This 10-day Arctic voyage offers the best opportunities to spot the King of the Arctic: the polar bear. During your journey, engage in service-learning opportunities as you help clean up garbage from the ocean. Each day, 50 of the ship's passengers clean in the morning, while the other 50 have their excursion in another area. In the afternoon, the groups switch roles. Note: You may not be able to clean a certain area listed on the itinerary due to roaming bears. This cruise is a great way to help the environment in Svalbard while enjoying the beauty of the Arctic!
Highlights
Spend half of your day cleaning the shores of drifting ocean garbage
Search for seals, whales & polar bears during the other half of your day
Stroll around the former mining town of Longyearbyen
Zodiac to the cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago. Before embarking, take the opportunity to stroll around this former mining town and stop to visit the parish church and Polar Museum. In the early evening, sail out of Isfjorden.
Day 2-5: Cleaning the Beaches of Northwest Spitsbergen
Sail along the Northwest coastline, as this area is the most exposed to the inflow of garbage, and begin the clean-up of Spitsbergen. In order to optimize the cleaning efforts, the Captain coordinates with the Governor of Svalbard to help decide which areas are best served by the effort.
Begin the search for polar bears as the ship sails to the ice pack in the north. Locate the ice edge and, where possible, enter the ice field in search of this animal. The ship's journey may take you east towards the Seven Islands, at approximately 80°40 N, where a landing can be attempted if the conditions are right.
Depending on the ice conditions, enter Hinlopen Strait. Situated between the largest two islands in the Svalbard archipelago, pay a visit by Zodiac to the cliffs of Alkefjellet, home to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemot. The Swedish-Finnish station of Kinnvika, which goes back to 1957 on the northwest of Nordaustlandet, offers some great walking opportunities in a polar desert environment which is so typical for the High Arctic. From here the views of Murchison Fjord make you appreciate why the Russian Pomor hunters also established themselves in the area.
Keep your eyes on the horizon for polar bears and harp seals as the ship sails westward. Off the coast of West Spitsbergen, hope to encounter blue and fin whales who forage in the upwelling along the Spitsbergen banks during summer.
Sail on a southern course around the long island of Prins Karls Forland, and plan to visit a known walrus haul out site at Poolepynten. In the afternoon, aim to land at Alkhornet, a prominent cliff with a large colony of Brünnich’s guillemot and kittiwakes. The vegetation is lush due to the constant fertilizing from the cliffs. Svalbard reindeer and geese take advantage of this while arctic foxes utilize the food source that a large bird cliff offers.
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 25, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 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.
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