Compare Svalbard Explorer - 28th July - 6th August 2023 by Secret Atlas
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 7,400 |
| Price Per Day | $ 740 |
| Highlights |
|
| Trip Style | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
| Travel Themes |
|
| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
| Meals Included |
|
| Description |
Explore Svalbard on a small ship expedition cruise with just 48 guests in total. This expedition takes place on the newly refitted Polar Pioneer, one of the smallest and most rugged expedition cruise ships visiting Svalbard, perfect for visiting the ice edge. On this expedition we will venture to the northern wilderness to explore the beautiful landscapes, wildlife and glaciers of north west Spitsbergen, home to an abundance of polar wildlife. Every day is an adventure and we will use the Zodiac landing craft to explore various sites of interest and to take short hikes ashore in the nature. This is an intimate small group experience with the minimum of one guide for every 10 guests. |
Day 1: Longyearbyen
78.2232° N, 15.6267° E
You will step onboard Polar Pioneer in the port of Longyearbyen in the afternoon. After an introduction from our expedition leader and a safety briefing from the Captain, we set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord. As Longyearbyen disappears astern and we turn north, we wave goodbye to civilisation for the next 9 days. As we sail out through the Isfjord we will spend time on deck watching for the whales that frequent the waters.
Days 2-3: Prins Karls Foreland & Sea Ice
78.3413° N, 11.7250° E
Every expedition is different and we base our choices around the weather conditions and potential wildlife sightings. Our plan is to head north at the start of the expedition. We plan to make our first shore landing in the area around Prins Karls Foreland which is home to Walrus colonies. If the conditions allow we will attempt to reach the edge of the sea ice which is a magical experience (although this can never be guaranteed). Polar Pioneer is a tough ice strengthened vessel and in the right conditions we will attempt to sail through the ice.
Days 4-8: Exploring the North-West Coast
79.5223° N, 13.4638° E
As we venture to the north west region of Spitsbergen we will encounter numerous glaciers and stunning Artic landscapes. Under the guidance of the expedition leader we will use the Zodiacs to go ashore and explore various places on a daily basis including glacier fronts, places of historical interest and wildlife sites. When ashore there will be the opportunity to do wilderness hikes which is the perfect way to experience the raw nature of the Arctic.
Days 9: Sailing South
78.5810° N, 11.3932° E
As we sail back south we explore the area in and Kongsfjorden. Expect majestic glaciers, some of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords and scenery from the decks. Here we encounter one of Svalbard’s most breathtaking sites, the Lilliehook glacier, one of Svalbard’s largest calving glacier fronts. We will spend time here witnessing nature’s beauty in its rawest form with the option of doing a wilderness hike to a neighbouring fjord. The following day we will do a short sailing to the scientific community of Ny-Alesund, the most northerly settlement on earth. Here there are some interesting historical sites and a great museum.
Day 10: Longyearbyen
78.2232° N, 15.6267° E
In the morning we arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. After breakfast we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.
