The Polar Travel Company

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Duration: 10 days
Starts: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Ends: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Language: English speaking voyage

* On 9 day voyages we return to Longyearbyen on day 8. Exploration will be focused on the Northern and Western Fjords.
* We always recommend arriving in Svalbard at least 24 hours before departure.

Included

Optional

The ultimate Svalbard cruise on a small, capable expedition vessel with just 12 guests. This adventure focuses on exploring the beautiful natural wilderness of Svalbard during the summer months with 24 hours of daylight. We will encounter calving glaciers, witness an abundance of wildlife, visit historical places, and spend time exploring ashore. All this with 2 expert guides and just 12 guests.

On this summer expedition, we will venture to the northern wilderness to explore the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and glaciers of Northwest Spitsbergen with 24 hours of daylight. Every day is an adventure and we will use the Zodiac landing craft to explore walrus haulouts, cruise the edge of the sea ice for wildlife including polar bears, and take short hikes ashore to explore different natural and historical sites including glaciers and the raw nature of the Arctic.

Expedition Highlights
� Experience breathtaking landscapes that include majestic glaciers, mountains, and fjords.
� Witness the midnight sun, which creates a surreal and magical atmosphere by never setting.
� Explore Arctic landscapes on foot, hike with expert guides, and visit historical sites such as abandoned whaling stations and Russian mining towns.
� Use 2 Zodiacs for exploring and close-up photography of wildlife.
� Encounter polar bears, walruses, and whales in attractive lighting conditions during this great time of year.
� Enjoy a friendly and inclusive atmosphere with a small, intimate group size of just 12 like-minded explorers.
� Be led by world-class expedition leaders.

Learn From Our Knowledgable Guides
We make it our business to work with exceptional individuals in the industry who possess a genuine passion and care for the precious places we visit. We believe people are at the heart of everything we do and our guides have a wealth of knowledge to share with you, giving you 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.

The following itinerary is an example. The expedition is flexible and its course will be defined on daily bases sustained by the opportunities presented by weather, ice and wildlife.

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Day 1 Welcome aboard! Embarkation in Longyearbyen at 16:00
We begin our expedition in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we will embark on our expedition vessel after an introduction from our expedition leader and a safety briefing from the Captain. We�ll set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord and as Longyearbyen disappears astern, wave goodbye to civilisation.

Day 2 Western Fjords
In the morning we sail by Prins Karls Forland, an uninhabited island of beautiful scenery off the west coast of Spitsbergen. This is a place where sometimes walruses are likely to haul out or be sighted. In the afternoon, we may get our boots on for a hike to spot grazing reindeer. If the conditions allow, we will sail along the coast exploring places such as Krosssfjorden, home to majestic glaciers, and some of Svalbard�s most beautiful fjords and scenery.

Day 3-4 Northern Fjords / Ice Edge
Over the next few days, we will navigate between the coast and the sea ice that extends all the way to the North Pole. We will count on regular shore landings and zodiac tours to visit different natural and historical sites including glaciers, partake in wilderness hikes and fully immersive ourselves in the raw nature of the Arctic.

Every day we will explore deeper into the wilderness Svalbard has to offer. Under the guidance of our expedition leader, we will work with the weather and sea ice conditions to show you the best that the northern coast has to offer.

Day 5-6 Exploring East Coast
If the sea ice grants passage, we will aim to head east towards the Hinlopen Strait area and venture deeper into a vast world of ice and cliffs. While attempting this we will be obliged to reach a new higher latitude to the voyage, crossing the 80 degrees North parallel. The days will be long and complemented with action, zodiac cruises and the search for wildlife. The ice will extend all the way to the horizon, and the enigmatic presence of the northern king of wildlife will be felt. We will potentially come across some immense bird cliffs where thousands of birds fly in and out without a break. These days will be filled with a sense of adventure and exposure to nature, the ice and the winds might let us through to the south, or we might need to turn around and head back West over the north. Regardless of the exact route, the expedition will build into its climax.

Day 7 Exploring Southern Fjords
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 Isfjorden.

Day 8 Isfjord
Already back in the protection of Isfjorden, we will find peaceful landing sites to hike or simply relax and take it all in. Isfjorden offers a fantastic mix of landscapes, history and wildlife. Offering the best possible closure to our experience before heading back to civilization.

Day 9 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen at 09:00
By morning we will have arrived back at the port of Longyearbyen. Disembarking the ship will involve saying goodbye to the new friends you�ve made but knowing you will keep the memories of the transformative adventure you shared together.