Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Our experienced expedition team will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and the possibility of encounters with wildlife. Above the Arctic Circle during the boreal summer, the sun does not drop below the horizon until late August, so we enjoy 24 hours of daylight, and more time to explore this breathtaking part of the planet. Svalbard's phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges, and polar desert are rich in fossils, perfectly setting the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. We may encounter walrus hauled out on sea ice or wallowing on beaches. We may seek out towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and listen to the busy chanting of little auk colonies protected amongst the scree slopes. With more time than on our classic Svalbard voyages we plan to reach further afield; we will attempt to explore the two largest islands in the archipelago: Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. We may enjoy the delights around Barentsoya and Edgeoya that are located in the Hinlopen Strait, a known polar bear migration route. We plan to visit the remains of old whaling settlements, old Pomor sites, and enjoy early morning Zodiac cruises. We will encounter glittering glaciers, keep watch for beluga whales, and watch for ivory gulls. Weather and ice permitting we may sail along the most northerly point of the Svalbard archipelago, a favored spot to a large colony of walruses. If you are participating in an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have opportunity to experience the Arctic whenever conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, when conditions are perfect, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip - a memory to savor for years to come. ...
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