Norway, Svalbard
7 days Luxury Yacht Charter Experience
Wrap-up warm for encounters with polar bears and whales as you cruise past glaciers and icebergs exploring the fjords of this frozen wonderland
LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN
DAY 1
Join the expedition vessel and start your voyage in Svalbard's main settlement of Longyearbyen, located on the west coast of Spitsbergen Island. You will have an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town and visit the Polar Museum before setting sail on your adventures.
THE SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO
DAY 2 TO 7
The expedition commences to explore the wild high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, about 400 miles north of Norway. By far the largest wilderness area of Europe, Svalbard has a land area of 24,721 square miles - about the size of the Republic of Ireland - with 60% of the land covered in ice. Norway has had sovereignty over Svalbard since 1925, according to the international Spitsbergen Treaty. The islands have a population of just over 2,600, living in four small settlements. Spitsbergen is the largest island in the archipelago, named by the Dutch explorer Willem Barents, who discovered the islands in 1596 during a mission to find a new sea route to the Far East. Meaning 'Jagged Peaks' in Dutch, the island was named for the sharp pointed mountains that Barents met in the northwest of Spitsbergen. There are no set plans and the route around the islands will be determined by the weather and sea-ice conditions. You can expect to encounter ice around the archipelago, and the strong, ice-strengthened hull of the expedition vessel will allow entry to the pack ice in the hope of encountering wildlife, which makes its home in this extreme environment. Cruising amongst the ice floes you can hope to spot polar bears hunting for seals, or maybe see a walrus hauled out on the ice of nearby shores. Watching this magnificent wildlife from the exterior decks promises to be a highlight of the journey and the skilled Captain will manoeuvre the ship in order to give the best possible views.
Danskøya & Amsterdamøya Islands
DAY 2 TO 7
You have the opportunity to visit historical sites on these two islands. Dansk¸ya Island, was the launch site for a failed attempt by Salomon Andrée and two companions to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon in 1897. Amsterdam¸ya Island was a Danish and Dutch whaling station in the early 1600s and is now the home to nesting Arctic terns.
Liefdefjorden
DAY 2 TO 7
You enter this spectacularly scenic fjord and board Zodiacs for a cruise through the ice fields leading up to Monaco Glacier. You should keep your eyes peeled for polar bears that are often seen in this region. Conditions permitting, you will go ashore for a hike on the glacier or along the shoreline. Photographic opportunities abound as you may spy Arctic fox, whales, ringed seals or thousands of kittiwakes during our time in this stunning fjord.
Lågøya Island
DAY 2 TO 7
Go ashore on Lågøya Island known for its large walrus haul-out where you can observe these enormous creatures resting on the shoreline. Ever curious, the walrus will often approach the Zodiacs as you cruise by, offering excellent views. In the afternoon, you cruise by Zodiac along the pack ice edge in the hope of encounting polar bears as they hunt for seals and reindeers.
Hinlopen Strait
DAY 2 TO 7
As you come around the northeastern tip of Spitsbergen, ice conditions permitting, you will cruise through the Hinlopen Strait, which separates Spitsbergen from Nordaustlandet. Dotted with icebergs, this scenic strait is a perfect spot for a trip in the tender, and you can hope to spot the seals, polar bears and seabirds that are often seen here. Head ashore to walk amongst the Arctic flowers and take in the incredible beauty of this remarkable part of the world.
Edgeøya Island
DAY 2 TO 7
The third largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago, Edgeøya, forms part of the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve and is home to reindeer as well as their mighty predator, polar bears
Hornsund
DAY 2 TO 7
Hornsund is the southernmost fjord on Spitsbergen Island. The coastline features several bays backed by glacial valleys leading to high mountain peaks. A Polish Polar Station has been operating here since 1957, doing research in a number of fields, including meteorology, seismology and glaciology. Arctic fox, abundant seabirds and reindeer are common sights here.
LONGYEARBYEN
DAY 8
Your expedition vessel returns to Longyearbyen at the end of the charter. Disembark in the late morning, or as required for homeward flights.
