Spitsbergen Explorer
Spitsbergen Explorer
Spitsbergen Explorer
This 11 day active adventure begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway’s Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago. The aim of this expedition is to explore the coastline of the largest island in the group, Spitsbergen. The exact course depends on local weather and ice conditions. We expect to explore magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounter polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat. Optional kayaking is available.
Day 1: Embarkation - Longyearbyen
The islands of Svalbard, including the largest, Spitsbergen, are glacier-topped mountains that rise from Arctic waters sprinkled with ice floes. Your first view will be from the air as you fly into Longyearbyen. We welcome you at the airport and transfer you Longyearbyen where, in the afternoon, you board the ship.
Days 2-4: Western Spitsbergen
On the west coast of Spitsbergen, we’ll cruise in Zodiacs, near a magnificent ice cliff, the 14th of July Glacier. We’ll also visit Ny Alesund, an international Arctic research station. Birders should add to their life list, as this is a known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.
Day 5–8- Smeerenburg and Thousand Islands
At Smeerenburg, we’ll visit relics of the whaling industry, blubber ovens and whalebones. A tour of the former whaling station recounts the Dutch and Basque influences on the local community, which relied on the harvesting of bowhead whales for survival.
Norway’s Arctic Islands of Svalbard are so numerous that certain areas within the archipelago have names that reflect the profusion, Tusenoyane (Thousand Islands) for example. We’ll go ashore on Aekongen to seek Red-throated Drivers and a whale skeleton.
Day 9–10- Bourbonhamna
The narrow sound near Bourbonhamna is a favored route of beluga whales.We’ll search for the white whales before going ashore, where we’ll learn about hunting and whaling.
Day 11- Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen: Disembarkation
We’ll transfer you from the ship to the airport for your flight home. Those who wish to extend their stay will be dropped at the Radisson Hotel on the way.
Included:
• Group transfers to embark the ship and upon disembarkation
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
• All shore landings per the daily program.
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• Photographic Album on DVD, documenting the voyage.
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
• A Expedition parka – yours to keep.
• Coffee, tea , cocoa available around the clock.
• Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• All luggage handling aboard ship.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.
Not Included:
• Any airfare.
• Optional kayaking.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes.
• Any meals ashore.
• Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges.
• Telecommunications charges.
• The customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for Hospitality Team members, ship’s crew and Expedition Team members.
