Sail from Spitsbergen to Greenland, following the ice's edge always on the lookout for wildlife. Navigating south, explore this remote landscape not only by ship but also on foot and by Zodiac inflatable boat. This journey highlights the contrast and change in the Arctic as you move south, finally ending in the Land of Ice and Fire - Iceland. Inuit villages, unique wildlife and remote destinations are some of the highlights on this truly unforgettable voyage through the Arctic.
Breakfast: 14
Lunch: 13
Dinner: 14
Expedition Crew
Naturalist(s)
Expedition
Zodiac
14 nights premium boat
Relaxed
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement on the Svalbard archipelago. The town has a population of 2,060 people and about as many snowmobiles! Longyearbyen is located at 78°13N 15°33E and has an arctic tundra climate. Due to its location far north of the polar circle, it experiences polar night from mid-October to mid-February and polar day from mid-April to mid-August.
Arrive before 2pm on the first day of the tour. An arrival transfer is included if arriving in on day one of the itinerary. Upon arrival into Longyearbyen airport (LYR) please collect your luggage and look for a representative in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. If you have booked your flights independently, please make sure that you have advised us of your arrival flight details, so that a transfer is booked for you. Be sure to keep all of your important documents - i.e. passport and travel insurance, and also your medication in your hand luggage, as your main luggage will be transferred separately to the ship.
There are no activities planned today so you will have time to visit the town before embarkation commences at 4pm. Perhaps you might choose to explore the town and the few shops that are located in its small centre. If you have extra time in Longyearbyen, we would recommend a visit to the Svalbard Museum, or take a tour of the Svalbard Brewery or Coal Mine Number Three. For longer stays, it's worth pre-booking the Northern Lights dinner at nearby Camp Barentz.
Grade: Premium Boat
We will have four full days to explore a small portion of the western coast of Spitsbergen. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so we will try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife. By not following a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer, both by Zodiac and on our landings ashore.
Svalbard is one of the few places in the World that offers a diversity of natural, cultural and historical sites. Highlights include fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea around us. We will spend these few days in search of the elusive polar bear, whilst taking in the other wildlife that this area is renowned for, such as seals and walrus and ofcourse, it's incredible bridlife. At one or more of our stops, we hope to see Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. They are much smaller than their southern relatives, but still carry impressive antlers. We will also have the opportunity to see Arctic foxes, whilst on land.
This is also a land of history: from whaling to reaching for the pole, to trapping, coal mining and war and we hope to visit some of these historic sites. We will enjoy Zodiac cruises along the ice edge viewing seals, walrus and possibly whales. There will be plenty of time to cruise amongst the spectacular fjords, with glaciers spilling down to the sea.
We will have opportunities to walk on shore, observe and photograph the Arctic flora and fauna. As we are in the land of the polar bear, your expedition staff will carry rifles and flare guns on shore for your protection.
Frigid waters escape the Polar Ocean south into the Greenland Sea. There is an opportunity for whale watching here as many species are known to feed here in the summer months. We may see Orca, Humpback, and Minke whales as well as White-Beaked dolphins. The view is often complimented by fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.
Lectures by our on board Expedition Staff will increase your appreciation of these animals and the wild coast of Greenland.
We hope to sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along the coast of Greenland. We will explore rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets.
The Northeast Greenland National Park is the largest National Park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on Expedition ships of this size. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features, create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness.
We will spend two days exploring Scoresby Sund, which is one of the largest fjord systems in the world. The distance from the mouth of the sound to the head of its innermost fjord is 350 km. It is a favoured hunting ground of the Inuit and is home to a variety of wildlife including;- walrus, seals, narwhals, polar bears and muskoxen. You will also find wolves, foxes, ermine and arctic hares, as well as lemmings and a variety of birdlife.
Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see muskox grazing nearby.
We hope to visit the local village of Ittoqqortoormiit, offering us further insight into how people live in these harsh conditions. This isolated town in Greenland is far from any other inhabited settlements and is only accessible by expedition ships three months of the year. The town's population of 450 rely on hunting and fishing as they only have one grocery store. Locals enjoy the warmer spring weather and sunshine by taking dog sled or snowmobile trips, as well as camping.
