Svalbard In Depth - Land, Sea And Ice

Start your Arctic adventure in Norway, boarding a flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard - the world's northernmost city. Upon arrival, you'll immediately feel the chilly Arctic breeze and see the snow-capped mountain Hjorthfjellet. After a safety briefing, board the Ocean Albatros and set sail for adventure.

Spend the day exploring the southern half of Svalbard, a region rich in biodiversity. Observe the unique flora and fauna, including reindeer and Arctic foxes. Visit the fjord systems of Bellsund and Hornsund, and the walrus colonies of Andréetangen and Kapp Lee. The exact landing sites will depend on weather and sea conditions.

Continue your exploration of Southern Svalbard, taking in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for the unique subspecies of reindeer native to Svalbard, as well as the Arctic fox, the region's only native land predator. Visit the spectacular raised shorelines and bird colonies of Sundneset.

Spend your final day in Southern Svalbard soaking in the region's natural beauty. Witness the walrus hauling their vast bodies onto flat beaches to rest, and belugas frolicking in the waters off the coast. Learn about the region's history of whaling and the conservation efforts in place today.

As you leave Southern Svalbard behind, set course for North West Svalbard, one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe. Learn about the region's history, from the arrival of the earliest humans to the modern era of Arctic research. Keep an eye out for the region's rich wildlife, including walrus and polar bears.

Return to the town of Longyearbyen, a unique settlement with a rich mining heritage. Explore the town's amenities, visit the Svalbard Museum, shop for souvenirs, or relax in a local café. Learn about the town's unique laws and traditions, and see how it has reinvented itself as a hub for Arctic tourism and research.

Spend the day exploring North West Svalbard National Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe. Learn about the region's history, from the arrival of the earliest humans to the modern era of Arctic research. Visit historical sites like Smeerenburg and Ytre Norskøya, and see how nature is slowly reclaiming these once bustling whaling stations.

Set sail for the Arctic ice pack, a vast, ever-changing habitat that stretches from Svalbard to the North Pole. As you navigate through the narrow channels in the ice, keep an eye out for seals, belugas, and the majestic polar bear. This icy wilderness is a remarkable place that is the goal of this expedition.

Spend another day exploring the Arctic ice pack, immersing yourself in this unique environment. Witness the abundant marine life that relies on this icy habitat, from tiny cod-like fish to the vast bowhead whale. Keep an eye out for the King of the Arctic, the polar bear, as it continues its never-ending quest for prey.

Return to the shores of North West Spitzbergen, once the haunt of whalers and sealers. Visit the tiny settlement of Ny-Ålesund, the world's northernmost community, and see modern Arctic scientists in action. Follow in the footsteps of the explorers of yesteryear and learn how researchers persevere to preserve this high Arctic paradise.

On the final day of your Arctic adventure, return to Longyearbyen. Spend some time exploring the town before heading to Svalbard Airport for your flight back to the Norwegian mainland. As you leave this unique Arctic landscape behind, you'll carry with you memories that will last a lifetime.