Polar Bear Express - Southeast Svalbard
Next DepartureJun. 16, 2024See all departures |
Duration6 daysSee the itinerary |
Activities
, Kayaking, Lectures, Photography, Trekking, Zodiac |
Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this "express" Arctic adventure cruise among whales, walruses, polar bears and millions of sea birds. Experience high summer in the Arctic with Ocean Albatros - one of the few ice-class expedition ships built to withstand the Arctic pack ice.
Embark on an incredible journey traversing the icy waters and rugged landscapes in six short days. Get ready to explore and discover the unique ecology of this mountainous and heavily glaciated archipelago - and experience Arctic nature up close. Witness the majesty of Arctic wildlife, from the giant whales of the ocean to the tiniest snow bunting, and marvel at the storied history of this fascinating region.
Treat yourself to a grand experience on this Ocean Albatros’ Arctic adventure cruise - onboard one of the few ships that are built to traverse through pack ice and polar seas. On this unique cruise focussing on the southern region of Svalbard, experience the raw beauty of nature in this high Arctic paradise. Kept warmer than other lands at the same latitude by the last gasp of the Gulf Stream, this region includes some of Svalbard's most spectacular scenery and greatest biodiversity.
For the best possible experience, we recommend combining this southern Svalbard itinerary with it's sister itinerary: Into the Ice - which will explore the northern region of Svalbard and the icebound Arctic Ocean beyond.
Facts about Polar Bear Express - Southeast Svalbard
- Arctic
- Norway
- Svalbard
DAY 1
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. Embarkation
Board your flight in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard - the world's northernmost... everything! This remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world (if one excludes the tiny research community of Ny-Ålesund, slightly further north on Svalbard), but also hosts the world's northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank and supermarket. The town's rugged frontier edge belies a core of warm Nordic hospitality and coziness - hyggligt, as we say in Denmark!
Immediately after landing in Longyearbyen, you find yourself in a different world. The chilly Arctic breeze can be felt as soon as you step onto the tarmac, and the famous signpost outside the terminal reminds visitors how far north they really are; as well as to keep watch for bears! The snow-capped mountain Hjorthfjellet looms over the airport on the far side of Adventfjorden, and off in the distance can be seen the saw-toothed peaks and languid glaciers of northern Spitzbergen.
After arrival, you will board the awaiting Ocean Albatros. After our mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, head onto the outer decks to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching your expedition vessel leave civilisation behind... And set a course for adventure!
DAYS 2-5
South and East Svalbard
During the night, your expedition vessel will reposition away from the last vestiges of civilisation on Svalbard, and head into the wilderless of this storied land. Roughly triangular, the southern half of Svalbard comprised the lower half of the island of Spitsbergen, the island of Edgeøya, and countless fjords, islets and skerries, all of which beckon exploration.
At a first glance, this region may seem barren and lifeless. But look closer and the exact opposite it true - saxifrages, Svalbard poppies and other tundra plants defy the brutal weather, their jewel-like flowers reaching for the weak Arctic sunlight. Tiny calico snow buntings flit between crags, while perfectly camouflaged purple sandpipers scamper along the shore. Look higher up on the vegetated slopes, and there - greyish white 'boulders' move and resolve themselves into sheep-sized reindeer: the unique subspecies native to Svalbard. A flash of bluish-black, and the screeches of nearby birds herald the arrival of the Arctic fox, the only native land predator on Svalbard (the polar bear being classified as a marine mammal).
Life on Svalbard relies on the sea - even the few land mammals such as the reindeer and Arctic foxes rely on the moisture brought by the frigid Arctic waters, and it is in the marine environment where Svalbard's biodiversity is richest. Walrus haul their vast bodies onto flat beaches to rest, where they snuggle together for warmth and protection. Belugas frolic in vast pods in the waters off the coast, harvesting fish and crustaceans from the seabed, and further offshore the vast gentle baleen whales feast upon copepods and small fish.
Southern Svalbard is arguably the first part of the island to be exploited by humans. On Edgeøya, vast piles of snow-bleached bones bear witness to the systematic and industrial-scale slaughter of walrus an beluga in their thousands. The earliest humans on the islands (mainly English and Dutch whalers and Russian Pomor trappers) had little regard for conservation, seeking only profit, a situation which continued well into the 19th century. Thankfully all wildlife on Svalbard is now protected by law, and vast tracts of the archipelago are designated as nature reserves and National Parks - some of the largest and richest in the world!
