Spitsbergen - Realm of the Polar Bear

Spitsbergen - Realm of the Polar Bear 8 Days

Prices From £6,197pp
June to August | 7 nights

No Solo Supplement!

Spitsbergen - Realm of the Polar Bear 8 Days

Aboard: Greg Mortimer Douglas Mawson

Join this bucket list adventure as you discover the wild coastlines, remarkable landscapes and abundant wildlife of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island. Aboard a fantastic polar expedition ship, you will slice through the pack ice on the lookout for seals, walrus, and the regal polar bears hunting on ice, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. Enjoy thrilling Zodiac excursions, walks across the wildflower filled tundra, and discover the historical camps of explorers and hunters on this short, but very sweet, adventure.

Various departures available. Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a memorable 5 day exploration of the wonders of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island
  • Sail close to 80° north, searching for polar bears on the pack ice
  • Search for other iconic Arctic wildlife including seals, whales, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox and abundant birds
  • Explore surrounded by spectacular scenery at every turn, from stunning fjords to glacier fronts and jagged mountain peaks
  • Hike across the beautiful Spitsbergen tundra and enjoy thrilling Zodiac cruises and visits to historical sites
  • Kayaking options available (select departures, fees apply)

What's Included

  • One night hotel stay in Oslo pre-voyage with breakfast included
  • Return flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen
  • Group sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen pre-voyage (select departures)
  • Group transfers between airports, hotel and ship
  • Full board accommodation on board ship with daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Wines, beers and soft drinks with dinner
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
  • Zodiac landings and excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket

No Solo Supplement!

Book select departures now and solo travellers will get a dedicated solo stateroom with no single supplement! (usual supplement is 50%!)

Offer applicable when booked before 1st October 2026

Applies to new bookings on select departure dates. Subject to availability and is not combinable with any other offer. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Full terms and conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Oslo to Longyearbyen
1 - 2Days

Oslo to Longyearbyen

Arrive independently to Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, where upon arrival you will be met by a tour representative to transfer to your hotel for your included overnight stay. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel on day 2, you will join your group transfer to the airport for your included flight to Longyearbyen, the remote and magical administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. Upon arrival, you can explore the town on a guided excursion tour, learning all about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, including a presentation in the large ‘lavvo’ at Camp Barentz in Advent Valley. Your tour also offers the chance to meet some friendly local huskies, pick up some souvenirs, and visit the Svalbard Museum.

In the late afternoon you will transfer to the port for embarkation. As you get your bearings and settle into your comfortable cabin, the ship will set sail out of the beautiful Isfjorden and deep into the Arctic wilderness. You may wish to spend some time on deck watching as the seabirds follow the ship, before joining the captain for your four-course welcome meal.

Exploring Spitsbergen
3 - 7Days

Exploring Spitsbergen

Over the course of the next 5 days, you will immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness as we discover what makes this enchanting island so revered among polar adventurers. The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is incredibly blessed with scenic and wildlife wonders.

In true expedition spirit, there will be no fixed itinerary, with your experienced captain and crew taking advantage of every opportunity for adventure, keeping a firm eye on weather and sea conditions to chart the best course for exploration. Expect to explore around breathtaking fjords, imposing mountain ranges, and polar deserts rich in remnants of historic polar explorations. Walk across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers, Zodiac cruise along towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and break through the pack ice in search of sightings of the majestic King of The Arctic, the polar bear. Other wildlife we will hope to see throughout our journey includes walrus, seals, whales, Arctic fox and reindeer.

There will be plenty of opportunities to partake in an exhilarating polar plunge, and kayaking options will also be available at an additional cost.

Longyearbyen to Oslo
8Day

Longyearbyen to Oslo

On the morning of day 8 your ship will sail back into Longyearbyen where your Arctic cruise adventure comes to an end. After disembarkation, a transfer will be provided to the airport for your included flight back to Oslo, or to a downtown location should you wish to extend your stay here. Various additional Arctic activities are available in Longyearbyen so please enquire for details should you wish to extend your adventure.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Greg Mortimer
Luxury vessel

Greg Mortimer

The brand new (2018-19) “Greg Mortimer” is a purpose-built expedition vessel capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, and has been built to world-class polar standards. The Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future, utilising the ULSTEIN X-BOW, a cutting edge nautical technology which allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, reduced vibrations, improved comfort and safety on board, virtual anchoring, lower fuel consumption and lower air emissions.

Robust, powerful, and built with passengers’ comfort and safety at the forefront of design, the Greg Mortimer features a modern ice-strengthened hull at ice class 1A, four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to Zodiacs, a custom-built activity platform, the most up-to-date and concise safety features including the latest ‘return to port’ technology, and has been built to meet and exceed the strict environment standards of the Polar Code, for non-intrusive and low-impact voyages.

For exceptional at sea wildlife and scenery viewing opportunities the ship has custom-built hydraulic platforms offering unobstructed views, an indoor observation lounge, side viewing platforms and an outdoor top deck which allows for 360-degree views.

With space for 132 passengers the ship has 80 well designed staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, ranging from porthole to balcony categories, a large dining room/restaurant with family style dining, a spacious lecture room, a well stocked library, Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa, a multimedia room and a fully-stocked medical centre.

Douglas Mawson
First class vessel

Douglas Mawson

The newest addition to Aurora’s fantastic fleet of state-of-the-art small expedition ships, the Douglas Mawson is named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer and features the same revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® seen on the Sylivia Earle and Greg Mortimer. With industry-leading nautical technology and enhanced sustainability features making it one of the greenest expedition ships in the market, the Douglas Mawson carries a maximum of 154 passengers in an extensive range of cabin types.

A fabulous upper deck with heated outdoor swimming pool, sunbeds, and two Jacuzzis sets the scene for a luxurious adventure. Onboard you will find a gym, a sauna, a Citizen Science Centre and various relaxing lounges and observation spaces, along with two first-class restaurants.

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.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

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.

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.

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Outside the uk
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+ 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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