We continue our lecture series, as we head towards Iceland and to the steaming hot springs of Reykjavik.
Another day cruising the Denmark Strait, with more bird-watching opportunities - the view is often complemented by soaring fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.
You will disembark after breakfast in Reykjavik. A complimentary airport transfer will take you to the airport in time for your scheduled flight.
Greenland has an Arctic climate with average temperatures in the North that do not exceed 10° C in the warmest summer months. In the southern part of the country and the innermost parts of the long fjords, the temperature can, however, rise to more than 20° C (68° F) in June, July and August.
UTC±00:00 to UTC-04:00
Church of Denmark
Greenlandic however, Danish and English are recognised languages.
Between May and September is the best time to visit this region, with summer temperatures reaching a maximum of 5 degrees centigrade. North of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set between the middle of May and the end of July, so you can expect to encounter the midnight sun during this period.
+1
2 Pin Round
Parkas This will be provided by the ship operator. Please register your size with us before travel and we will arrange for your parka to be available in your cabin on arrival. Gloves Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outergloves. This allows you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost). Hat/Cap Warm, woollen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection, such as a balaclava. Trousers Water-resistant trousers of coated nylon or, even better Gore-Tex®, are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase trousers a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. In addition to your waterproof trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them. Warm trousers such as jeans, corduroys etc. are also good. Socks Warm wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet. Outer Clothing Woollen, knit or cotton jumpers/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship. Underclothing Thermal underwear is highly recommended as it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version.
Complimentary, used, waterproof boots will be supplied onboard. However, guests might want to bring their own if they are the following sizes due to the limited quantities onboard: - men's UK size 12 & 13 1/2 - women's UK size below three & seven and above Guests must bring their own if they are: - men's UK size six 1/2 or smaller - men's UK size 13 1/2 or larger - women's UK size two or smaller - women's UK size nine 1/2 or larger These are rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knees with a strong, ridged non-skid sole. You usually have to step from the Zodiac into icy water up to 30 cm high on most landings. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk or boots with metal cleats, as they cannot be used for landings. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks. Try out your boots before the voyage.
20kg
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Sunglasses and sun cream Personal toiletries A refilllable water bottle Books/reading material Camera and extra memory cards (and something to protect the camera when out in the elements - dry bags are very useful for protecting camera gear) Seasickness remedy Walking poles Personal First Aid
Expedition, Zodiac
The Expedition has the best of both worlds; large enough to offer stability, spacious cabins and generous public areas, but small enough to manoeuvre easily and get you close to the action. With a maximum of only 128 guests and a high ratio of expedition staff to passengers. there's a relaxed, informal atmosphere on-board. The ship was fully refurbished in 2017 so you can expect modern features, fixtures and fittings throughout. The 'prices from' advertised on our website is based on a triple share cabin, there are however, plenty of cabin options on board to suit your requirements. All cabins are en-suite and outward-facing.
The lead-in prices on our website are based on outward facing, Main deck triple cabins. They are comfortable with a private bathroom, with shower and porthole. The Expedition has a number of different cabin categories, ranging from triples, twins, Deluxe cabins and suites - all are outside facing, with two beds (apart from the Owner's suite which has a double bed). Some cabins have larger windows, depending on your cabin grade. We can also offer single occupancy at a supplement which will be subject to availability at the time of booking. A full layout of the deck plan can be found under the Polar Ships section on our website. Your confirmed cabin type will appear on your Booking Confirmation which will be sent on receipt of your deposit payment.
Onboard our expedition ship you'll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice; please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub or in the lounge.
Approximate prices of drinks, in USD, that aren't included are as follows: Bottle of wine - $22 Glass of wine - $6 (half price during happy hour) Beer - $4 Guinness - $6 Soft Drinks - $2 A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. It is also advisable to take some NOK for your time in Norway pre-cruise. Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are useful and can be used in many places, but may be subject to a service charge. The ship accepts Visa and Mastercard. Additional information: There is a chit system on board the ship, with bills settled on the final night of the voyage. Please note that only US Dollars and credit cards are accepted on board.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Norway: Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN Citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.