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Walking through vast arctic landscapes.

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Noorderlicht
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Explore the remote fjords and sprawling tundra of Spitsbergen aboard the two-mast sailing vessel, the Nooderlicht. Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the endless opportunities to see incredible bird and marine life including, puffins, guillemots, walrus, seals, whales and more. Adventures on the tundra bring more chances to observe wading birds, reindeer, and the elusive arctic fox. This 8-day arctic cruise showcases the unique scenery, geology and wildlife of Spitsbergen. 
A walrus relaxes on the snow.The sun rising over an Arctic villageA humpbackGlaciers and beautiful arctic tundra.Walking through vast arctic landscapes.
Highlights
  • Watch seals and walrus haul out onto ice floes at the mouths of the fjords
  • Navigate through narrow waterways and elaborate fjord systems
  • Walk over the gentle hills of Spitsbergen's tundra as reindeer graze nearby
  • Observe puffin, guillemot, and seabird activities on steep shoreline cliffs
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen | Embark | Tryghamna

After arriving in Longyearbyen, the ‘capital’ (actually the administrative center) of Spitsbergen, you may wish to visit the Svalbard Museum which has an interesting collection on the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry, and polar exploration. Set sail to Trygghamna to visit the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Russian Pomor station.

Day 2: Alkhornet | Forlandsundet

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Leave Trygghamna early in the morning and walk to Alkhornet, a seabird cliff with a large colony of kittiwakes. Below the cliffs is a den with arctic foxes which scavenge off fallen eggs and chicks. Continue sailing through Forlandsundet, the sea passage that divides the island of Prins Karls Forland from the mainland, and hope to see walruses and harbor seals. 

Day 3: Fuglefjorden | Ytre Norskøya

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today sail into Fuglefjorden with views on Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, and where there are breeding places for great skuas and good chances to see bears. In Birgerbukta find the blubber ovens of the Basques. Try to visit Ytre Norskøya, a small island which was used for many years as a lookout point for Dutch whalers. Follow their tracks to the summit of the island, passing excellent bird cliffs on the way. On shore the remains of 17th-century blubber ovens can be found, while arctic skua and common eider breed among the graves of 200 Dutch whalers.

Day 4: Raudfjord

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Raudfjord on the north coast of Spitsbergen is a beautiful fjord with spectacular glaciers. It is also a favorite fjord of ringed and bearded seal, has good seabird colonies, and offers good chances for spotting polar bear and beluga whales. Jermaktangen, at the fjord’s eastern entrance, is a geography lesson in the erosion of the land by the sea.

Day 5: Reindyrsflya | Fuglesangen

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
If sea-ice conditions allow, land on the northern-side of Reindyrsflya, the largest tundra area of Spitsbergen. The vast undulating plain is a good grazing area for reindeer and several species of waders also breed here. The area’s lakes offer good chances of spotting red-throated diver and king eider. Land at Fuglesangen, where you can sit near the little auks.

Day 6: 14th of July Glacier | Ny Ålesund

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning sail to the 14th of July Glacier. Not far from the glacier, see a breeding site for Brünnich’s guillemot, auk, and puffin. The guano of these bird colonies, combined with the southward exposure and the sheltered situation, gives rise to relatively rich vegetation with many species of flowering plants.

In the afternoon sail to Ossian Sarsfjellet, where you can observe the kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots on the cliffs at close quarters. Alternatively you can visit Ny Ålesund, the northernmost permanently inhabited village in the world, a center for polar research and a former starting point for many North Pole expeditions (Amundsen and Nobile for example). Barnacle goose, pink-footed goose, common eider, arctic tern, and several species of wader can be seen at close quarters. The reindeer here are smaller than their mainland relatives and do not form large herds.

Day 7: Bohemanflya | Isfjorden

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning find yourself on Bohemanflya, an extensive tundra area with its own birdlife and spectacular geological formations along the coast. Sail to Gipsvika deep inside Isfjorden and go ashore near the majestic cliff of Templet. It is a stunning area with spectacular mountains eroded into shape from sedimentary rock dating to the Upper Carboniferous period, created around 290 million years ago. 

Day 8: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Fly to Oslo

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the Noorderlicht and depart by scheduled flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo.

Ship/Hotel

Noorderlicht

Walking through vast arctic landscapes.
Alaska travel and aurora borealis
A walrus sunbathes on the ice

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,100
Noorderlicht
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Twin Non Private
The ‘Noorderlicht’ provides accommodation for 20 travellers in comfortable twin cabins. All cabins have upper and lower berths, a cupboard and wash basin with hot and cold water. Shared shower (4) and toilet (5) facilities are conveniently located.

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.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Noorderlicht - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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.

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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