Svalbard Polar Expedition

SVALBARD POLAR EXPEDITION CRUISE

Welcome to the High Arctic . . .

Join Planet Earth Adventures, Fred Granath, Melissa Schäfer & The Mother Bear on a unique opportunity to experience the Arctic, Svalbard, its animals and nature up close. North of Norway, not far from the North Pole, we find Spitsbergen and the mythical archipelago of Svalbard. Visiting the high Arctic with its untouched nature is a magical experience.

Late winter & early spring is the most magical time of the year around Svalbard and Spitsbergen. The landscapes are covered in snow and there is plenty of drift ice in the fjords and areas surrounding the islands. Our expedition ship handles these conditions well and allows us to travel far out into the most remote and unique areas where we best can experience the Arctic nature and its impressive wildlife, of course including the polar bear. Hopefully, we can also encounter other animals, like walrus, seals, birds, and when we are on land, we could have encounters with arctic fox, polar bears and reindeer.  

In March and April, after months of polar night, a world of ice comes out of darkness and the days quickly become longer. From the middle of March we have plenty of daylight with a warm and beautiful light, while sunsets color the snow covered landscapes and frozen fjords, shifting from dark blue, to pink, violet, red and orange. The feeling out there is indescribable.

While on our expedition ship, we are comfortably accommodated. During the days, when conditions allow, we leave the ship with our three zodiacs to cruise around for even closer contact with the amazing wildlife and nature, such as icebergs and glaciers, or take a walk on land or the ice. The meals onboard our vessel are prepared by our Swedish chef, and whenever possible, we can also enjoy a late night barbecue on land or on deck. If someone wants to take a cool swim in the Arctic Ocean, there’s a sauna on board the ship where you can warm up afterwards.

We consider our expedition ship to be the best ship in the arctic. She is small enough to get close to animals and nature without disturbing, but she also has the strength and power to force her way through close drift ice in a safely. The ship is newly renovated with spacious twin cabins, a comfortable lounge, a large upper deck with an amazing 360° view of our surroundings, and everything we need for a relaxing and exciting expedition.

When we are not exploring the nature outside the ship, we enjoy the comfort on deck, looking for polar bears, whales, seals and other animals, or relax in the cozy lounge.​ Join us on an expedition into the extreme wilderness of Svalbard. The goal of our expedition is to experience the dramatic scenery and all the amazing wildlife around Svalbard.

Our Expedition is aimed at anyone with a passion of exploring the Arctic with a small group of like minded individuals. This Adventure of a Lifetime Awaits You in Svalbard!

Expedition Highlights

• 8 nights accommodations aboard our expedition vessel.

• Use Zodiacs to cruise around for exploring and close-up photography of wildlife.

• Explore Arctic landscapes that include majestic glaciers, mountains, and fjords.

• Opportunities to view animals, such as walrus, seals, birds, and when on land, arctic fox and reindeer.

• Encounter polar bears, walruses, and seals in attractive lighting conditions during this great time of year.

• Enjoy a friendly and inclusive atmosphere with a small, intimate group size of just 12 like-minded explorers.

• Tour led by world-class expedition leaders. 

SVALBARD POLAR EXPEDITION (9-DAYS)

ARRIVAL INTO LOGYEARBYEN: Today arrive on scheduled flight from Oslo. You have a pre night booked in Longyearbyen at the Radisson Blu. There is an optional upgrade option at the Funken Lodge based on availability at the time of booking. If time permits, you may want to explore Longyearbyen by booking an optional snowmobile, dog sled, snow cat tour. Please call us about the lodging upgrade or optional tours available to you.

DAY 1: LOGYEARBYEN & THE ARCTIC: Today, we begin our expedition in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we will embark on our expedition ship after an introduction from our expedition leaders and a safety briefing from the Captain. We’ will set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord and as Longyearbyen disappears and we wave goodbye to civilization. Later, we will settle in on the ship and in our cabins. During the evening we will have a welcome dinner, socialize and enjoy the magnificent glaciers, mountains and amazing arctic landscapes as we pass by while traveling towards the land of the polar bear. Departure from Longyearbyen today is at 4 pm. (D)

DAY 2 - 8: EXPLORING THE ARCTIC WILDERNESS: The wildlife viewing around Svalbard is exceptional. Along the shores and on the ice floes you might see bearded seals and walruses. On land we often spot arctic foxes, svalbard reindeer and of course the ultimate wild animal you can encounter here, the mighty polar bear. Your Expedition leaders, Fred, Melissa and Albert will be constantly on the look out to point out any wildlife you don't want to miss. Traveling through the drift ice, our route will be dictated by sea ice and weather conditions. Our goal is to explore and experience as much as possible of what the Arctic has to offer and encounter the impressive wildlife. When conditions allow, we will use the zodiacs to cruise around and perhaps go on land or ice. We will most likely travel to the fjords Fuglefjorden and Raudfjorden on the north side of Spitsbergen where we should encounter the edge of the North Pole pack ice. Later in the week we travel down south on Spitsbergen’s west coast to Bellsund and Hornsund. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: FAREWELL TO THE ARCTIC: By morning we will have arrived back at the port of Longyearbyen. We will have breakfast together on the ship it is time to leave the arctic. We will disembark the ship and say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made but knowing you will keep the memories of the amazing adventure that you shared together. Afterwards you will have time to explore the small town of Longyearbyen, perhaps shop for souvenirs before departing back home. Return Longyearbyen is at 9 am. (B)