The exact landing sites we will visit in the south of Svalbard will be determined by wind, sea and ice conditions, which can wildly vary day to day and year to year; this far north, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Possibilities to explore on south Spitzbergen include the fjord systems of Bellsund and Hornsund, where birds cluster together on high cliffs and reindeer graze on the fertile slopes below while icebergs drift by from the various large glaciers in the area. Further east on Edgeøya, sites include the walrus colonies of Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, and the spectacular raised shorelines and bird colonies of Sundneset.
DAY 6
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. Disembarkation
During the evening, the Ocean Albatros will reposition to return to the port of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after day spent exploring the wilderness!
Longyearbyen is a fascinating town to explore, and offers excellent amenities to visitors. Visit the peerless Svalbard Museum and see relics of the whaling era, perfectly preserved in the frigid permafrost, alongside exhibits on the natural history of this remarkable archipelago. Shop for memories in the many excellent boutiques of the town, selling locally produced souvenirs, artworks and homewares, or simply relax on a sunny cafe terrace and watch this remarkable little town in action.
After enjoying exploring Longyearbyen, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
- 6-day/5-night cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double room with a private bathroom in the category chosen
- Flights: Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
- Local transport in Longyearbyen on days 1 and 6
- English-speaking expedition staff
- Guided walks with the expedition team
- Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
- Information briefings and lectures by the expedition team
- Special photo workshop
- Full board on the ship
- Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Dinner drink package
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
- Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
- Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more
Exclusions
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink package)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses
- Travel, cancellation, and senior insurance
- Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
Leaving Longyearbyen, your expedition vessel will proceed onwards into Svalbard to explore the unknown. The goal for the days spent exploring in Svalbard is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible (weather permitting). Weather dependent, we will try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise.
Typically, there will be a morning activity after breakfast and an afternoon activity after lunch. We always try our hardest to meet this expectation, but because weather in the Arctic can be extremely unpredictable, we ask everyone to be mindful of our remote location and thank everyone in advance for their flexibility. Activities we offer include landings, Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. Regulations in Svalbard limit the number of people ashore at any time, so we will usually aim to offer a Zodiac cruise while our first group of guests are ashore, and reverse this for the second group ashore to maximise exploration time. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.
A “typical” expedition day may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions and sailing schedule):
- 06:45: Wake-up call
- 07:00-08:00: Breakfast
- 08:30-11:30: Morning activity - Landing and Zodiac Cruise
- 12:30-13:30: Lunch
- 14:30-17:30: Afternoon Activity - Landing and Zodiac Cruise
- 18:30-19:30: Evening Recap with Expedition Team
- 19:30: Dinner
Landings are a great opportunity to stretch your legs and set foot on shore to visit the wildlife colonies, historical sites, and dramatic landscapes of Svalbard. Our experienced Expedition Team will be on shore to help you spot any wildlife, historical remains and geological and biological features, as well as keep our guests safe on shore from any potential hazards.
Remember that Svalbard holds a significant population of polar bears; while encounters are rare, these large wild animals can be dangerous. For that reason, when ashore in Svalbard our specially trained staff always prioritise the safety of our guests, and freedom to roam and hike in the area may be limited. We remind all visitors that this is for their own safety, and the safety of polar bears on Svalbard.
Some sites do not offer landing opportunities, but are locations where exploring on the water offers the best opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife and photography. These Zodiac cruise sites are often known for their concentration of ice, wildlife and even historical landmarks such as whaling stations, where our fleet of Zodiacs offer the best vantage point. This would be the only scenario you may have to wait on the ship (other than in adverse weather conditions), but we will always aim to offer an onboard program during this time, such as seminars given by our knowledgeable and experienced Lecturer team. Zodiac cruises are great for observing icebergs, glaciers, whales, and other marine wildlife. Your skilled driver will navigate around the area looking for wildlife and beautiful landscapes. By the end of the voyage, Zodiac cruises tend to become a firm favourite among our guests because of the vast diversity of scenery and marine life it is possible to experience.
In the event we encounter bad weather, are in a particularly spectacular location, or are viewing marine wildlife, often our purpose-built expedition vessels are the best viewing platform. The Captain and Expedition Leader will search for locations best accessed with the vessel to seek out the best wildlife and scenery. We encourage everyone to bundle up and either head onto the outer decks with the Expedition Team or relax in superlative comfort in our specially-designed lounges to experience the majesty of the Arctic from the best vantage point. During this time, our Expedition Team specialists will offer expert commentary related to the wildlife, history and conservation of the region, and more!
