Circumnavigate Svalbard Small Group Cruise

Your small group Arctic expedition begins in Longyearbyen, the most northernly town in the world, where after arriving independently you will transfer to the port to board your vessel. After a welcome briefing from your captain and expedition team, you may want to make your way to the deck to watch for whales and other marine wildlife as we set sail through the majestic Adventfjord and into the Isfjord to begin our Svalbard circumnavigation.

The first stop of your adventure will take you to the beautiful uninhabited island of Prins Karls Forland, where we will hop in the Zodiac boats to make land to search for the island’s large walrus haul out.

As we sail further north now our plan is to explore around the majestic Kongsfjord area and the fjords that branch into it. In this area we will hope to visit the most northerly inhabited settlement on earth, the scientific community of Ny-Alesund which is home to an interesting historical site and museum. We will also spend some time enjoying some scenic sailing and will get up-close to a calving glacier which should reward in a memorable experience. During your time here you can also enjoy hikes ashore accompanied by the expedition leader, and inflatable Zodiac cruises. If conditions allow, we will then plan to sail even further north and away from the coastline in an attempt to sail right up to the edge of the sea ice that extends all the way to the North Pole, during which time we will be on a constant lookout for sightings of polar bears hunting on the ice.

Turning eastwards we will now sail right along the top of the north coast of Spitsbergen, watching out for wildlife sightings at every opportunity. We have good chances of spotting Polar bears this far north! If sea and ice conditions are favourable, we will make our way towards the incredibly remote island of Nordaustlandet where we will hope to get up-close to the breathtaking Austfonna Ice Cap. Should conditions not allow us to reach Nordaustlandet we will instead cruise south through the wonderfully scenic Hinlopen Strait. Again, each day will be filled with exciting shore landings and Zodiac cruises.

It’s now time to explore around some rarely visited sites on the majestic Spitsbergen southern coast where breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery abounds. Enjoying wilderness hikes and Zodiac cruises along the way, we will make our way around the bottom of the island and spend our last day in the beautiful Hornsund area.

Your Arctic cruise concludes back in Longyearbyen where it will sadly be time to bid farewell to your crew and new-found friends. Upon disembarkation a transfer will be provided to the airport or to a hotel should you wish to spend more time in this unique town.