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Spitsbergen Polar Bear Cruise

Duration
11 days
Price from
$7,516 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

Longyearbyen Femke Wolfert Oceanwide Expeditions

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

Arctic Fox in sunset hues Arctic Polar

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

Duration

11 days

Location

Arctic, Polar

Price from

$7,516 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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Arctic Expert

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.

February

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

March

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

April

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

May

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

June

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

July

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

August

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

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.

October

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

November

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

December

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

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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