Explorer of northern Spitsbergen

Day 1: Largest city, largest island

You will land in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Stroll through the former mining town, which offers fascinating sights such as its parish church and the Svalbard Museum. Although the landscape appears barren, more than a hundred plant species have been counted here. In the early evening, the ship leaves Isfjorden, where you may see the first minke whale of your journey.

Day 8: There and back

Now the journey is coming to an end. The ship arrives back in Longyearbyen early in the morning, and bus transport to the airport is organized.

snowshoeing
Inclusive. Applies only to certain trips..

There really is no better way to get to know a new place than by exploring it on foot. With this in mind, we offer you the opportunity to explore the interior of the country from the polar coasts with a variety of snowshoe hikes suitable for everyone—from casual explorers to hardcore snowshoers.

Bird watching included. Applies to certain trips only. This particular cruise offers the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds. The trained staff often consists of ornithologists or enthusiastic bird watchers who are happy to help you and show you the different species. Lectures on board help you learn more about the bird life. In addition, tips for bird watching have been collected to help you get started.

photography workshop
Inclusive. Applies only to certain trips.

The photography workshop offers the opportunity to capture the indescribable experience of visiting the polar regions with incredible photos, with the help of professional photographers. Perfect your skills and get the most out of your personal camera equipment.

polar kayaking
Only applies to certain trips. Please register when you make your booking. Places are limited.

One of the best things about a polar expedition is that you never stop exploring. Even when you think you've hiked every coastline, climbed every mountain, and seen every polar bear, there's still a whole other world to explore on the water. Polar kayaking is a great way to experience the blue and white beauty of the polar seas up close and visit breathtaking ice formations and waterways that are too small for our ships.
All kayaking tours are led by certified and experienced guides, but caution is always advised when kayaking in the polar regions.
One guide stays with the group in an escort kayak, while a safety boat follows behind in case of emergencies. All guides strive to tailor the excursions to the abilities of the group.
Kayaking tours are always determined by weather and water conditions, as your safety is our top priority.

Price per person: $430

Kayak skills progression camp (expert, single seat). Available upon request.

Included in price:

• Seven double sea kayaks on Plancius & Ortelius
• Fourteen double-seater sea kayaks on Hondius
• Paddles with anti-drip rings
• Simple wetsuits (4 mm neoprene) in various sizes
• kayak spray skirt
• Waterproof lightweight jacket (cagoule)
• Life jacket / Kayak vest
• neoprene boots

Please bring the following:

• Thermal underwear, top and bottom (to wear under a wetsuit)
• Fleece jacket or vest to wear over thermal underwear
• Gloves (insulated ski or snowboard gloves with grip or neoprene water sports gloves)
• Waterproof bag (if you are bringing a camera or binoculars)
• fleece hat
• Turtleneck sweater or neck warmer
• Thick socks
• sunglasses
• sunscreen

Avoid bringing fabric clothing such as T-shirts or jeans. Once they get wet (from water or sweat), they stay wet for a long time—not a pleasant experience in polar weather!