SVALBARD IN DEPTH
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15 DAYS
On this extended exploration of the Svalbard archipelago, there is ample time to enjoy the best of this magical region, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea. With extra time for exploration, we hope to show you some of our favourite places in Svalbard, and perhaps discover some new ones. Unpredictable conditions are expected in wild and remote places such as Svalbard, and with extra time, we can slow the pace of the voyage, linger longer in quiet bays to enjoy wildlife encounters and return to a place that was previously not possible. Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers, keep watch for arctic fox, and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters. Push through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and delight in the breathtakingly beautiful fjords. We don’t want you to miss out on anything.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen | Overnight hotel |
| Day 2 | Longyearbyen | Embarkation Day |
| Days 3 - 14 | Svalbard Archipelago | View Polar bears, walrus, seabirds and incredible landscapes |
| Day 15 | Disembark Longyearbyen | Farewell the crew and fellow travellers |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Sylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking up to 132 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Day 1 Longyearben Spitsbergen
Having made your way to Longyearbyen, you will be met upon arrival and provided with cabin tags for your luggage.
Enjoy free time, and in the evening, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Longyearbyen, Norway
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then visit the main attractions of Longyearbyen town on a locally guided tour. On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. You’ll meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon.
After embarkation, settle into your cabin before attending mandatory safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. Sail out of the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin. Find a spot in one of the observation areas to watch seabirds, including graceful ivory gulls, kittiwakes and guillemots.
Tonight you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with the Captain.
Days 3-14 Svalbard Archipelago
Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Our experienced expedition team will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife. Above the Arctic Circle during the boreal summer, the sun does not drop below the horizon until late August, so we enjoy 24 hours of daylight, and more time to explore this breathtaking part of the planet.
Svalbard’s phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges and polar desert are rich in fossils, perfectly setting the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. We may encounter walrus hauled-out on sea ice or wallowing on beaches. We may seek out towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and listen to the busy chanting of little auk colonies protected amongst the scree slopes.
With more time, than the Svalbard Odyssey (12 days) we plan to reach further afield, we will attempt to explore the two largest islands in the archipelago; Spitsbergen and Nordauslandet. We may enjoy the delights around Barentsoya and Edgeoya that are located in the Hinlopen Strait, a known polar bear migration route. We plan to visit the remains of old whaling settlements, old pomor sites, and enjoy early morning Zodiac cruises. We will encounter glittering glaciers, keep watch for beluga whales and watch for ivory gulls.
Weather and ice permitting we may sail along the most northerly point of the Svalbard archipelago, a favoured spot to a large colony of walruses. We may encounter the mighty polar bear in its element, in the pack ice.
If you are participating in an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have opportunity to experience the Arctic whenever conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, when conditions are perfect, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory to savour for years to come.
Day 15 Longyearbyen
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. Farewell the expedition team. From here you may wish to fly to Oslo and continue on your journey home or perhaps explore Europe. Our consultants will be able to make these arrangements for you.