Duration 11 Days
Difficulty 2/5
Group Size 18

Svalbard

18-28 May, 2018

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 on earth 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.

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

Not published

Single Supplement: Not published

Arrival: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

Departure: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

Arrival Time: 18th May, 2018

INCLUDED

All ground transportation in Svalbard.
All guides (including bear guides)
Accommodation per the itinerary.
Meals from dinner on 18th May to breakfast on 28th May.
Water for meals and excursions.
All admission fees to conservation areas and key sites.
All tours on the itinerary.
Tips to guides and crew.

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.

VIEW ITINERARY

ADay 1, May 18th, 2018: Arrival in Spitsbergen

Fly to Svalbard Airport, Longyearbyen (LYR) (international flight itineraries to be determined). Evening dinner together (depending on flight schedules). Overnight at Basecamp Hotel.

BDay 2, May 19th, 2018: Explore Longyearbyen

Today we will have a full day activity, either exploring the area around Longyearbyen by snow mobile or dog sled. Today’s activity will depend on prevailing conditions. Overnight at Basecamp Hotel.

CDay 3, May 20th, 2018: 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 Freya, our home for the next seven days! The perfect vessel, the ice-strengthened M/S Freya offers comfort with lots of outside deck space from which to enjoy the wildlife and surroundings.

DDay 4-10, May 21-27th, 2018: 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 Freya.

EDay 11, May 28th, 2018: Return Flights Home

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

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.

Second Leader TBA