Other activities onboard include our ship Gym, where you can burn some calories on our fitness bicycles or treadmills; most of our ships even have other cardio machines and strength/lifting options. Most voyages throughout the season also offer kayaking (booked and paid onboard – weather permitting), and we will often aim to offer hiking excursions onshore when possible. Our new purpose-built ships have a Spa, in which guests can enjoy massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments (additional cost applies). Our Library is a great place to rest between outings, with expansive views and a wide selection of Arctic-related reading material. During your voyage you will also be able to enjoy our tea time in the late afternoon, or indulge in some retail therapy in our onboard shop, which sells personal necessities as well as specially-selected Arctic souvenirs.
During May, migratory wildlife begins to return to Svalbard. Geese, wading birds, and seabirds arrive for their breeding season, constructing nests and defending their tiny but all-important territories. While Svalbard experiences the midnight sun from early April, during May, many of the fjords are still frozen, and snow reaches down to the sea. This can be an exciting time to spot migratory wildlife, although colder weather and more unpredictable weather can hamper exploration at times. By June, most of the fjords of Svalbard are navigable, and the snow has retreated to the hills – although the pack ice to the North can still block off access to the colder northeastern part of the archipelago. The tundra begins to come to life, as saxifrages, Arctic willows and heathers start to photosynthesise, greening the otherwise stark Arctic landscape. Expect to hear cacophonous bird calls during June, as the archipelago’s bird life rigorously defend their nests from predators. Arctic foxes (one of the Svalbard’s major predators) have now lost their snowy winter coat and molted into their sleek smoky summer. By June, the female walrus of Svalbard have mostly given birth to their calves, which they nurture at sea - although they can sometimes be spotted on shore at some of the larger walrus colonies. Polar bears may be found throughout the islands, roaming the wilderness in their never-ending search for prey. On the hillsides, the stumpy Svalbard reindeer begin to give birth to their calves – a process which continues through July. While inclement conditions can occur in June, the rising temperatures and permanent sunshine offer excellent exploration opportunities as the weather becomes more stable. In July, the brief Polar summer reaches its peak. The hillsides burst into colour as plants begin to flower – tiny jewels of purple and yellow adorning the tundra. July is the peak of animal activity on Svalbard, as the wildlife attempts to complete their breeding cycles and pack on enough fat to survive the brutal Arctic winter. Arctic fox cubs are emerging from their dens and beginning to explore the world, while their parents ruthlessly stalk prey to feed their young. On the sea cliffs, guillemot, fulmar and little auk chicks are emerging from their eggs, while goose, tern and eider chicks are hatching in their nests on the ground. The parent birds valiantly defend their nests from marauding foxes and even polar bears. This is a lean time of year for the King of the Arctic; polar bears stranded on Svalbard by the retreating ice live primarily off their fat reserves through the summer; the lucky ones survive by scavenging beached whale carcasses, while others will frequent bird colonies, hoping for unguarded eggs or chicks fallen from their nests, and some even resort to eating grass and berries.
