Explore the shores and seas of an amazing Arctic island
Duration: 8 days
Starts: Longyearbyen
Ends: Longyearbyen
Language: English speaking voyage
PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
The focus of this voyage is shore hiking. Hikers can choose hikes that best suits their fitness and ability level.
The focus of this voyage will be on hiking on shore: -
The focus of this voyage is shore hiking. Hikers can choose hikes that best suits their fitness and ability level. Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes. Ski mountaineers can also join this trip.
Hikes of 2 – 3 hours will be planned, with outings in the morning and/or afternoon. About 200 meters (650 feet) of altitude will be gained and descended per day, sometimes more or less depending on the hike. Hiking groups will return to the ship for lunch. On occasion, the expedition leader may offer a long hike, for which participants will receive a packed lunch.
The hiking guests will split into groups under the guidance of experienced and competent guides. The formation of walking groups will take place on site, taking into account the interests and physical condition of the guests. The hikes cannot be determined in advance because prevailing weather conditions influence the layout of the final program.
The route map in the day-by-day description outlines a possible (but not final) itinerary that serves as a rough guide. The program (walking on land) and the itinerary of the ship (at sea) will be adapted to the prevailing weather, sea, pack ice, and snow conditions. The daily program may vary considerably from the route described. Availability of landing sites and the presence of polar bears also play a role in the selection of daily outings.
The program will be adapted in case of interesting wildlife observations. The final decision about hikes will be made by the expedition leader. For the hiking program, we will use snowshoes that will be available on board for all passengers (free rental). With snowshoes, it is easier and safer to walk on snowy surfaces. They fit all boot sizes and can be used in combination with our rubber boots. We strongly recommend bringing sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots and gaiters. Hiking poles with snow plates are also required. See details in the equipment list.
At the end of a long Arctic winter, spring is starting to awaken. The climate, however, still clings to the cold: ice-covered mountains, snow-swept shores, temperatures around –4° C (25°F). It’s a good time to experience the last of the winter scenery, and with a little luck, also see some polar bears, walruses, and seals.
Ski mountaineering will be offered as an additional activity option: -
Ski mountaineering will be offered as an additional activity option. The ski program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered techniques for both ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alpine terrain.
A typical day involves climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 700 – 850 meters (2,300 – 2,800 feet) and downhill skiing from those points. You might climb 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of accumulated altitude on an average day. An accurate route cannot be determined in advance due to variable weather, sea, wildlife, and avalanche considerations.
The map outlines a possible but not final route in the regions of Kongsfjorden, Raudfjorden, Liefdefjorden, and Prins Karls Forland. This route serves as a rough guide only. The expedition leader and the mountain guides make the final decision as to the daily adjustments. Flexibility is paramount in this type of cruise. Ski mountaineers must bring their own equipment. All activities on or off the vessel, such as (but not limited to) ski outings and Zodiac trips, are done at the passenger’s own risk. Oceanwide Expeditions is not liable for any damage, such as (but not limited to) bodily injury, illness, and death unless as a result of gross negligence. Furthermore, with the consent to participate in the ski mountaineering program, the passenger agrees to make no claims for reimbursement for shortened travel days due to reasons beyond the organization’s control, such as (but not limited to) conditions of weather and ice, avalanche threads, polar bears threats, and expedition staff injuries.
Birding note: -
It is still somewhat quiet on the cliffs, as this time of year the cliff-nesting birds are only just arriving to pick out their breeding places. By May all the nesting birds will have arrived, and the breeding will take place later in June.
INCLUSIONS
· Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
· All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
· All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
· Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
· Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes .
· Pre-scheduled transfers and baggage handling between the airport and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
· Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
· All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
· Comprehensive pre-departure material.
·AECO fees and governmental taxes.
EXCLUSIONS
· Any airfare whether on scheduled or charter flights.
· Pre- and post-land arrangements.
· Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen.
· Passport and visa expenses.
· Government arrival and departure taxes.
· Meals ashore.
· Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
· Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
· The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
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THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA
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Miami - Dade, Florida
Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
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Email:
travel@thepolartravelcompany.com
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