Explore the Svalbard Archipelago - a region by its very nature rich in both wildlife and history on this 10-day Arctic cruise aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov.Beginning in the capital city of this Norwegian Territory, from the moment the ship's lines are thrown, enter into the land of the polar bear, beluga whale, walrus, and reindeer.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Embark on your expedition cruise vessel, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, in Longyearbyen and sail out of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden during the early evening. On board, meet for an introductory briefing and then adjourn to the dining room for your first meal aboard.
Day 2: Krossfjorden
A fjord cutting deep into the mountains of Spitsbergen, Krossfjorden offers an abundance of wildlife and scenery for your first morning on the ship. Whether it be cruising by ship or zodiac in front of the 15-kilometer-wide face of Lilliehookbreen (glacier), tramping across the tundra in search of a World War II German weather station, or searching for Atlantic puffins on the cliffs near 15th of July Glacier, this is a worthy welcome to the Arctic.
Day 3: Fuglesangen and Smeerenburg
As your zodiac approaches the shore of Fuglesangenoya, it becomes apparent there are thousands of nesting birds on the island. Home to a large dovkie colony, the formation of the island allows for excellent viewing without impacting upon the perimeter of the colony.
As you hike the shoreline of the former whaling station of Smeerenburg (literally translated as "Blubber Town"), learn about the importance of whaling in the discovery and exploration of the Svalbard archipelago. The sole remaining testament to this harsh industry in an equally harsh environment are the blubber ovens found on site.
Day 4: Liefdefjorden and Monacobreen
No trip along the north coast of Spitsbergen would be complete without a visit to Monacobreen (Monaco Glacier). A wide glacier face at the head of the fjord makes for spectacular kayaking and zodiac cruising. The coastal plain near the mouth of Liefdefjorden offers superb hiking and it often a great place to spot polar bears.
Day 5-6: Into the Ice
Your journey lives up to its name of "expedition" when the ship works its way into the ice edge. Senior officers on your capable vessel are experienced ice navigators who examine the ice edge and, when conditions allow, move the ship into the ice in search of wildlife. A day or even two days spent on the ice requires all hands on deck. Warm jackets, binoculars, and spotting scopes are standard and all eyes are engaged in looking for wildlife. Perhaps you can catch a glimpse of a herd of harp seals splashing through the leads between ice flows, a solitary bearded seal soaking up the sun, maybe a walrus and - of course - the mighty polar bear.
Day 7: Hinlopenstretet
Dividing the eastern side of the Svalbard archipelago from the western side, Hinlopen Strait is full of wildlife. The water that flushes through the strait each day is rich in phyto and zooplankton, nourishing the Brunnich's guillemot colony at Aklefjellet on the western shore of Hinlopen Strait. More than 120,000 pairs of guillemots nest on these cliffs each summer. The water moving through Hinlopen Strait each day also brings sea ice, which dictates the ship's access into the area. Exploring the sea ice generally brings you into much closer contact with polar bears and your captain works with the expedition team to maximize the viewing potential.
Day 8: Raudfjorden
Tucked into the northwestern tip of Spitsbergen, Raudfjorden offers an excellent place to hike, zodiac cruise, or kayak. Your excursion takes you on a search of reindeer ashore and ringed and bearded seals adrift. For those interested in the tundra vegetation, especially the wildflower, select spots along the shoreline of this fjord make for excellent hiking and interpretation.
Day 9: Alkehornet and Tryghamna
Alkehorney, of "The Horn," is an incredible horn-shaped mountain close to the entrance of Isfjorden (Ice Fjord). Home to a massive colony of Brunnich's guillemots and black legged kittiwakes, and host to reindeer and Arctic fox, this is an incredible summary of your Arctic visit. A lust tundra slope below the bird cliffs is rich in Arctic flora - and to top it all off, this site has a rich history that unfolds as you hike around the headland.
Day 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen
Enjoy a heart breakfast on board the Akademik Sergey Vavilov before you disembark in Longyearbyen. Transfer to airport to continue your travels.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Triple Share
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Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Twin Private
Deck 3, 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.
Notes
- Single Supplement: 1.5x for twin and superior cabins and 2x for suites. Single supplement is not available in the triple cabin category.
- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
Initial deposit is $1700 , and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 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.