If polar bears and beluga whales top your list of must-see Arctic wildlife, choose an expedition to Spitsbergen. This remarkable island - largest in the northern archipelago called Svalbard - hosts an astonishing array of Arctic wildlife, protected within six national parks. The island itself has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This 11-day Spitsbergen Explorer tour is perfect for those who prefer frequent shore landings and Zodiac cruises to longer stretches at sea. Here you'll find polar bears, reindeer, walrus and belugas, and add a bounty of sea-bird sightings to your field book - including Arctic Terns and Skua, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.
Tour Dates
Day 1: Embarkation: Longyearbyen
Your Spitsbergen Explorer tour begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. Enjoy your first view of Spitsbergen's rugged glacier topped mountains, rising majestically from icy Arctic waters.
Days 2 - 4: West Spitsbergen, 14th of July Glacier and Ny Alesund
Zodiac-cruise past the spectacular ice cliffs of the 14th of July Glacier, keeping an eye out for Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese, Arctic Terns and more. Later visit Ny Alesund, once a remote coal-mining town, now a unique international research station. You may spot the indigenous Svalbard reindeer, so keep your cameras handy!
Days 5 - 8: Smeerenburg, Phippsoya and Tusenoyane
At Smeerenburg, explore Svalbard's whaling past and visit an authentic blubber oven. Next, head for the island of Phippsoya, a well-known polar bear and walrus haunt. At Tusenoyane (Thousand Islands) you'll go ashore to seek Red-throated Divers, and view the beached skeleton of an ancient whale.
Days 9 - 10: Bourbonhamna
The narrow sound near Bourbonhamna is a favored route of beluga whales. Cruise in search for the white whales before going ashore.
Day 11: Longyearbyen: Disembarkation
Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
| Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2013 |
Triple Shared
|
Twin Semi-Private
|
Twin Private
|
Superior
|
Suite
|
Cook Suite
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kayak Free R/T Air Oslo/Longyearbyen Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Night Complimentary use of Gear/Binocs ($1200 Value) | $4,490 | $5,990 | $6,590 | $7,190 | $7,690 | $8,290 |
|
Kayak Free R/T Air Oslo/Longyearbyen Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Night Complimentary use of Gear/Binocs ($1200 Value) | $4,990 | $6,990 | $7,790 | $8,190 | $8,790 | $9,490 |
|
Kayak Free R/T Air Oslo/Longyearbyen Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Night Complimentary use of Gear/Binocs ($1200 Value) | $4,990 | $6,990 | $7,790 | $8,190 | $8,790 | $9,490 |
|
Kayak Free R/T Air Oslo/Longyearbyen Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Night Complimentary use of Gear/Binocs ($1200 Value) | $4,990 | $6,990 | $7,790 | $8,190 | $8,790 | $9,490 |
|
Kayak CANCELLED | $3,990 | $4,990 | $5,890 | $6,290 | $6,790 | $7,190 |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single cabin prices are 1.5 times the cost of the appropriate twin-share prices listed above. All cabins are smoke-free. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas only. Airfare to/from destination is not included. Kayaking option available for $750 per person.
Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
