The Polar Travel Company

� SAT

Duration: 12 days
Starts: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Ends: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Language: English speaking voyage

* We always recommend arriving in Svalbard at least 24 hours before departure.

Included

Optional

Join us on a truly unique in-depth 12-day Svalbard circumnavigation cruise. As the sea around Svalbard opens up from the ice during the summer months it gives us the opportunity to take you on our most detailed exploration of the archipelago. The focus on this trip is on exploring the nature and searching for wildlife viewing opportunities. We will be making daily shore landings with our expedition leader and guide to experience the raw beauty and majestic nature of Svalbard. Our aim is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen and to explore the Austfonna Ice Cap depending on conditions.

As the sea around Svalbard opens up with the ice melting during the summer months, it gives us the opportunity to take you on our most detailed exploration of the archipelago. Over the next 12 days we will set off to explore Svalbard and make daily shore landings with our expedition leader and guide to experience the raw beauty and majestic nature of Svalbard. Our aim is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen and to explore the Austfonna Ice Cap, depending on conditions or spend extended time exploring the far north-east. This is an intimate small-group experience with a minimum of one guide for every 6 guests.

Expedition Highlights
� Experience the raw beauty of Svalbard�s pristine landscapes, characterized by towering glaciers, a dramatic mountain range, and serene fjords.
� We will visit remote areas and inaccessible coastlines through exhilarating Zodiac excursions. Land on remote shores and immerse yourself in the Arctic environment, led by expert guides who will share their knowledge about the region�s unique flora and fauna.
� Enjoy the magical phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours a day during the summer months.
� Encounter diverse Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, whales, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, and a variety of bird species.
� Svalbard is a paradise for bird enthusiasts (especially in the summer), with countless seabird colonies and nesting sites. Keep an eye out for species like puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars, among others, as they soar above the cliffs and dive into the frigid waters.
� Learn about the rich history and culture of Svalbard through onboard lectures and visits to historical sites.

Learn From Our Knowledgable Guides
A Svalbard micro cruise comes with knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the Arctic and have a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife, history, and ecology of the region. They can provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Arctic ecosystem.

The Voyage
Secret Atlas is founded, led, and made for explorers by explorers. We understand that every expedition is unique, so we don�t follow a fixed itinerary. We believe that real expeditions should follow the opportunities that the wilderness offers and our expert guides know exactly how to maximise your experience.

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Day 1 Welcome aboard! Embarkation in Longyearbyen at 16:00 & Prins Karls Forland
Our Svalbard circumnavigation cruise departs from the port of Longyearbyen in the afternoon. The overall schedule is flexible to allow us to see as much as possible and will be led by our highly experienced leader. Taking advantage of the beautiful 24-hour sunlight we will sail out of the Isfjord and towards Prins Karls Foreland where we will do shore landings and visit a walrus colony on day 2. Our plan is to sail north and attempt a clockwise circumnavigation of Spitsbergen.

Day 3-5 Ny-�lesund and Kongsfjord
As we head north we plan to call at the scientific community of Ny-�lesund, the most northerly inhabited settlement on earth which is home to an interesting historical site and museum. We will explore the majestic Kongsfjord and the fjords that branch into it. We will sail close to an impressive calving glacier face and there will also be an opportunity for hikes ashore with our expedition leader. If the conditions allow we will then sail north and attempt to reach the edge of the sea ice which extends all the way to the North Pole, a really impressive sight.

Day 6-9 Nordaustlandet and Hinlopen Strait
We will sail along the north coast of Spitsbergen keeping a lookout for wildlife including polar bears that inhabit the area. Depending on the sea ice conditions, we aim to continue along the north coast to reach the island of Nordaustlandet and cruise along the Austfonna Ice Cap, a truly breathtaking sight. If the sea ice doesn�t allow us access then the other option is to head south through the Hinlopen Strait. We aim to make shore landings on a daily basis to explore the majestic wilderness of this area.

Days 9 - 11 South-East Spitsbergen
We will follow the compass south and explore the region along the south coast of Spitsbergen. We will visit rarely visited landing sites and have lots of chances to take in the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery. As we round the southern tip of Spitsbergen, we will enter the area around Hornsund where we will have a day to explore and do some wilderness hikes. We will then set sail north along the coast towards Longyearbyen.

Day 12 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen at 09:00
Safely back in the port of Longyearbyen after our epic 14-day Svalbard circumnavigation cruise, we will enjoy a final breakfast together. We say our goodbyes and disembark in the morning after making new friends and sharing an incredible adventure together.

The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much a possible.