NOTE TO OUR GUESTS: Our exact route and travel plans are dependent on weather and ice conditions and where we expect the best opportunities at the time of our expedition. We will do everything possible to make the most out of our Arctic adventure. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition! During our expeditions we typically encounter polar bears and other wildlife, such as seals, walrus, foxes but we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings, but we do know one thing . . . it will be amazing. It always is, and every expedition is unique and unlike the others. As always, Mother Nature is in charge and that is what makes this a true adventure!

TRAVEL INFORMATION

ABOUT THIS TOUR: Adventure travel is exactly is as its name implies, an adventure! Although every attempt is made to adhere to these itineraries, participants need to acknowledge and willingly accept the unexpected route and itinerary changes due to factors beyond our control.  Please keep in mind that due to Svalbard’s extreme and fast climate changes, we reserve the right to change/alter the route of our Expedition. Being flexible is important.

WHAT IS INCLUDED & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : Transportation, lodging, transfers and baggage handling and meals as indicated on the itinerary. All rates are per person in U.S. dollars based on shared occupancy. Single supplement is extra for this tour. Tour does not include air transportation to and from Longyearbyen from your gateway city or any optional tours, food, drinks and entrance fees to attractions that are not included in the cost of this travel package unless stated otherwise in the detailed itinerary. In cases where dinner or lunch is included, alcoholic drinks are not included and must be paid for separately at the end of your expedition. Please note that this expedition is dependent upon weather & ice conditions, and might be altered if conditions are not favorable. In the event of major changes to the tour, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected.

THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: Expedition participants must understand and willing to accept that weather can affect the planned itinerary. When traveling in the high arctic, travel plans can change in the blink of an eye, and catching a flight is all part of the adventure, no matter your destination. Weather conditions delay or cancel about one in four scheduled flights. Some communities are served by just one regularly scheduled commercial air service, many just a few days a week. When wind, rain, snow or fog delays flights, there is nothing to do except sit back and enjoy your stay. Any additional costs which occur due to weather related issues, delays, extra nights lodging or unforeseen circumstances, the tour participant will be responsible for these expenses. You should plan to have some "buffer" days in your itinerary. Planet Earth Adventures will not be responsible for any missed flights or connections. We recommend arriving into Longyearbyen at least 2 days prior to the departure of this expedition. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance. This is life in the High Arctic!!

VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Due to Svalbard being outside the Schengen area, identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests with a foreign citizenship must bring their passports or national ID-card. Tour participants are responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation on this tour such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the participant’s responsibility. All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE: Please note a good degree of mobility is required to get the most out of this tour as there may be a number of walks over rough, hilly ground. Suitable waterproof clothing and boots are also essential. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distances and be able to get in/out of the zodiacs with minimal assistance. Any optional activities taken on this tour will change the difficulty level of this tour. Recommended clothing list will be provided at the time of booking.

SAFETY, DAYLIGHT HOURS & WEATHER CONDITIONS: Svalbard’s nature is astonishingly beautiful but also very unpredictable and full of surprises. The climate is rough, the weather can change rapidly, and polar bears can suddenly show up when you least expect them to. These are some of the risks that are ever-present in Svalbard, and which you should be preparred for when travelling in the Arctic wilderness. Good preparations are key in order to minimize these risks and the likelihood of accidents or dangerous situations.

FLEXIBILITY: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. While we endeavour to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly suggest purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance on this trip in order to protect your travel investment at the time you sign up for one of our trips. This coverage will offset cancellation charges in the event of illness before or during your trip. Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance is available at a supplemental cost. Click Here to purchase travel protection. Your credit card may offer basic travel insurance or emergency travel assistance if you use it to book travel or accommodation although the coverage is usually very limited. Check with your credit card provider to see if you are covered and what benefits are provided.

CANCELLATION POLICY: We consider the deposit non-refundable at the time of reservation; however, Planet Earth Adventures will try to be flexible in the event of a cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly. A credit card is required to make your reservation online. Your card will be charged when you book your trip. We require at least 90-day written notice for cancellations. Note that different cancellation conditions including higher charges apply to certain types of trips and additional services including most arctic bookings. Again, we strongly advise to purchase cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover any cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.