Svalbard

31 May-11 June, 2023

Svalbard is one of the last unspoiled wildernesses on Earth. One of the northernmost island groups it reaches a latitude of 80ºN. The northern tip of Svalbard is only about 1000 km south of the North Pole. This Arctic archipelago is teeming with wildlife including the king of the Arctic, the polar bear, and also walrus, whales, Svalbard reindeer, foxes and several different species of seals. In Hinlopen Strait we find one of the most spectacular bird cliffs in the world with more than 100,000 guillemots. There is also a plethora of other Arctic bird species we hope to see on our adventure including the eider and possibly the king eider ducks.
Together, in a small group we will become true explorers. With no fixed itinerary once we board our renown ice-strengthened vessel, the M/S Origo, we will go where the ice leads us, scouring our surroundings for our target species. She will be our comfortable home for nine nights, her small size allowing us into areas totally unavailable to the larger boats. With plenty of open deck space for viewing the wildlife, or even the stars, the scenery will leave us transfixed. It is totally mezmerizing simply to watch over the bow as our home pushes through pack-ice of the calm water bays.

The following map is a visual representation of the locations included in this trip. Click over the image to zoom in the map. For more information, please refer to the itinerary for this expedition.

Trip Details

General Information

USD $TBA Per person sharing

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT USD $TBA Maximum 2

Arrival: Longyearbyen (LYR), Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

Departure: Longyearbyen (LYR), Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

Arrival Time: 31st May, 2023

Departure Time: Mid morning, 11 June, 2023

INCLUDED

All ground transportation in Svalbard.
All guides (including bear guides)
Accommodation per the itinerary.
Meals from Breakfast on 1st June to breakfast on 11th June.
Water for meals and excursions.
All admission fees to conservation areas and key sites.
All tours on the itinerary including dog mushing.

NOT INCLUDED

International airfares to/from Longyearbyen/Svalbard and any international airport taxes due.
Additional hotel accommodation at the start or end of the trip.
Your personal medical, travel and luggage insurance (a requirement for this trip).
Personal items, such as telephone calls, laundry service, bar drinks, restaurant wines, etc.
Anything not listed in the “Included” section above.
Tips to guides and crew.
Any COVID 19 related costs.

VIEW ITINERARY

ADay 1, May 31st, 2023: Arrival in Spitsbergen

Fly to Svalbard Airport, Longyearbyen (LYR). Evening dinner on your own as flight schedules may differ. Overnight at Basecamp Hotel.

BDay 2, June 1st, 2023: Explore Longyearbyen

Today we will have a full day activity exploring the area around Longyearbyen on foot looking for birds and the Svalbard reindeer. We will also do some dog mushing. Even when there is no snow in Longyearbyen the dogs still need to exercise and this is done on sleds with wheels. We will have plenty of time to interact with the dogs. Today’s activity will depend on prevailing conditions. Overnight at Basecamp Hotel.

CDay 3, June 2nd, 2023: Birding & Boarding Our Ship

After an early breakfast we will take a half-day excursion into the hinterland of Longyearbyen, primarily looking for birds that we may not be able to see while on board our vessel. Lunch in Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we will board our vessel the M/S Origo, our home for the next nine nights! The perfect vessel, the ice-strengthened M/S Origo offers comfort with lots of outside deck space from which to enjoy the wildlife and surroundings.

DDay 4-11, June 3rd-10th, 2023: Ocean and Glacier Exploration

While onboard we have no fixed itinerary. This is a true expedition and we rely on the vast experience of our captain and local guides. Ice will dictate our movements but we guarantee to do everything we can to give you the best possible wildlife, incredible icescape and landscape experience. Though our focus is on polar bears, we will also look for birds, walrus, whales and other marine mammals. We explore Svalbard from the land, zodiacs and the decks of the M/S Origo.

EDay 12, June 11th, 2023: Return Flights Home

We leave the M/S Origo after an early breakfast and head to the airport for our return flight home. Here the trip ends.

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Expedition Leaders

Discover the world with experienced travelers

Pete Oxford

Photographer | Owner | Trip Leader

Pete Oxford has visited the high Arctic many times both as both expedition leader and photographer. Indeed the first bear he ever saw was a polar bear in the remote Chuckchi Sea. He travels as a professional conservation photographer and tour leader specializing in wildlife and indigenous cultures. He has travelled extensively and repeatedly to every continent both as both photographer and trip leader. He has a long experience leading tours and has led expeditions to some of the world’s most far-flung and pristine destinations. Pete began in tourism in 1987 while living, as a naturalist guide, in the Galapagos Islands. He brings a depth of knowledge, experience and humor to each destination. And because Pete is a marine mammalogist by training, he looks forward to spending time on this expedition with the polar bears, seals, and whales.