Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise

Your expedition begins in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon, you embark on your expedition vessel at the port of Longyearbyen. After an introduction from your expedition leader and a safety briefing from the Captain, you set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord. As Longyearbyen disappears astern, you wave goodbye to civilisation for the next 9 days. As you sail out through the Isfjord, you spend time on deck watching for the whales that frequent the waters.

In the morning, you sail by Prins Karls Forland, an uninhabited island with beautiful scenery off the west coast of Spitsbergen. This is a place where you might spot walruses hauling out. In the afternoon, you put on your boots for a hike to spot grazing reindeer. If the conditions allow, you sail along the coast, exploring places like Krosssfjorden, home to majestic glaciers, and some of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords and scenery.

Over the next few days, you navigate between the coast and the sea ice that extends all the way to the North Pole. You count on regular shore landings and Zodiac tours to visit different natural and historical sites, including glaciers. You partake in wilderness hikes and fully immerse yourselves in the raw nature of the Arctic.

Every day, you can explore deeper into the wilderness that Svalbard has to offer. Under the guidance of your expedition leader, you work with the weather and sea ice conditions to show yourself the best that the northern coast has to offer.

If the sea ice grants passage, you aim to head east towards the Hinlopen Strait area and venture deeper into a vast world of ice and cliffs. While attempting this, you are obliged to reach a new higher latitude to your voyage, crossing the 80 degrees North parallel. The days were long and complemented with action, Zodiac cruises, and the search for wildlife. The ice extends to the horizon, and you feel the enigmatic presence of the northern king of wildlife. You potentially come across some immense bird cliffs where thousands of birds fly in and out without a break. These days are filled with a sense of adventure and exposure to nature; the ice and the winds might let you through to the south, or you might need to turn around and head back west over the north. Regardless of the exact route, the expedition built into its climax.

Follow the compass south and explore the region along the south coast of Spitsbergen. Visit rarely visited landing sites and have lots of chances to take in the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery. As you round the southern tip of Spitsbergen, enter the area around Hornsund, where you have a day to explore and do some wilderness hikes. Then, set sail north along the coast towards Isfjorden.

Already back in the protection of Isfjorden, find peaceful landing sites to hike or simply relax and take it all in. Isfjorden offers a fantastic mix of landscapes, history, and wildlife, providing the best possible closure to your experience before heading back to civilization.

By morning, you arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Disembarking the ship involves saying goodbye to the new friends you’ve made, but knowing you keep the memories of the transformative adventure you share together.