Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear

Svalbard

Focusing on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago, we slice through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. We keep our eyes peeled for the regal polar bears hunting on ice while guillemots nest in high cliffs away from the hungry jaws of arctic foxes. Stretch your legs on walks across tundra adorned and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters

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Highlights

Discover the thrill of seeing walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic fox, guillemots and puffins
Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords
Enjoy tundra hikes amid stunningly beautiful scenery
Venture close to 80° north, watch for polar bears on pack ice

Special Prices

Displayed sale prices are reduced by up to 20%. Contact us to reconfirm availability.

Stewart's Take

Svalbard is the best introduction to the High Arctic

Overview

Focusing on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago, we slice through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. We keep our eyes peeled for the regal polar bears hunting on ice while guillemots nest in high cliffs away from the hungry jaws of arctic foxes. Stretch your legs on walks across tundra adorned and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Oslo Having made your way to Oslo. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. Day 2 Fly to Longyearbyen, embarkation This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day.  In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour. After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. Days 3–7 Spitsbergen The island of Spitsbergen is the largest in the Svalbard Archipelago and offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife. Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come. Day 8 Disembark in Longyearbyen, fly to Oslo During the early morning, we cruise into Longyearbyen and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for this afternoon's return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey. Note: This Expedition operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining our voyages. This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control.

Sea Kayaking

polar kayaking

Selected departures may include an option for Sea Kayaking – contact us for availability! Sea kayaking on a polar expedition brings you face-to-face with the polar wilderness from a unique, water-level vantage. Glide silently among icebergs and beside glaciers, drift past curious birds or seals, and explore remote fjords and coastline not accessible by ships. Kayaking becomes a deeply immersive, sensory experience—crisp air, icy water, wildlife calls and the hush of untouched nature. Guided by expert polar staff, you paddle safely in small groups, often with Zodiac support close by. Whether you choose a single paddle outing or a full kayak program, this adventure gives you an intimate connection with polar landscapes few ever experience. >>Read More Details on this information page!

Photography

Polar Photography Workshops

Enhance your polar journey with expert-led photography workshops designed for all skill levels. Capture stunning wildlife, glaciers, and dramatic polar landscapes with hands-on guidance during landings, Zodiac cruises, and onboard sessions. Whether you use a smartphone or pro gear, these workshops help you create unforgettable images and elevate your skills—making every moment of your Arctic or Antarctic expedition truly frame-worthy. >>Read More Details on this information page!

Vessel

Your expeditionary home will be one of the following vessels:

Greg Mortimer

This state-of-the-art 104-metre ship is a purpose-built expedition vessel accommodating a maximum of just 130 passengers per voyage. She operates with a combination of low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design. With the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® to cross oceans more comfortably, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, these ships offer the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration. Not only can they contend with the most adverse weather conditions, added creature comforts make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. Zodiac loading platforms and activities platform allows for faster disembarkation from the ship – to get out on your adventure quicker, whether by zodiac or by kayak. You will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows and panoramic views, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside! On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting. Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain. From the European Arctic to the depths of Antarctica, and other far-flung destinations in-between, she will make your journey a breeze!

For full information about this vessel click here:

Sylvia Earle

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

Prices and Share Policy

Prices quoted are per person in US$, based on twin-share. Single occupancy is 1.7 times the twin share price. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin (certain cabin categories cabins only). Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. No refund for unused services.

Deposits

Reservations require a deposit of 25% per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment.

Final Payments

Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. You will be invoiced at the appropriate time. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or on request by major credit card, subject to a 2% surcharge.

Cancellations

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. If the cancellation is made 120 days or more prior to the expedition departure date, you will forfeit your Deposit. If cancellation is made less than 120 days prior to the expedition departure date, you will forfeit the full ticket price, (which includes your Deposit), of the expedition. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. In the event of cancellation, we will consider any request by you to transfer the Deposit paid towards a subsequent expedition. The decision as to whether or not to agree will be made by the shipping company at its absolute discretion. If agreed, you will be liable to pay a fee of $500 per passenger (in the currency of your expedition) to cover administrative and associated costs and also be any additional price for the subsequent expedition. The transfer of the Deposit is only valid on expeditions that depart within 24 months from the date of the original proposed departure date. Only one transfer of deposit to another expedition is permitted.

Booking Terms

Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Aurora Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking along with a separate Booking Form

Included

Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from our group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1.
Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting).
Return charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
Beer and house wine with dinner.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provide by Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Gratuities during excursions and enrichment program for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites.
Wi-Fi. *Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

Excluded

International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), on board gratuities*, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges.
*A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.