Svalbard
Explore the Svalbard archipelago, located halfway between Norway and the North Pole.
Svalbard Expedition Cruises
Sprawling glaciers, jagged mountain formations and scenic fjords – Svalbard showcases Arctic beauty in all its rugged, pristine splendour. As Svalbard travel experts, we’ll show you the must-see highlights but also the lesser-known gems. Find out about our itineraries, activities and offers.
Expedition cruises to Svalbard
Explore the entire archipelago on an epic 12-day expedition or choose from itineraries focusing on the largest island of Spitsbergen as well as sailings over a long weekend.
Activities on Svalbard
Your expedition comes with included and optional activities to help you make the most out of your adventure in the archipelago.
Wildlife on Svalbard
Sailing on an expedition cruise in summer increases your chances of possibly spotting polar bears along the shores or across the ice.
Expedition Team on Svalbard
Our Expedition Team will guide you through the in-depth history and science of what makes Svalbard such a fascinating place.
Spectacular landscapes
Explore jagged mountains, labyrinthine fjords, national parks, total wilderness and calving glaciers.
Cruises to Svalbard
Immersive activities
Feel completely at one with nature as you hike in the Arctic tundra, kayak through deep fjords or collect samples for global Citizen Science projects.
Activities in Svalbard
Svalbard is one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, beckoning intrepid explorers for centuries. Your expedition cruise comes with included and optional activities to help you make the most out of your adventure in the archipelago. Here are several ways you can immerse yourself in Svalbard’s natural splendour.
* Please note that these are optional activities; an additional cost may apply.
Majestic wildlife
See iconic Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Svalbard wildlife
Svalbard is a unique habitat for birdlife and mammals, including Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, whales, and polar bears at the top of the food chain. Our Expedition Team will guide you on how you can safely observe the wildlife you might encounter with the least amount of impact on their fragile ecosystem.
Hardscrabble history
Follow the trail of Arctic pioneers from the Age of Discovery to the 20th century mining rush.
Expedition Team Svalbard
Featuring guest lecturers and scientists, your Expedition Team will enhance your knowledge of Svalbard with specialist lectures. Topics may include Svalbard’s flora and fauna, climate, cultural artefacts, geology and exploration history. Informal talks and impromptu guiding may also take place out on deck or ashore.
When to see
We’ll be sailing around Svalbard during its summer. There are some subtle differences in what you can see, depending on when in the summer season you choose to go. Each part of the summer offers different opportunities for wildlife sightings and showcases different stages of the cycle of life.
Polar bears
Within the Svalbard Archipelago there are about 3,000 polar bears – more than there are humans living there and probably one of the largest concentrations on Earth. Due to the constant daylight hours in the summer months, the best time to view polar bears is from June to September. The sun doesn’t set below the horizon for up to four months and the Arctic ice naturally starts to slowly melt. This means polar bears accumulate on the remaining ice packs and the area is much easier to navigate by boat, making them easier to spot.
Whale watching
Blue, humpback, fin, white and minke whales are the most common species around Svalbard. During the summer months and thanks to the pronlonged daylight, there’s more sightening opportunities when whales hunt for fish and plankton.
Walrus and seals
Spotting these dumpy mammals is best from the vessel when they are hauled out on ice flows or from shore, close to well-established haul outs. With an understanding of the walrus feeding method, it is possible to identify where possible haul outs may be. Ideal habitats for walrus range from gently sloping beaches to larger shallow areas. Landing close to colonies here is an experience for all senses (in particular smell).
Svalbard Reindeer
Svalbard reindeer often appears in small groups of 2 to 4 individuals, but in the winter the smaller groups tend to get together to keep warmth and eat on a good feeding grounds. Svalbard reindeer are located all around the Archipelago, mainly on the non-glaciated parts. On Nordenskiöld Land, Edgeøya and Barentsøya lives the largest densities of the animal. The reindeer can be curious and sometimes they can approach you to a distance of within ten meters.
| may | jun | jul | aug | sep | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||
| Polar bears | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Whale watching | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Walrus and seals | Best | Best | Best | Good | |
| Svalbard reindeer | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best |
| Birds | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Midnight sun | Best | Best | Best | Best | |
| Typical best value | Best | Best | |||
Helping nature and communities
Help us give back by supporting local businesses and join beach cleans and environmental research projects.