Spitsbergen Explorer
Itinerary
Day 1
Embarkation: Longyearbyen
This small community of 2,075 is the largest community in the Svalbard Islands. We look forward to welcoming you aboard our afternoon departure.
Day 2
Around Svalbard
The goal of this expedition is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, the largest island in the archipelago, but we may visit some smaller islands if conditions permit.
Day 3-4
14th of July Glacier
On the west coast of Spitsbergen, we値l cruise in Zodiacs, near a magnificent ice cliff with the unusual name. We値l explore the base in Zodiacs. We値l also visit Ny Alesund, an international Arctic research station. Birders should add to their life list, as this is a known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.
Day 5-8
Smeerenburg
At Smeerenburg, we値l visit relics of the whaling industry, blubber ovens and whalebones. A tour of the former whaling station recounts the Dutch and Basque influences on the local community, which relied on the harvesting of bowhead whales for survival.
Moffen Island
The temperature drops as we continue northward, crossing 80N, 965 km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary that we plan to visit on this expedition. On previous visits, we have spotted polar bears and Sabine Gulls in addition to walrus!
Thousand Islands
Norway痴 Arctic Islands of Svalbard are so numerous that certain areas within the archipelago have names that reflect the profusion. Tusenoyane (Thousand Islands) is one such area. We値l go ashore on Aekongen to seek Red-throated Drivers and a whale skeleton.
Day 9-10
Bourbonhamna
The narrow sound near Bourbonhamna is a favored route of beluga whales. The population of belugas inhabiting the waters of Svalbard is estimated to be a few thousand. We値l search for the white whales before going ashore, where we値l learn about hunting and whaling.
Day 11
Disembarkation: Longyearbyen
Upon disembarkation in Longyearbyen, we値l transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Those who wish to extend their stay will be dropped at the Radisson Hotel on the way.
