Svalbard Explorer

Your Arctic expedition will begin in the Finnish capital city of Helsinki where after arriving independently you can make your way to your hotel close to the airport for your overnight stay. You may wish to arrive a couple of days early to allow time to sample some of this vibrant city’s many delights.

On the morning of day 2 you will join the transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard. Upon arrival there will be some time to explore this unique Arctic town before you board your ship and settle in to your comfortable surroundings. As we set sail you will get fantastic views of the mountainous background and dramatic landscapes of this remote settlement. Your experienced expedition crew will brief you on what’s ahead as you embark on your Arctic adventure.

For the next 7 or 9 days you will immerse yourself in the beauty of this spectacular remote island, on a constant search for the wildlife that makes this part of the world so intriguing. Exploring western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north, you will embrace the very nature of expedition cruising as there will be no particular fixed itinerary for your cruise. However, there are a number of destinations that you can expect to visit and your experienced expedition team will choose the best course for optimum wildlife viewing and the best places from which to get an insight into the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Some of the areas you can expect to visit include Hornsund, the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, and the Hinlopen Strait.

The island offers incredible photographic and wildlife opportunities, and is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears, although sightings can of course not be guaranteed. At the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet, where as well as excellent bird spotting opportunities, polar bears and Arctic foxes frequent the area in search of free bird egg meals. Walrus haul-outs are very common across the island, and as you come across the noisy spectacle of these lumbering giants vying for a choice spot on the coastline you will want to have your camera ready!

There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen and one of the very best ways to experience this is to join an optional kayaking excursion through the more isolated pockets of the area. If weather conditions permit there may also be a chance for a hike in Smeerenburg where you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site honours the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions.

Whichever course your expedition team choose for your thrilling Spitsbergen adventure you can be assured of remarkable scenic sights, from polar flora to immense glaciers, exceptional wildlife viewing and a sense of true wilderness in these beautiful lands at the top of the world.

Our arrival back into Longyearbyen signals the end of our exciting Spitsbergen cruise. A group transfer will take you to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki. Should you wish to spend more time in Longyearbyen there are numerous possibilities for more Arctic adventures so please feel free to ask for options and advice.