During May, migratory wildlife begins to return to Svalbard. Geese, wading birds, and seabirds arrive for their breeding season, constructing nests and defending their tiny but all-important territories. While Svalbard experiences the midnight sun from early April, during May, many of the fjords are still frozen, and snow reaches down to the sea. This can be an exciting time to spot migratory wildlife, although colder weather and more unpredictable weather can hamper exploration at times. By June, most of the fjords of Svalbard are navigable, and the snow has retreated to the hills – although the pack ice to the North can still block off access to the colder northeastern part of the archipelago. The tundra begins to come to life, as saxifrages, Arctic willows and heathers start to photosynthesise, greening the otherwise stark Arctic landscape. Expect to hear cacophonous bird calls during June, as the archipelago’s bird life rigorously defend their nests from predators. Arctic foxes (one of the Svalbard’s major predators) have now lost their snowy winter coat and molted into their sleek smoky summer. By June, the female walrus of Svalbard have mostly given birth to their calves, which they nurture at sea - although they can sometimes be spotted on shore at some of the larger walrus colonies. Polar bears may be found throughout the islands, roaming the wilderness in their never-ending search for prey. On the hillsides, the stumpy Svalbard reindeer begin to give birth to their calves – a process which continues through July. While inclement conditions can occur in June, the rising temperatures and permanent sunshine offer excellent exploration opportunities as the weather becomes more stable. In July, the brief Polar summer reaches its peak. The hillsides burst into colour as plants begin to flower – tiny jewels of purple and yellow adorning the tundra. July is the peak of animal activity on Svalbard, as the wildlife attempts to complete their breeding cycles and pack on enough fat to survive the brutal Arctic winter. Arctic fox cubs are emerging from their dens and beginning to explore the world, while their parents ruthlessly stalk prey to feed their young. On the sea cliffs, guillemot, fulmar and little auk chicks are emerging from their eggs, while goose, tern and eider chicks are hatching in their nests on the ground. The parent birds valiantly defend their nests from marauding foxes and even polar bears. This is a lean time of year for the King of the Arctic; polar bears stranded on Svalbard by the retreating ice live primarily off their fat reserves through the summer; the lucky ones survive by scavenging beached whale carcasses, while others will frequent bird colonies, hoping for unguarded eggs or chicks fallen from their nests, and some even resort to eating grass and berries.
Arctic weather is famously unpredictable. Svalbard experiences midnight sun from April to late August, bringing with it warmer and calmer weather. Summer temperatures tend to range between 4-10°C (39-50°F); due to the constant sunlight, temperatures in summer rarely drop below freezing, although frost and snow showers can occur at any time. Extended periods of sunshine can warm up sheltered areas significantly, and these can feel warm (even hot) on calm windless days. However, the weather in Svalbard is heavily influenced by the last gasp of warm water currents from the Gulf Stream, which can bring rapidly changing conditions. Fog, wind and rain can occur at any time, even on the warmest sunniest days, leading to rapid drops in temperature. We therefore remind our guests to be prepared for all weather conditions! We highly recommend to our guests to dress in layers (ideally in woollen or synthetic fibers) and wear a backpack so that layers can be adjusted as the weather dictates. Warm/waterproof layers, hats, waterproof gloves and scarves are recommended for all excursions off the vessel, even on the sunniest days – the weather can deteriorate rapidly at any time. Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm) is also essential – the low angle of the Arctic sun combined with cool ambient temperatures can cause sunburn to easily go unnoticed until it is too late! Unlike many areas of the Arctic, Svalbard does not host mosquitos or other biting insects. Bear in mind however that mainland Norway does! Head nets, long sleeved clothing and repellant are essential if you plan on extending your visit!
Albatros Expedition strives to employ the very best Expedition Team in the whole industry. We travel in some of the planet’s most remote regions, where planning and on-location experience is key. Our routes and itineraries are subject to the prevailing sea, ice and wind conditions, which are closely monitored by the Bridge Team and Expedition Leader. Drawing on their vast experience, they find the best alternatives in the rare instances where our planned itinerary needs to be changed. Each cruise is a completely unique combination of locations, where the highlights can often be the totally unexpected. Most of our cruises provide the opportunity to spot a variety of unique wildlife, although this is subject to the whims of Mother Nature and can of course not be guaranteed. As you will no doubt experience, the joy from our Expedition Team when spotting different species on land or at sea is as genuine as your own. This means that you as our guest are part of an adventure, a true expedition, where plans change, wildlife is encountered on their terms and your team consists of the very best experts within their fields. We strive to maintain a mix of specialists within relevant polar subjects including marine biology, ornithology, earth science, history and others. Albatros Expeditions boast a large number of Expedition Staff onboard, allowing us to maintain a high ratio of staff-to-guests at 1:8, amongst the highest ratios in expedition cruising. Some of our staff have decades of experience on ships or research stations, whilst others may be performing their first season. One thing they all have in common is the wish to make each and every journey a special and memorable experience for our guests. Knowledge, skill, and passion are the trademarks of all Albatros Expedition Staff. To ensure the safety and quality of experience of our guests, please keep in mind that the itinerary and outdoor activities during each voyage are solely dependent on weather and sea conditions. Your safety is our highest priority. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. Albatros Expeditions reserves the right to modify the landings and locations visited during a voyage based on local weather conditions and climate to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Our voyages are expeditionary in nature, and thus changes to timings are commonplace due to the environment we operate in, as well as wildlife opportunities and locations.