Departure dates 2009: Jun 12, Jun 22, Jul 12, Jul 22, Aug 1, Aug 11, Aug 21.
This trip begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway’s Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago. The exact course depends on local weather and ice conditions. We expect to sail magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounter polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat. Optional kayaking is available.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Longyearbyen
You fly into Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen Island, the main settlement of Svalbard. Dependant on your airline schedule, you may have some time to visit the museums and investigate the shops of this town of a little over a thousand inhabitants. Board the ship around 3:30pm. Once on board, we'll get together for introductions to the expedition team, learn a bit about the ship and its layout, talk about our itinerary, and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. Set sail from Longyearbyen around 6pm, heading north from Adventfjorden - the first of our fjords - into Isfjorden. Includes: (D).
Day 2: Around Svalbard
These days are spent exploring the coast and generally moving in a clockwise direction. Distances covered by the ship are not great, so much of the time will be available for shore excursions, sitting on the beach and just taking it all in, or being energetic and hiking, enjoying the wonderful wildlife, zodiac cruising and more. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Days 3-4: 14th of July Glacier
Lying on the west coast of Spitsbergen, this magnificent ice cliff with the unusual name will be explored by Zodiacs cruising in the waters at its base. We’ll also visit Ny Alesund an international Arctic research station with a population of about 80 scientists and support staff. Birders should have their binoculars handy as this is known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings. Includes: (2B), (2L), (2D).
Days 5-6: Smeerenburg
On the northwest coast of Spitsbergen is Smeerenburg, once known as Blubber Town. Dutch whalers established the community in the 17th century. Blubber ovens, whalebones, and other remains of the whaling industry are still visible. Includes: (2B), (2L), (2D).
Days 7-8: Moffen Island
The temperature drops as we sail northward, crossing 80N, 965km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary that we plan to visit on this expedition. On previous visits we have spotted polar bear and Sabine Gulls, in addition to walrus! Includes: (2B), (2L), (2D).
Days 9-10: Bourbonhamna (Ahlstrandhalvoya)/ Barentsburgh
Beluga whales often transit the narrow Sound near Bourbonhamna. The adults are pure white and the younger animals a mottled grey color. They are the only whales that can articulate their heads to nod and turn sideways. It’s estimated that there are approximately five to ten thousand belugas in the Svalbard population. The beluga has no dorsal fin, which is a diagnostic feature of other whale species that live in the high Arctic, like the narwhal and bowhead. Since a dorsal fin could be damaged when the animal surfaces in areas with ice, it has been postulated that the lack of dorsal fin is an adaptation to living in waters that are frequently covered by ice.
We’ll search for the belugas, and then hope to go ashore to Bourbonhamna. A hunter’s cabin, grinding wheel and two overturned boats are points of interest a short walk away at Ingebrigstenbukta. However, it’s the massive piles of beluga whalebones that catch everybody’s attention. The bones and all the artefacts are protected by the Svalbard Government and can’t be removed. While wandering amongst these bone relics, we may also expect to glimpse dozens of reindeer in the area. Includes: (2B), (2L), (2D).
Day 11: Disembark and Return Home
We arrive back into Longbearbyen early this morning and, on disembarking the ship after breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for flights home. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes:
- Sea Kayaking Option: US$695 per person (2008-2009 season) and US$795 per person (2009-2010 season)
- Camping Option: There is no supplementary charge for this option for 2008-2009 season. $195 per person for 2009-2010. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabinmate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate for all cabins except suites.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance. Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Arctic
Arctic
Boating and Sailing
Wildlife Viewing
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