Itinerary

Below is a rough day-to-day guide of what to expect based on previous voyages but please bear in mind that all itineraries are subject to the weather. As you board, the Captain will have a better idea with updated forecasts of what you can expect from your adventure sailing holiday in Svalbard.

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest inhabited settlement in Spitsbergen and the world’s most northerly inhabited town with more than 1000 inhabitants. We recommend travelling into Longyearbyen the day before you are due to join the boat as flights can often be delayed due to the Arctic fog and weather conditions. Discover the town’s fascinating history and maybe take a wildlife safari on land before joining Noorderlicht on the ‘floating pier’. You can drop luggage off during the day if needed; the floating pier is a short ten-minute shuttle or taxi ride from the airport and a short 15-minute walk into the town centre.

Once everyone is aboard, it’s a prompt 4pm departure as the Captain cruises out of the bay while the crew show guests their cabins and gives some safety briefings and operational introductions.

The aim of the first 24 hours is usually to get as far north as possible so the boat will be travelling into the night and dropping anchor in the early hours. There is no watch system aboard so after dinner, you are free to do as you wish.

Day 2-4
Awake to the distant noise of glaciers creaking in the midnight sun and Arctic Terns swooping the shoreline – elegant but fierce. Perhaps head ashore and explore the Dalbreen glacier before heading towards Sarstangen to watch the Walrus colony snoozing after lunch. Depending on the wind, the crew will always take the opportunity to get the sails up as often as possible, and they are always on the lookout for wildlife spots and polar bears!

Spend some time exploring Kongsfjord and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the Arctic mist, shrouding the Lilliehookbreen glacier in mystery. The cracking of the ice adds some allure for an afternoon adventure ashore.

This area is mountainous terrain or “moraine”, as it is called. Moraine is the material left behind by a moving glacier made up of soil and rock. Often soft and spongy to walk on and full of geological delights and coral fossils. Explore small lakes and rocky mountains, climbing a gentle ridge to watch Arctic terns and puffins in the bay. An afternoon in front of the glacier gives those who wish the opportunity to climb the rigging, reaching the crow’s nest with impressive views of the icy bay.

Cruise through the evening to reach Mollerhamna, a small glacier bay ready for a morning walk ashore.

Day 5
Today, you can hike ashore, exploring an old hunter’s cabin while watching fur seals lounging across the beach. There is also the chance to visit an abandoned marble mine in the afternoon before sailing through the midnight sun to harbour in the research town of Ny Alesund.

Day 6
Those brave enough can enjoy a polar plunge on the small beach by the harbour before walking into Ny Alesund to discover the history of the polar expeditions and the scientific research they conduct here. There’s a sweet museum and small shop to explore before heading back to the boat. Perhaps spend the afternoon cruising the majestic fjords as you keep your eyes peeled for whales and polar bears. This area has a high spot rate!

Day 7
Cross the channel to explore the island of Prins Karls Forland and the Forlandet National Park, watching seals in the bay and reindeer wandering the hills. Beach-combing and geological wonders are rich here and there’s a chance to just sit on the beach and reflect on this beautiful part of the world.

Day 8
Today sees the last opportunity for a glacier hike before Noorderlicht makes her way back towards Longyearbyen. This glacier in Yemerbukta is quite special. It’s one of few that sits against a shoreline so you can take a walk along the edge of the glacier and up the small ridge line with stunning views back across the bay.

Spend the afternoon reflecting on your trip as you dock into Longyearbyen for your final Captains dinner on the boat. It’s an informal affair and a chance for everyone to share their photos and stories of the week together.

Day 9
After breakfast at 8 am, you can depart the boat at 10 am. If you need to leave earlier for onward travel to the airport, please make sure to book a taxi in advance as they can get busy around flight times.

©NOR

©NOR

©NOR