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.
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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$3,100
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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.
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
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.