North Spitsbergen - Polar Bears Special

North Spitsbergen - Polar Bears Special 8 Days

Prices From £3,578pp
June Only | 7 nights

North Spitsbergen - Polar Bears Special 8 Days

Aboard: MV Ortelius

Set out on a remarkable Arctic expedition to the remote shores and frozen landscapes of north Spitsbergen, with a special emphasis on spotting polar bears, the iconic Kings of the Arctic. This journey takes you deep into the pack ice, a haven for polar bears, whales, and other unique Arctic wildlife. Along the way, discover majestic fjords, impressive glaciers, and historic landmarks, with chances to observe walrus haul-outs, thriving seabird colonies, and the ancient remains of dwellings. Each day promises new experiences as we explore the untouched beauty and icy waters of this extraordinary polar region.

Various departures available. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Explore around the north coast of Svalbard's largest island in search of unrivalled scenic and wildlife experiences
  • Enjoy a special focus on polar bears, the Kings of the Arctic
  • Photography workshops included (select departures)
  • Excellent chances of sightings of Polar bears
  • Other Arctic wildlife including whales, walrus, Arctic fox, and reindeer
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Historic sites

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 and onboard workshops
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Loan of snowshoeing boots

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Longyearbyen
1Day

Longyearbyen

Your northern Spitsbergen expedition 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.

Sailing North
2Day

Sailing North

Today will be spent at sea sailing north towards Raudfjorden, on the very north coast of Spitsbergen. As we sail you will be able to sample some of the spectacular scenery that Spitsbergen is famous for as we travel through an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers. Already we will be on the lookout for fascinating wildlife sightings including the ringed and bearded seals that often frequent the fjord and the thriving seabird colonies that reside in the cliffs and along the shorelines. We may also have our first chances of spotting polar bears!

Your program of expert lectures and presentations will also begin, covering everything from the history of Polar exploration to the geological features and wildlife you are likely to encounter on your voyage, with a particular focus on Spitsbergen's abundant birdlife.

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
4Day

Seven Islands

The next part of our adventure will be an attempt to reach the northernmost islands of Svalbard - the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. We will try to find the pack ice to take in the spectacular surroundings and search for wildlife such as polar bears and perhaps even the illusive Ross gull. We will reach the area of 80 degrees north - just 870 km from the geographic North Pole.

We plan to spend the full day here in order to optimise our chances of polar bear observations.

Sailing in the Pack Ice
5 - 6Days

Sailing in the Pack Ice

We plan to venture deep into the pack ice, far from Spitsbergen’s coast, scanning for polar bears and other wildlife along the ice edges. This journey through the pack ice could span several days, depending on ice conditions, weather, and the sea. These days at sea will undoubtedly be a highlight of the expedition, as the pack ice offers exceptional opportunities to spot polar bears, seals, whales, and other species that thrive in this frozen habitat. While no shore landings or excursions are possible during this time, the incredible wildlife encounters make it an unforgettable experience.

After exploring the ice, we will retrace our route westward, continuing to look for polar bears, ringed seals, and the elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. This area is also home to ivory gulls. Approximately 40 nautical miles (74 km) west of Spitsbergen, we’ll navigate along the edge of the continental shelf, where fin whales gather in the nutrient-rich upwelling zones of the Spitsbergen banks. At the entrance to Kongsfjorden, there’s a high likelihood of spotting minke whales.

Forlandsundet
7Day

Forlandsundet

Our final day of adventure will take us to the remarkable Prins Karls Forland. Here you can enjoy a Zodiac cruise in the surrounding Forlandsundet in search of sightings of walrus surrounded by majestic scenery. If conditions prevent us from visiting this area, we may instead sail to the mouth of Isfjorden, where different species of rorqual whales can be spotted. Our planned landing site is Alkhornet, home to nesting seabirds on the cliffs, Arctic foxes scavenging for eggs and chicks, and reindeer grazing on the sparse vegetation. Another potential stop is the glacier front at Ymerbukta, where various species of eider ducks gather.

In the evening your ship will begin its sail back towards Longyearbyen, arriving at the port by night fall.

Longyearbyen
8Day

Longyearbyen

This morning signals the end of our exciting Arctic polar bear 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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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

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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