Franz Josef Land Explorer

Your Arctic adventure begins in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard. Arrive independently and join the included group sightseeing tour of this unique Arctic town, before heading to the port to board your ship. Embarkation will begin in the late afternoon and you can take the time to settle into your new surroundings as the ship sails out of Isfjorden.

As your captain steers the ship through the Barents Sea towards the Russian Far East and the Franz Josef Land archipelago there will be excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings. Spend some time in one of the many observation areas to look out for sea birds and whales following the ship and enjoy informative and entertaining talks around the wildlife, history and geology of the remote wilderness areas that you are about to visit.

Day 4 of your adventure marks your arrival in the Russian Arctic wilderness of the Franz Josef Land archipelago. Made up of 191 islands, 85% of the archipelago is dominated by gigantic tidewater glaciers and towering icebergs, so make sure to always have your camera on hand for that perfect ice scenery picture. Exploring by Zodiac we will make landings on the central-most islands including Bell Island and Champ Island where the mysterious stone spheres are a sight to behold. You will be on a constant look out for wildlife including Polar bears and the elusive bowhead whale, as well as sailing below the towering cliffs hosting massive nesting colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies and kittiwakes. Each day your captain will choose the best areas to visit for scenic and wildlife opportunities and other landings we expect to make include Prince George Land and Alexandra Land.

After your exhilarating time in Franz Josef Land we clear Russian customs and your ship will head back towards Svalbard across the Barents Sea. Spend time on deck watching for more wildlife and enjoy the presentations and lectures from your onboard experts.

Your ship will sail around Svalbard’s stunning northwest coast where Arctic wildlife abounds. Weather and ice conditions will dictate the exact itinerary here but you can expect to make some landings as we head back towards Longyearbyen. Thanks to the nutrient-rich Gulf Stream, temperatures on the rugged west coast are relatively mild, ideal for the many Atlantic puffins and thick-billed murres that fill the cliffs. You will enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner and as your ship cruises through Isfjorden in the early morning of Day 15 your exciting Arctic adventure will come to an end. After disembarkation a transfer will be provided to the airport, or to downtown Longyearbyen if you wish to stay on to experience more of this unique town.