NORTH SPITSBERGEN-

IN SEARCH OF POLAR BEAR & PACK ICE

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8 DAYS

Start your North Spitsbergen cruise with a trek around historic Longyearbyen, then join your expedition to the north of the island to take in the fantastically beautiful landscapes, the thousands of seabirds, and of course the star of the show, the polar bear.

ITINERARY SUMMARY
DayPlaceHighlights
Day 1Longyearbyen – SpitsbergenLongyearbyen Museum, Embarkation early evening
Day 2Route to RaudfjordenViews of expansive fjords, spot ringed and bearded seals
Day 3Monaco GlacierStunning 5km long glacier, possibility of polar bears
Day 4HinlopenSail the Hinlopen strait with an abundance of wildlife all around you
Day 5 The Seven Islands Reach the Northernmost point of your voyage, Nordaustlandet in search of Polar Bears
Day 6Sailing the Continental ShelfKeep watch for Polar bears as you retrace your route west
Day 7Forlandsundet or AlkhornetBoth possible landing sites are full of reindeer, arctic foxes and seabirds
Day 8LongyearbyenBid your fellow travellers farewell as you disembark in Longyearbyen
Hondius Spitsbergen In Search of Polar Bears and Pack Ice

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Hondius
Hondius

The Hondius (176 guests) launched in June 2019. She has an Ice class rating of 6, the most advanced to date. The Hondius offers deluxe accommodations for a total 176 guests. One deck has been entirely reserved for lectures and presentations in one large observation lounge. The ship’s main focus remains discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities. Efficient zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special activities such as kayaking.

Day 1 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Overview:

Touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2 Route to Raudfjorden

Sailing to Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and you may even be visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.

Day 3 Monaco Glacier

Kayaking Monacobreen Glacier

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Day 4 Hinlopen

Today you will sail into the Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, you can view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet. Here reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. You can take an alternate route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen.

Day 5 The Seven Islands

Polar Bear - Canadian High Arctic

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you will reach 80° north, just 870 km from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

Day 6 Sailing the continental shelf

Whale breaching Greenland

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you will reach 80° north, just 870 km from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

Day 7 Forlandsundet or Alkhornet

Walrus Spitsbergen Svalbard

Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, your next anticipated stop. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. You will arrive into Longyearbyen waters later at night.

Day 8 Disembark Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen Spitsbergen Svalbard

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. Disembark in the morning in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.