Experience Arctic exploration in Longyearbyen, the administrative hub of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. Cruise through Hornsund's spectacular area, encountering seals, polar bears, and nesting seabirds. Explore Bear Island, Hopen Island, and the lush tundra of south Edgeøya for a unique Arctic adventure. Delve into the history of Pomor trappers at Russebukta and discover the rarely-visited coast of south Spitsbergen. Explore Bell Sund, offering flora, fauna, and haunting history.
Highlights
Look out for whales, seals, and possibly even polar bears
Explore Longyearbyen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago
Venture into Bell Sund's fjord system, rich in flora and fauna
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
As you land in Longyearbyen, the administrative hub of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, take pleasure in strolling through this former mining town. Explore captivating attractions like the parish church and Svalbard Museum. Despite the seemingly stark landscape, over a hundred plant species have been documented here. In the early evening, the ship departs from Isfjorden, providing an opportunity to spot the first minke whale of the voyage.
Begin your day with a serene cruise through the side fjords of the breathtaking Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen. Marvel at the panoramic views of towering mountain peaks, with Hornsundtind reaching an impressive 1,431 meters (4,695 feet) and the pinnacle of Bautaen serving as a testament to why early Dutch explorers coined the name Spitsbergen, signifying "pointed mountains."
There are 14 magnificent glaciers scattered throughout the region, providing ample opportunities to encounter seals and polar bears. The nearby cliffs of Sofiakammen host thousands of nesting kittiwakes and little auks. As evening falls, witness the mesmerizing sight of thousands of harp seals engaging in rutting behaviors on ice floes at Sørkapp.
As you approach the southeastern tip of Bear Island, discover a prime location for observing vast seabird colonies. The nearby nesting cliffs form part of an extensive nature reserve, enforcing a prohibition on large ships bringing passengers ashore. Following this, your journey unfolds as you sail northeast into Sorhamna, providing an opportunity to draw nearer to the seabird cliffs. This region is chiefly inhabited by Brünnich's guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars.
Just north of Sorhamna, in Kvalrossbukta, you will make landfall to explore the remnants of a whaling station dating back to the early 20th century. Another potential landing site is the shallow valley of Rendalen, where, at a safe distance, you will search for the fiercely territorial great skuas, imposing large seabirds. Continuing your northward course along the east side of Bear Island, be prepared to encounter dazzling shoals of drift ice.
On the way to Hopen, you might come across sea ice inhabited by harp seals engaged in rutting behaviors. Upon reaching the southern end of Hopen Island, specifically Koefoetodden, you have the opportunity to observe remnants of 17th-century whaling sites. Easily accessible through nearby Bekkeskaret, a route to Kvasstoppen (190 meters, 620 feet) reveals the remains of a World War II plane. It's worth noting that Hopen Radio station stands as the most isolated manned weather station in all of Svalbard.
As you sail along the western side of the Tusenöyane, where summer landings are restricted, keep an eye out for polar bears and walruses as we near Risetreppen. This stunning canyon boasts an easily accessible kittiwake colony. While exploring on foot, you may have the chance to come across reindeer grazing on the abundant tundra.
You arrive at Ardalstangen, stepping onto the shore in an area rich with lakes and diverse waterfowl species. Nearby in Habenichtbukta, you observe, from a distance, the wintering site of 18th-century Pomor trappers, who frequently spent years in the same location. In the afternoon, you touch down on the south side of Russebukta, close to a tundra inhabited by reindeer, providing excellent walking opportunities.
Today, you strive to land at the mountain of Stellingfjellet, situated close to the largest colony of Brünnich’s guillemots in Spitsbergen. As the day unfolds, you will make landings at the seldom-explored coast of south Spitsbergen, specifically at the bay of Isbukta.
Continue your cruise in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents lend a slightly warmer touch to this area compared to other regions in the archipelago, evident in the relatively lush vegetation. Seize excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in both history and wildlife.
Consider exploring Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where you can find piles of beluga skeletons. These remnants from 19th-century whale slaughter serve as a haunting reminder of the consequences of unchecked exploitation. Luckily, belugas were not hunted to extinction, and you might even catch a glimpse of one here. Alternatively, make a landing at Millarodden on the north side of Bell Sund. Witness a walrus haul-out site and, potentially, embark on an excursion on the tundra of Ingeborgfjellet, home to thousands of little auks.
Day 9: 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
Meals ashore
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rental.
Map
When to Go
Jan
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
