SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH

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13 DAYS

Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, and on this voyage we’ll attempt a circumnavigation of the island. Lying entirely within the Arctic Circle, Spitsbergen is rugged, wild, unspoiled—utterly unforgettable. When it comes to viewing arctic wildlife, Spitsbergen is known as one of the most prolific destinations.

The island and surrounding area offers one of the best opportunities to view polar bears, and with luck you’ll be able to see the world’s largest carnivores in their natural habitat. Walrus populations love Spitsbergen as well, feeding in the food-rich icy waters around the island.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

 

Day Place Highlights
Day 1 Longyearbyen Embark on your voyage in Longyearbyen
Day 2-12 Circumnavigate Spitsbergen View Polar bears, walrus, seabirds and incredible landscapes
Day 13 Longyearbyen Disembark the ship in Longyearbyen

Day 1 Longyearbyen, Norway

Longyearbyen Spitsbergen Svalbard
Overview:

Your Spitsbergen Arctic voyage begins in Longyearbyen when you board your ship the Ocean Adventurer. Enjoy views of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains, rising majestically from icy waters.

Ship
Ocean Adventurer

The expedition ship Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort and has a classic style our her.  She was originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976 and has undergone several renovations; in 1999, 2002 and her most significant in 2017.  The Ocean Adventurer is ice-strengthened and a beautiful small ship upon which to discover the wonders of Spitsbergen.

Day 2-12 Circumnavigating Spitsbergen

Polar-bear-foraging-Spitsbergen
Overview:

Every day is a new adventure as you circumnavigate Spitsbergen. First head North where you will explore smaller, outlying islands. There is an incredible variety wildlife and geological formations found here.

 

Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but we do hope to visit a few of our favourite landing sites, including the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.

 

For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and arctic terns, while Alkefjellet is home to nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Stopping at sites such as Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhornet you may spot reindeer. The Expedition Team will keep an eye out for polar bears during the voyage and no doubt you will spot a few, particularly in Phippsøya and Isbukta which are two of the bears’ preferred places for hunting, where you may even see them in action.

 

Visit old waling sites from the 16th century at Smeerenburg. You will see colourful tundra meadows which look particulauly striking as icebergs bob in the bays. Keep your eyes out for the rare beluga whales.

Day 13 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Longyearbyen-Spitsbergen-2
Overview:

Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

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.