, you’ll be able to get off the Zodiac. The guides will do their utmost to provide you with the best photo opportunities and chances to explore the islands.
Will I get seasick?
The vessels are sturdy and well-equipped for Arctic navigation; however, there is always a chance of suffering from seasickness. The motion of the ship here is not comparable to that in the Drake Passage in Antarctica, as the routes are generally more sheltered. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend bringing anti-seasickness patches or wristbands, as well as ginger sweets and ginger tea.
Is there a connection?
No, mobile signal will only be available in port and for the first hour or so of sailing. There is no internet access on board the ship for the duration of the expedition. This should be seen as a positive, as it gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in your fascinating and remote Arctic experience.