SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER:
WILDLIFE CAPITAL OF THE ARCTIC
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11 DAYS
On this voyage Spitsbergen Explorer you will visit Svalbard and cruise around Spitsbergen, the largest island in this archipelago. Here you will see the illusive polar bear in the wild, walrus and hundreds of seabirds.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Longyearbyen | Arrive in Longyearbyen and board your ship |
| Day 2-10 | Exploring Spitsbergen | Explore the beautiful landscape and hopefully spot some polar bears. |
| Day 11 | Longyearbyen | Your trip ends in Longyearbyen |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The vessel has capacity for 68 passengers accommodated in simple and comfortable outside cabins, all with private facilities, including twin, triple and dedicated single cabins. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, she also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library and an infirmary.
With a maximum of just 68 guests not only can they all be accommodated on a single flight from (or to) Punta Arenas – she also can get everyone into zodiacs and ashore in a short period of time – maximising exploration time.
Day 1 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Overview:
Your Spitsbegen adventure begins today as you board your vessel the Ocean Nova and settle into your cabin. As the ship embarks you will have great views of Longyearbyen’s mountainous landscape.
Spend the evening meeting your fellow travellers and the expedition team, enjoy spending time on the deck taking in the scenery and identifying seabirds as they soar past.
Day 2-10 Exploring Spitsbergen
Each expedition presents new opportunities, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, we do hope to visit some of our favourite destinations, including the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Straight.
The places the ship visits will be selected by the expedition team for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, with Phippsøya being one of their preferred hunting areas with the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet providing free bird egg meals for both Polar Bears and arctic foxes. Torellneset and Phippsøya are great places for walrus sightings and photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus competes for their spot of coastline.
If you would like to give kayaking a go you can book this option (before you go) and take kayaking excursions to more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen. Smeerenburg is a great place for snowshoeing (optional and complimentary on select voyages), where you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historic site honours the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme arctic conditions.
In Spitsbergen you will be spoiled by natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colourful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned site from centuries ago.
Day 11 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
Farewell the expedition team and crew as you disembark the Ocean Nova and are transferred to the airport.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy— and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.