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Spitsbergen Polar Bear Cruise

Duration
11 days
Price from
£5,965 pp.
Location
Arctic, Polar
Polar bear arctic cruises

Trip Highlights

  • Cruise through the Arctic wilderness
  • Polar bear sightings in Spitsbergen
  • Explore glaciers and ice floes

What's Included

  • Guided excursions
  • Transfers
  • 10 nights accommodation

An Arctic wildlife expedition

Embark on an unforgettable Arctic adventure with our 10-day cruise around Spitsbergen, spotting polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, and a host of interesting arctic birds.

As you sail through pristine Arctic waters, you'll be captivated by the untamed beauty of Spitsbergen's rugged landscapes, crowned by towering glaciers and dramatic fjords. Our expert guides, renowned for their extensive knowledge of the region, will lead you to the hidden corners where wildlife thrives. Brace yourself for breathtaking encounters with polar bears, as you observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to polar bears, you'll have the chance to marvel at a myriad of other Arctic inhabitants, from elusive Arctic foxes to graceful reindeer, as well as an array of seabirds that grace the skies above.

Take the small zodiac boats out for cruising excursions to see icebergs, glaciers, and polar bears up close. Use the zodiacs to get to difficult-to-access land, for hiking, photography, and sometimes even snowshoeing excursions on tundras and ice caps.

Whilst aboard the M/V Ortelius or the M/V Plancius, immerse yourself in captivating lectures and presentations by our onboard experts, deepening your understanding of the Arctic's unique ecosystems and the importance of their conservation.

Our expedition vessel ensures minimal impact on this fragile ecosystem, reflecting our commitment to preserving these pristine lands for generations to come.

Our Arctic polar bear cruise is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will give you stories to tell for many years to come, and memories that will stay with you forever.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Longyearbyen and embarkation

Fly into Longyearbyen, the largest settlement on the archipelago that makes up Svalbard.

In the evening, board the expedition vessel and get comfortable in your twin porthole room while admiring the view.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, depart from Isfjorden, providing the opportunity to potentially catch your first wildlife sighting of the expedition - minke whales.

Day 2 Krossfjorden – Ny Ålesund

By morning, arrive in Krossfjorden. There is the chance for a zodiac boat excursion to visit the Fjortende Julibreen (Fourteenth of July Glacier) up close. Near the glacier are mountains on which kittiwakes and guillemots nest amongst colourful blooming flowers. This spot presents an excellent opportunity to see an Arctic fox or a bearded seal.

The afternoon will bring you to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Ny Ålesund is home to a research centre, but historically it was a mining town. This area is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns.

Day 3 Seven Islands

Day 4 Great Glacier of Schweigaardbreen

Day 5 Kvitøya ice cap

Day 6 Spitsbergen’s longest glacier

Day 7 Barentsøya

Day 8 The Pointed Mountains of Hornsund

Day 9 Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history

Day 10 Longyearbyen and disembarkment

Day 11 Hometime

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Duration

11 days

Location

Arctic, Polar

Price from

£5,965 pp.

Price Includes

  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Price Excludes

  • Single Supplements.
  • International flights.
  • Transfers to/from the vessel outside Spitsbergen.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Any services or items not specifically listed as included.
  • Baggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Price is per person based on two people sharing excluding international flights to Longyearbyen.

The trip includes all accommodation and activities specified above. Rooms and meals are as below:

  • 9 nights aboard the M/V Ortelius – twin window room, all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages included.
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When to go to the Arctic

A month-by-month guide of when to visit the Arctic

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

Cruises typically do not operate in January due to extreme winter conditions and ice coverage.

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February

Cruises typically do not operate in February due to extreme winter conditions and ice coverage.

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March

Cruises typically do not operate in March due to extreme winter conditions and ice coverage.

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April

Cruises typically do not operate in March due to extreme winter conditions and ice coverage.

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May

Begin the cruise season with expeditions along Arctic coastlines. Observe seabird colonies, and explore coastal tundra where reindeer and foxes roam.

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June

Embark on an Arctic adventure as the ice recedes. Cruise through stunning fjords, spotting wildlife and marvelling at the midnight sun.

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July

Experience the peak of Arctic summer. Navigate through icy channels, visit indigenous communities, and witness incredible marine and avian life.

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August

Sail to Svalbard, observing polar bears and walrus. Immerse yourself in indigenous cultures and explore the Arctic's unique biodiversity.

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September

As Arctic Summer draws to a close, some of the expedition vessels redirect from Svalbard to the east of Greenland. There are excellent whale watching opportunities at this time, and it’s a great place to try and spot the Aurora Borealis.

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October

Cruises typically do not operate in March due to extreme winter conditions and ice coverage.

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November

Cruises typically do not operate in March due to extreme winter conditions and ice coverage.

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December

Cruises typically do not operate in March due to extreme winter conditions and ice coverage.

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Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

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