SVALBARD CIRCUMNAVIGATION
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10 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views and warm Nordic hospitality, embark the ship and set sail |
| Day 2 | Kongsfjorden Region | Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers, plethora of international research stations |
| Day 3 | Northwest Svalbard | A pristine wilderness haven which holds a rich ecosystem of Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus and polar bears amongst many other species |
| Day 4 | Into the Ice | Icy habitat that supports diverse wildlife, including fish, seabirds, seals, belugas, and bowhead whales, and is the preferred hunting ground for polar bears |
| Day 5 | Northeast Svalbard | Towering cliffs with some of the world’s largest seabird colonies, iceberg-studded seas, vibrant marine life |
| Day 6 | East Svalbard | Geological marvels and walrus colonies at Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, vast bird colonies at Sundneset |
| Days 7 - 8 | South Svalbard | Fertile valleys supporting reindeer, Arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers |
| Day 9 | West and Central Svalbard | Explore sheltered bays, Poolepynten inhabited by herds of walruses, lookout for wildlife and spectacular views as you return to civilization |
| Day 10 | Longyearbyen | Disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flights |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Discoverer
The Discoverer, formerly the Silver Explorer, combines true expedition capability with a more refined onboard experience. An ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs and expansive outer make the ship perfectly suited for exploring remote polar environments. Carrying only 130 guests, she offers a small-ship atmosphere that allows for flexible landings and meaningful wildlife encounters. The Discoverer has undergone significant refurbishment in recent years, bringing a fresh and contemporary feel throughout the ship. Upgraded public spaces, elegant lounges, and thoughtful design create a welcoming atmosphere that remains expedition-first, simply with a little more polish.
Day 1 Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Begin your journey in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views, and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbor; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!
Day 2 Kongsfjorden Region
During the Arctic “night,” sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord, framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. The first stop is Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings.
Day 3 Northwest Svalbard
Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, hosting Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.
Day 4 Into the Pack Ice
Ittoqqortoormiit is among the most remote communities on Earth, and the only settlement in this region. Meaning ‘People who Live in Big Houses’ (referencing the town’s establishment in 1925), supply ships only visit once or twice a year, and most residents continue a subsistence hunting lifestyle which has changed little for millennia. Ittoqqortoormiit is a town with a strong sense of community and traditional culture, Hosting an excellent museum, several small shops and a beautiful traditional church, locals often welcome visitors wearing colourful traditional costumes, and are justifiably proud of their strong sense of community and deep connection to their traditional culture. Ittoqqortoormiit is the perfect introduction to the culture and lifestyle of Greenland – remote, wild, yet brimming with staggering beauty, both human and natural.
Day 5 Northeast Svalbard
From the Arctic ice, the journey continues into Hinlopen Strait, where towering cliffs host some of the world’s largest seabird colonies, crowded with guillemots and fulmars amid predatory skuas and gulls. The unearthly polar deserts of northeast Svalbard are surrounded by iceberg-studded seas, where vibrant marine life thrives. Walruses rest onshore, belugas frolic in pods, and scampering shore birds feast on the beaches, showcasing Svalbard’s rich biodiversity despite the harsh Arctic conditions.
Day 6 East Svalbard
In Eastern Svalbard, cold polar waters meet the weak last gasp of the Gulf Stream, and the ocean remains icy even under the midnight sun. On Edgeøya, evidence of past large-scale walrus and beluga hunting contrasts with today’s strict wildlife protections and extensive nature reserves. Highlights you may visit include the geological marvels and walrus colonies at Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, or the vast bird colonies at Sundneset, before you return toward the main island of Spitsbergen via Sørkapp.
Days 7 – 8 South Svalbard
After rounding the southern tip of Spitsbergen, the expedition enters the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys support reindeer, Arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers. Rich in wildlife and history, the area offers highlights like the grassy meadows of Vårsolbukta and the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu, making it one of Svalbard’s most diverse and captivating regions.
Day 9 West and Central Svalbard
During the night, enter Forlandssundet, the strait which separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. Your destinations may include Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk. The remote beaches, rugged mountains, and tundra plains of the region positively beg to be explored! From Forlandsundet, return southwards during the afternoon into Isfjorden, all the while on the lookout for wildlife and spectacular views as you return to civilization.
Day 10 Longyearbyen
On the final morning of your expedition, arrive back in Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic! After exploring Longyearbyen and bidding a fond farewell to the crew of Ocean Albatros and your fellow Arctic explorers, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.