SPITSBERGEN IN DEPTH
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13 DAYS
Every day is a new adventure as you explore Spitsbergen in Depth. See polar bears, sea birds, 16th century whaling sites, beautiful landscapes and bays filled with icebergs.
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 |
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, Norway
Overview:
Your Spitsbergen Arctic voyage begins in Longyearbyen when you board your ship the Ocean Nova. Enjoy views of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains, rising majestically from icy waters.
Days 2-12 Circumnavigating Spitsbergen
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
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.