Embark on a 6-day cruise aboard the M/V Ortelius and journey from Longyearbyen to Tromso. The South of Spitsbergen and Bear Island cruise sails through waters filled with breathtaking scenery. Witness seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears in their natural habitat as the expedition passes through areas where wildlife is plentiful, and landscapes are awe-inspiring. This voyage offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be combined with the Greenland voyage starting in Iceland. Don't miss out on the chance to see some of the most magnificent sights that the Arctic has to offer.
Highlights
Explore Longyearbyen, the largest town in Spitsbergen
Discover the haunting history of Bell Sund
Experience the scenery and wildlife of Hornsund
Encounter different species of whales and witness the aurora borealis
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
Bell Sund is one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife.
One possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction, and you may still see them in the area.
In Recherchefjord at Lagerneset, the Dutch had a 17th-century whaling station, and in the Recherche lagoon you see often ringed seals. Alternatively, you may land at Millarodden at the north side of Bell Sund, where you may see walruses hauling out.
Though the bird mountains of Ingeborgfjellet are deserted in September, a landing on the northern shore of Bell Sund makes for a good walk among whale bones, while the southern shore has fantastic geological formations.
Start the day by quietly cruising Brepollen in the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of glacier fronts and towering mountain peaks. The mountain of Hornsundtind rises to 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), while the peak of Bautaen testifies to why early Dutch explorers gave this island the name Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.”
There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area, and have a fair chance of encountering seals and polar bears. In late afternoon, try to reach Palfylodden, a walrus haul-out site at the southern entrance of the fjord.
Depending on the prevailing winds, sail in the morning along the east coast of Bear Island by Myserifjellet. Also, plan to land in Kvalrossbukta, and see the remains of a whaling station from early in the previous century.
Afterward you may land in the shallow valley of Rendalen, where you still might see great skuas with their fledging young. Just south of this is the rock formation Perleporten, where in very calm weather you can sail through by Zodiac. The high seabird cliffs are deserted by this time.
Spend a whole day sailing south on the Barents Sea en route to Norway, possibly encountering different species of whales in the mixing zones of the Gulf Stream and Barents currents. Later in the night, have the first chance to see the aurora borealis while the skies get darker.
Day 6: Tromso | Disembark
1 Breakfast
You disembark in Tromsø at 09:00 AM at the latest. From here you can take a shuttle to the airport, departing for home or 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
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 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours 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
2 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
