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This polar bear cruise is the ultimate wildlife experience in the Arctic
Dates: Contact us for dates
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: m/v Plancius
Embark: Longyearbyen
Disembark: Longyearbyen
Extra optional activities: Diving and snowshoeing are possible in this trip
Price: starting from 4900 USD
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: m/v Plancius
Embark: Longyearbyen
Disembark: Longyearbyen
Extra optional activities: Diving and snowshoeing are possible in this trip
Price: starting from 4900 USD
Different itineraries and different ships are available. Let us find you the best option and deal!
There are not too many places to see polar bears in their natural habitat. You can choose to go to Alaska where you can see them close to habited areas or to Canada which is probably the most popular place out of all.
But if you are looking for the ultimate, the real polar bear encounter you have to go further and further north... To be exact to the waters, glaciers, and fjords of Spitsbergen - a small island in the north of Norway.
Being on a ship allows you to get far away from any inhabited area and also to get close to floating ice and the coast of the fjords where polar bears live, hunt and raise their families.
Of course, the wildlife in the Arctic includes many other amazing species as well. Different species of whales, seals, walruses and an incredible variety of seabirds.
But if you are looking for the ultimate, the real polar bear encounter you have to go further and further north... To be exact to the waters, glaciers, and fjords of Spitsbergen - a small island in the north of Norway.
Being on a ship allows you to get far away from any inhabited area and also to get close to floating ice and the coast of the fjords where polar bears live, hunt and raise their families.
Of course, the wildlife in the Arctic includes many other amazing species as well. Different species of whales, seals, walruses and an incredible variety of seabirds.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation and departure from Longyearbyen
We arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale.
Highlights
Day 2: We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen
We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favored by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bears are often seen here.
Highlights
Day 3: Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Highlights
We arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale.
Highlights
- ✓Svalbard Museum
- ✓Longyearbyen
- ✓Minke Whale
Day 2: We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen
We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favored by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bears are often seen here.
Highlights
- ✓Snowshoeing
- ✓Polar Diving
- ✓Bearded Seal
Day 3: Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Highlights
- ✓Kittiwake
- ✓Monaco Glacier
Day 4: We will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seals
Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gulls. At the entrance, there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gulls, and Walrus.
Highlights
Day 5: At Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet we will just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole.
We will try to reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bears inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.
Highlights
Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gulls. At the entrance, there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gulls, and Walrus.
Highlights
- ✓Zodiac Cruising & Shore program
- ✓Svalbard Reindeer
- ✓Ivory Gull
Day 5: At Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet we will just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole.
We will try to reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bears inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.
Highlights
- ✓Polar Bear
- ✓Phippsøya
- ✓Ivory Gull
Day 6: We will retrace our route westwards to keep watch for the Polar Bear
Retracing our route westwards, our cruise takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwellings along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden, we also have good chances to see Minke Whales.
Highlights
Day 7: Sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden
In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively, we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime, we arrive in Longyearbyen.
Highlights
Day 8: The last day of our voyage. We disembark the vessel in Longyearbyen
We disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, for the flights south to Oslo and onward home.
Retracing our route westwards, our cruise takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwellings along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden, we also have good chances to see Minke Whales.
Highlights
- ✓Whale safari
- ✓Bowhead Whale
Day 7: Sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden
In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively, we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime, we arrive in Longyearbyen.
Highlights
- ✓Arctic Fox
- ✓Walrus
- ✓Alkhornet
Day 8: The last day of our voyage. We disembark the vessel in Longyearbyen
We disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, for the flights south to Oslo and onward home.
Polar Diving - The ultimate Scuba Experience
This trip is one of the rare opportunities when you can scuba dive in one of the most remote and extreme areas of the world.
Diving around Spitsbergen is amazing and once in a lifetime experience. Dive under thin ice, next to walls, and even a wreck. Also diving with seals is usually possible in this area so prepare for some cuteness. :)
Diving in the Arctic waters is not for beginners, so contact us for more details, or to help to evaluate your current experience.
Diving in the Arctic waters is not for beginners, so contact us for more details, or to help to evaluate your current experience.
This trip and price include:
This trip and price do not include:
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- 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.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
This trip and price do not include:
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
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