Around Spitsbergen

Around Spitsbergen 10 days

Prices From £4,079pp
July to August | 9 nights

Around Spitsbergen 10 days

Aboard: MV Plancius MV Ortelius M/V Hondius

This ten day voyage around Spitsbergen, the largest wilderness area in Europe, will bring you up-close to the spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife that makes this one of the most fascinating places to visit in the world. On this very special Arctic cruise your ship will attempt to navigate entirely around the island, including the northernmost points just 540 miles from the geographical North Pole. Enjoying exciting Zodiac and land excursions throughout, you will be on a constant lookout for the abundant Arctic wildlife that resides in this remarkable part of the world including walrus, whales, reindeer, myriad birdlife, and, of course, polar bears!

This trip operates on various dates aboard 4 different vessels. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Attempt a navigation of the spectacular island of Spitsbergen
  • Breathtaking scenery at every turn
  • Abundant Arctic wildlife including Polar bears, whales, walrus and reindeers
  • Myriad birdlife
  • Exciting Zodiac and shore excursions
  • Kayaking available on select departures (fees apply)

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board with all meals, snacks and hot drinks
  • All zodiac excursions and landings with expert guides
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Longyearbyen
1Day

Longyearbyen

Your Spitsbergen circumnavigation cruise will begin in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago, where after having arrived independently you can enjoy a stroll around this former mining town before making your way to the port to embark your ship in the afternoon. After settling in to your cabin and exploring your new surroundings, the ship will depart in the early evening. As we sail out of Isfjorden we recommend spending some time on deck where you may spot the first minke whale of your voyage following the ship in the waters below.

Various flight and land package options are available for transport to and from Longyearbyen, please enquire for full details.

Krossfjorden & Ny Alesund
2Day

Krossfjorden & Ny Alesund

Having sailed north along Spitsbergen’s dramatic west coast overnight, this morning we will arrive in Krossfjorden to enjoy the first of many Zodiac boat excursions of our trip. Cruising along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier and down along its neighbouring green slopes, you will witness a beautiful variety of flowers blooming along with fantastic numbers of Brunnich's guillemots and kittiwakes nesting on the nearby cliffs. We also have good chances of spotting bearded seals here along with Arctic foxes who patrol the base of the cliffs in search of eggs and chicks that may drop from above.

After our exploration of Krossfjorden, later in the afternoon we will sail to Ny Alesund for more bird spotting and an introduction to some of the history of this remarkable island. Ny Alesund is the world's most northerly settlement, which, when it was a mining village, was served by the world's most northerly railway, which we can see as we enjoy a walk around the village. The history enthusiasts amongst us may enjoy a walk to the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile, in the airship Norge in 1926 and Nobile in the airship Italia in 1928, before their flights to the North Pole. The birding enthusiasts may enjoy a walk to the nearby breeding ground for Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose and Arctic Tern.

Liefdefjorden & Monaco Glacier
3Day

Liefdefjorden & Monaco Glacier

As with all polar expeditions, itinerary flexibility is the key, and each day your captain and experienced crew will determine the best course to travel in order to provide you with the very best scenic and wildlife observation opportunities. Today we hope for favourable conditions to sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground so we will hope for lots of sightings of these majestic animals here along with the thousands of kittiwakes that make the front of the glacier their favourite feeding spot. If ice conditions are not favourable for a cruise into Liefdefjorden, your crew will determine an alternate, but similarly exciting, route along the west coast.

Seven Islands
4 - 5Days

Seven Islands

Over the course of the next two days we will sail to the Seven Islands, north of Nordaustlandet, and what may be the northernmost point of your voyage. We hope to land on Sjuøyane, one of the Seven Islands, to enjoy a walk along the Arctic landscape just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole in search of the large numbers of walrus which are often found here. Polar bears also inhabit this region so we may anchor the ship for several hours amongst the pack ice in order to give us time to spot some of these majestic animals.

If the sea ice dictates us not being able to spend a 2nd day in the Seven Islands we will instead head for Sorgfjord to enjoy a nature walk to see a family of ptarmigans that reside here. We can also look for the resident herd of walruses and take a walk to see the graves of 17th-century whalers that are found here.

Hinlopen Strait
6Day

Hinlopen Strait

Today we will hope to sail into the Hinlopen Strait to fully explore this wildlife wonderland. As we board our Zodiac boats we will enjoy an exciting cruise among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in search of sightings of the polar bears, ringed seals and bearded seals that abound here. We will also sail beneath the spectacular bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots.

Later in the day we hope to visit the east side of Hinlopen Strait to attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet to observe the reindeer, walruses and pink-footed geese that are often found here.

