Around Spitsbergen – in the realm of polar bears and ice

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 3: The massive Monaco Glacier

Depending on weather conditions, we will enter Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the imposing 5 km long rock face of the steep Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a popular feeding ground for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular hunting ground for polar bears. If ice conditions prevent us from traveling here at the beginning of the season, we can choose an alternative route along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Day 6: Highlights of Hinlopen

Today you will sail to Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears. At the entrance, there is even the possibility of sighting blue whales. As in Liefdefjorden, you can take an alternative route to West Spitsbergen if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen Strait. After navigating the Zodiacs between the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya, you will reach the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you can venture ashore to see reindeer, red-footed geese, and walruses. Near Torrelneset, you also have the opportunity to visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, which lies on the third-largest ice cap in the world. Here, you can spot walruses on a coastal hike across the area's elevated beaches.

Day 8: Land of pointed mountains

You start the day with a trip through the side fjords of the Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, admiring the pointed mountain peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters above sea level, and Bautaen is a perfect example of why the early Dutch explorers named the island Spitsbergen, which means "pointed mountains." There are 14 large glaciers in this area, as well as the opportunity to observe seals, beluga whales, and polar bears.

Day 10: There and back again

Every adventure, no matter how great, must come to an end at some point. You disembark in Longyearbyen and take home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure begins.

Polar kayaking
Only on selected 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 trips are led by certified and experienced guides, but caution is always advised when kayaking in the polar regions. A 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: $420

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!