SOUTH SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER – BEAR ISLAND – MAINLAND NORWAY
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6 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Stroll around this former mining town before embarking the ship |
| Day 2 | Hornsund | Towering mountain peaks, Hornsundtind mountain, 14 magnificent glaciers in the area |
| Day 3 | At Sea | Look for whales, seals, and migrating seabirds |
| Day 4 | Bear Island | See gannets, fulmars, great skuas, and large seabirds, remains of a whaling station |
| Day 5 | At Sea | Displays of Northern Lights, whales and migrating seabirds |
| Day 6 | Tromso, Norway | Disembark and continue on your onwards journey |
Ship Offering This Itinerary
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
Touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre 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 100 plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
Day 2 Hornsund
Start the day by quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, dominated by towering mountain peaks. The mountain of Hornsundtind rises to 1,431 metres, while the peak of Bautaen testifies to why early Dutch explorers gave this island the name Spitsbergen, which translates to “pointed mountains.” There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area, and you have a fair chance of encountering seals and polar bears. All bird cliffs, which teemed with seabirds earlier in the season, have now departed, except some late fulmars. You will have the opportunity to take a Zodiac excursion to mighty Hornbreen and to set foot on Treskelen.
Day 3 At Sea
This is a good day to look for whales, seals, and migrating seabirds as you voyage south. Your route follows the limits of the Norwegian and Barents seas, both rich in marine life. It depends on the weather how fast you will proceed to Bear Island and sight its shores. From now on, darker skies provide opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis and the stars.
Day 4 Bear Island
Early in the morning, arrive at the southeastern end of Bear Island. Expect to see gannets and fulmars here. It is a good time to see migratory Arctic birds moving south. Sail northeast by Sörhamna, where all breeding ledges are deserted, to Revdalen, where you will land and may still encounter great skuas, large seabirds, known to be fiercely territorial. From there, climb some way up to the bird mountain at the coast for great views.
In Kvalrossbukta, land at the remains of a whaling station from the early 19th century. Continue a little north along the (usually calm) east side of Bear Island and look for other good landing spots. Depending on the weather, approach Bear Island from the northeast and sail south along the east coast.
Day 5 At Sea
This is another good full sea day to look for whales and migrating seabirds as you sail toward Norway. The nights grow ever-longer, making displays of the Northern Lights more frequent and vivid. At the end of the day, you may glimpse the first sign of land in the south.
Day 6 Tromso
In the early morning, sail through straits and fjords to Tromsö, the capital of the northern province of Troms. There are many reasons Norway’s fjords are world-renowned, and today you get a glimpse of them. Say goodbye with memories made!