Barentsøya & Edgeøya
7Day

Barentsøya & Edgeøya

As we continue to sail southwards along Spitsbergen’s east coast our plan today will be to make a landing in Freemansundet, although the presence of polar bears on land may mean this is deemed impossible. Other landings we may make on Barentsøya include Rindedalen where we can enjoy a walk along the tundra in search of Spitsbergen reindeer and barnacle geese, Sundneset to visit an old trapper’s hut and Kapp Waldburg to see its large kittiwake colony. We also hope to enjoy a Zodiac cruise to Kapp Lee on Edgeøya where we will see a large walrus haul-out and enjoy a hike along the coast to see some Pomor ruins.

At Sea - Cruising Hornsund
8Day

At Sea - Cruising Hornsund

Today we will enjoy some time on board as we cruise along the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen enjoying the scenery of towering spire-like mountain peaks of up to 4,695 feet. This area perfectly demonstrates why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” As we sail we can enjoy our onboard presentation and lecture programme delivered by expert naturalists, and spending some time on deck with our cameras in hand as we sail by 14 sizeable glaciers. There are also excellent chances of spotting polar bears, seals and beluga whales from the ship.

Bellsund
9Day

Bellsund

The last region on our thrilling Spitsbergen circumnavigation will be Bellsund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. We plan to land at Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden to enjoy a walk to see the lush vegetation that is found here owing to the ocean currents which make this area relatively warmer than other areas in the archipelago. Here we will see the piles of beluga skeletons that remain as a haunting reminder of the whale slaughtering that happened here in the 19th century. Thankfully, these magnificent marine animals were not hunted to extinction and we have good chances of coming across a pod here. We also hope to take a Zodiac cruise along the side fjords of Bellsund to explore the tundra and search for sightings of reindeer and little auks.

Longyearbyen
10Day

Longyearbyen

Circumnavigation complete, our arrival back into Longyearbyen signals the end of our exciting Arctic cruise, and after breakfast you will disembark and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team and new-found friends. You may wish to spend some further time here exploring this unique Arctic town or enjoying some of the many extra excursions and activities that are on offer here. Please enquire for details of the land-based activities that we would be happy to arrange for you. Otherwise, it’s sadly time to make your way to the airport for your onward or homeward flights, filled with memories of the adventure of a lifetime.

A view from Above

All Aboard

MV Plancius
Mid range vessel

MV Plancius

Plancius was built as a Dutch oceanographic research vessel and refurbished as a passenger ship in 2009. It has ice strengthened bow and stern and is ideal for polar sailing. There is a mixture of suites and cabins, all with window or porthole. There are twin, triple and quadruple cabins suitable for sharing. Public areas are a spacious observation lounge and bar, library, lecture theatre and dining room along with plenty of outside deck space and an open-bridge policy. Rubber boots are supplied for all passengers.

MV Ortelius
Mid range vessel

MV Ortelius

Ortelius was built as a Russian scientific survey ship with ice strengthened hull, ideal for polar sailing. She has been completely refurbished for polar expedition travel and has a selection of suites and cabins with windows or portholes and private facilities. There are twin dining rooms, a lecture room, bar and observation lounge and lots of open deck space plus an open-bridge policy. Ortelius also has a helicopter landing pad and helicopter excursions are available on some itineraries.

M/V Hondius
Luxury vessel

M/V Hondius

A brand-new (2019) deluxe vessel that has been built to the very highest Polar Class for ice-strengthened vessels. The first civilian vessel in the world to receive a Polar Class 6 notation and designed to fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, the M/V Hondius leads the way for both safe ship operation and protection of the Polar environment.

Providing deluxe accommodation for up to 170 passengers, the M/V Hondius offers one of the highest comfort experiences of all vessels which operate in the Polar Regions. The accommodation onboard is provided in numerous suites of varying sizes, from the Hondius Suite to quadruple porthole cabins, with all cabins having either a balcony, large windows or portholes. Each cabin has been custom-designed and impeccably outfitted in a stylish décor.

The M/V Hondius has been designed to offer a deluxe feel whilst still maintaining a sense of cosy camaraderie, with welcoming communal, observation and dining areas. An entire deck has been dedicated to space for lectures and presentations, and every element of the vessel has been thoroughly thought-out to provide the very best passenger experience.

The vessel features a sheltered Zodiac boarding zone making joining and returning from land-based excursions fast and easy, and has been built to exceed the latest Green requirements imposed by the International Maritime Organisation to ensure that your trip causes as little impact as possible on the areas you will visit.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Your Details

It would be great to know...

We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer to our customers, so we would love to know...

1) How do you rate our website?
2) Where did you hear about us:

Tell us about your ideal trip

What are your interests?