North Spitsbergen Expedition - Polar Bear Special

Take in the fantastically beautiful landscapes, thousands of seabirds, and polar bears for
8D/7N Starting at $5540.00 per person

Sailing along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen, will give us the best opportunities to spot the King of the Arctic.

We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal.

The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bear are often seen here.

North Spitsbergen - Polar Bear Special

 

Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.

Day 1 : Embarkation and departure from Longyearbkyen

We arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting.

In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale.

Highlights:

  • Svalbard Museum
  • Longyearbyen
  • Minke Whale

Day 2 : Sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen

We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bear are often seen here.

Highlights:

  • Snowshoeing
  • Polar Diving
  • Bearded Seal

Day 3 : Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bear have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.

Highlights:

  • Kittiwake
  • Monaco Glacier

Day 4 : Sail into Hinlopen Strait, home of the Bearded Seal

Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gull. At the entrance there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot.

On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gull, and Walrus.

Highlights:

  • Zodiac cruising and shore program
  • Svalbard Reindeer
  • Ivory Gull

Day 5 : Seven Islands - north of Nordaustlandet (just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole)

We will try reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar Bear inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.

Highlights:

  • Polar Bear
  • Phippsøya
  • Ivory Gull

Day 6 : Retrace the westward route

Retracing our route westwards, our route takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwelling’s along the Spitsbergen banks.

At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden we have also good chances to see Minke Whale.

Highlights:

  • Whale safari
  • Bowhead Whale

Day 7 : Sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden

In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. Alternatively we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation.

At nighttime we arrive in Longyearbyen.

Highlights:

  • Arctic Fox
  • Walrus
  • Alkhornet

Day 8 : Longyearbyen

Disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen.

 

Price from $5,540.00 per person, based on double occupancy
Days 8
Nights 7

"Excellent"

The guides we had and the places we saw and stayed were superlative.

 

- Bonnie K, Jun 2012

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Travel Tips
Snacks such as nuts, granola, or jerky go a long way, whether for the airplane journey or to share with guides or new friends.
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