Bear Island & Spitsbergen

Arrive in this exciting northern Norwegian city at any time. Join ship and set sail in the afternoon.

Bjørnøya or Bear Island, with a population of 9 persons, is the southernmost island of the Svalbard Archipelago. It is known for having “the largest concentration of sea birds on the Northern Hemisphere” because of the nutrient-rich waters pushed up to the surface here.

As we reach the ice edge, we will attempt to enter fjords where we can expect fast ice. This is where the ringed seal gives birth to their offspring, making it a perfect hunting ground for polar bears.Within the Svalbard Archipelago there are about 3 000 polar bears, however, they polar bears are solitary animals with no set colony or living area. It is only the pregnant females that use denning areas during winter. We are more likely to observe this marine mammal on the drift ice, close to the ocean or even in the ocean, although there are no guarantees. Longyearbyen, as one of the northernmost settlements in the world, benefits from the Gulf Stream. Here we offer optional experiences like dogsledding, ice caving and snow scooter. There is also an optional visit to Barentsburg, a Russian coal mining settlement where you see a lively culture show or you can visit the hotel or the museum.We will continue even further north to North West Spitsbergen National Park and towards the second biggest fjord system on the West coast of Spitsbergen; Kongsfjorden/Krossfjorden. Come ashore and enjoy the winter scenery that is beyond imagination.

Depending on conditions, we attempt another landing on this island.

Arriving at North Cape from the north is something very few people will experience. We will pay a visit to Gjessværstappan, a bird cliff that will be teeming with spring breeding arctic species in a cacophony of sound.

Arrive and disembark for onward or return travel.