This 10-day voyage is dedicated to science and research, with a group of scientists on the ship. The goal is to follow-up on the investigations which Dutch researchers began on Edgeøya in the 20th century. Passengers will be given the opportunity to share the experiences of the scientists, but will also have the opportunity to join some rather extended walks to special places of interest.
Highlights
Stroll around the former mining town of Longyearbyen
Visits Stellingfjellet the biggest colony of Brünnichs Guillmots
Observe a herd of Walrusses near an old trapper station
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
Land at the rarely visited coast of South Spitsbergen, between Sørkap and Isbukta, and sail by Stellingfjellet, the biggest colony of Brünnichs guillemots in Spitsbergen.
Cruise north to Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeøya. After a Zodiac cruise through the shallow bay, land at Blankodden on a beach littered with whale bones and tree trunks, which have drifted here from Siberia. You can also climb to the rim of a narrow gully which is inhabited by thousands of Kittiwake, together with Black Guillemot and piratical Glaucous Gull. During the breeding season, the base of the cliffs is patrolled by Arctic Fox and Polar Bear, searching for young birds that have fallen from the nesting ledges. From there walk to Kapp Lee.
At the east side of West Spitsbergen (west side of Storfjorden) walk to some breeding places of Ivory Gulls in Agardhfjellet at about 400 m high. The valley leading to the outcrops with the nests is littered with fossils of Belemnites and Ammonites.
In Freemansundet, plan to land at Sundneset on the island of Barentsøya to visit an old trapper's hut and then take a brisk walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen Reindeer and Barnacle Goose. You can also participate in a zodiac cruise near the Freeman glacier and visit again a Kittiwake colony in a canyon.
At Diskobukta, make a long inland excursion into the braided rivers, which are easily crossed this late in the season. At Caltex fjellet, search for breeding places of Ivory Gulls and proceed into Smelledalen with some Pingo’s. Alternatively, land at Plurdalen, an area where 40 years ago extensive explorations for oil were carried out.
At Habenichtbukta Russian Pomors built their hunting station in which they lived during quite some periods in the 18th and 19th centuries. Land in the area and make also an inland excursion in an area with pond and lakes, populated by divers, ducks and geese.
At Andrétangen we have a good opportunity to observe a herd of Walrusses near an old trapper station. Some way inland near a lifted shore in a surf zone from thousands of year ago you'll find the skeletons of stranded whales from that time. In the afternoon, land at Kong Ludvigøyane or Tiholmane with again remains of the Pomor period.
Start the day quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks.
Hornsundtind rises to 1,431m, while Bautaen shows why early Dutch explorers gave the name ‘Spitsbergen’ - pointed mountains - to the island. There are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and very good chances of encounters with seals and Polar Bear.
You may visit the Polish research station where the friendly staff will give you an insight into their research projects. Behind the station, the mountains are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little Auk.
Day 10: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins). Spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin
1 suite with 2 windows (minimum), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Ortelius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
