This expedition starts on Longyearbyen and navigates through Isfjorden, close to the Russian enclave of Barentsburg, the second-largest settlement in the archipelago. Discover breathtaking glaciers, majestic mountains, and well-preserved ice floes searching for polar bears on the north coast. Enjoy fantastic nature experiences and wildlife encounters during this expedition.
Highlights
Explore the breathtaking Dei Sju Isfjella glacier
Navigate through the most spectacular glacier views of Monacobreen
Discover rarely explored bays and impressive little auk colonies
Search for polar bears and other iconic Arctic wildlife
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Depending on your arrival time in Longyearbyen, you will be able to enjoy some free time in town or be invited to board the ship upon arrival.. Navigate through Isfjorden, close to the Russian enclave of Barentsburg, the second-largest settlement in the archipelago.
Journey along Dei Sju Isfjella—once named The Coast of the Seven Icebergs by whalers—where a breathtaking glacier front extends over seven kilometers. Magdalenefjorden unveils an impressive setting of majestic mountains and glaciers, with scree slopes that are home to thousands of birds. The extended graveyard and remains of blubber ovens set in the Gravneset Peninsula bear testimony to the many whalers who used to find shelter in the fjord. Nowadays, the land welcomes a growing number of walruses.
Navigate among the well-preserved ice floes in search of polar bears on the north coast. Monacobreen is a glacier reaching down into Liefdefjorden, whose landscapes and icebergs provide some of the most spectacular views in the whole archipelago. Tonight, we'll travel towards the island of Moffen where whales, walruses, and bears like to dwell, before proceeding beyond the 80th parallel north, ice permitting.
Reach Murchisonfjorden, as famous for its buildings from the 1958 International Geophysical Year research expedition as it is for its walrus colonies. One of the largest and most remarkable bird colonies on the archipelago is nestled among the steep cliffs made up of dark basaltic rock and bright limestone. Ice permitting, we’ll resume our search for polar bears as we continue northeast.
Once home to a busy whaling station and a starting point for major Arctic expeditions, this legendary fjord—where glaciers form a spectacular ice front against the sea—has now been claimed by wildlife. Walruses and seals are a likely sight, as bears wander about the slopes of steep, rugged mountains with beautiful ice-sculpted tops. Discover rarely explored bays and impressive little auk colonies, the most populous bird species in Svalbard.
The pyramidal peaks of the majestic Tre Kroner mountains overlook Kongsfjorden, an inlet comprising several cultural-heritage sites. Norwegian explorer and key figure of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration Roald Amundsen made an attempt to reach the North Pole by flying boats from this area in the early 20th century. From gigantic icebergs calving from the edge of glaciers to bird colonies, nature reserves, and research stations, Kongsfjorden offers a unique array of riches. To top it off, you’ll likely cross paths with a few reindeer and arctic foxes!
Today visit Recherchefjorden. Amidst remnants of white whale hunts and evidence of retreating glaciers, we’ll observe the large bird colonies that make the archipelago famous. Take a walk through moraines and tundras, in close contact with the ice.
The south of Spitsbergen is known for its incredible landscapes and the 11 glaciers peaking in Hornsund, with its highest mountain culminating at 1,431 meters. All through history, the snow-covered fjord has welcomed whalers, early Russian explorers, Pomors, trappers, miners, and scientists, and is still home to a Polish research station that has been operating since 1957. Hornsund brims with impressive sights, including Brepollen—almost surrounded by glaciers extending over 20 kilometers—the strongly glaciated, vertical-rock wall area around Burgerbukta, the bird colonies in Gnålodden, and the polar bears who populate the area.
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.
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Twin cabins with portholes
Cabins 207/ 209/ 211
•Separable beds (can be set as twin or double)
•14 sq²
•Portholes
•Television
•Cupboard (2 x 60 cm) and a place to store boots and hand jackets. Luggage can be stored under the bed
•Individual air conditioning/ heating
chair
•En-suite bathroom with Italian style shower
•Hairdryer/ toiletry
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Double bed cabin with portholes
Cabins 208 and 210
•Separable beds (can be set as twin or double)
•17 sq²
•Portholes
•Television
•Cupboard (2 x 60 cm) and a place to store boots and hand jackets. Luggage can be stored under the bed
•Individual air conditioning/ heating
chair
•En-suite bathroom with Italian style shower
•Hairdryer/ toiletry
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Mini Suite
Cabins 401 and 402
•Equipped with double bed
•17 square²
•Floor to ceiling window
•Part of the cabin is set as a small lounge with armchairs and a coffee table.
•Television
•Cupboard (2 x 60 cm) and a place to store boots and hand jackets. Luggage can be stored under the bed
•Individual air conditioning/ heating
chair
•En-suite bathroom with Italian style shower
•Hairdryer/ toiletry
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Single Cabin with panoramic window
Cabins 403 and 404
•Single beds
•11 sq²
•Panoramic window
•Television
•Cupboard (2 x 60 cm) and a place to store boots and hand jackets. Luggage can be stored under the bed
•Individual air conditioning/ heating
chair
•En-suite bathroom with Italian style shower
•Hairdryer/ toiletry
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
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Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.