The Polar Travel Company

Step into a world of untamed beauty and extraordinary wildlife as you journey through the stunning archipelago of Svalbard. MV Villa, your expedition yacht, will take you along rugged shorelines, immersing you in the remote and pristine wilderness in search of thrilling encounters with polar bears and majestic walrus.

NAN @ Shutterstock

Duration: 11 days
Starts: Longyearbyen, Norway
Ends: Longyearbyen, Norway
Language: English speaking voyage

Included

Located approximately 965 km from the North Pole, Svalbard remains an unparalleled destination for witnessing polar bears in their natural habitat. During the Arctic summer, the region comes alive with vibrant wildlife activity, with long daylight hours allowing for exciting discoveries. From birds soaring through the skies to delicate Arctic flowers blooming, you'll witness a symphony of life in these icebound lands. Contrary to expectations, the summer months in Svalbard offer milder temperatures, revealing a rugged beauty that captivates in its rawness. Prepare to be amazed as you encounter wildlife at every turn, all while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of this Arctic haven.

The itinerary of your expedition will remain flexible, strategically designed to maximize your chances of encountering wildlife and explore the archipelago's diverse landscapes. Your experienced crew will monitor ice and weather conditions, ensuring that every adventure on Zodiacs provides the opportunity to set foot on remote islands, where nature's wonders await. Embarking on this expedition onboard MV Villa will be an experience like no other, bringing you face-to-face with the captivating wildlife and untamed landscapes that define Svalbard. Prepare for a journey that will leave you in awe of the beauty and resilience of the Arctic wilderness.

One of the great advantages of being on this expedition is the flexibility it allows. The Captain and Expedition Leader will use their expertise to make daily decisions based on weather and sea conditions, ensuring that you visit the best landing sites and explore the most intriguing areas according to updated local information. During a daily briefing, the plans for the following day will be outlined, keeping you informed and excited for the adventures that lie ahead!

@ Shutterstock

Your expedition begins as you embark MV Villa at 16:00hrs at Longyearbyen harbor. Once settled into your comfortable cabin, a mandatory safety briefing will be conducted as the ship sets sail, beginning your journey into the pristine wilderness of Svalbard. Take the opportunity to enjoy the open decks, savoring the fresh Arctic air and the anticipation of the remarkable experiences to come. Later, gather in the dining room for a welcome dinner, where you can fuel up and embark on your adventure with culinary delights.

All landings in this exceptional region will be conducted using Zodiacs, ensuring flexibility and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions. With our maximum group size of 12 guests, quick mobilization is possible, allowing us to seize wildlife-viewing opportunities both ashore and from the Zodiacs. The agility of our small group approach will undoubtedly enrich your Svalbard experience, maximizing the chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.

Depending on the route your voyage takes, you may spend time exploring the following areas...

Dansk�ya & Amsterdam�ya Islands
Dansk�ya Island, was the launch site for a failed attempt by Salomon Andr�e and two companions to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon in 1897. Amsterdam�ya Island was a Danish and Dutch whaling station in the early 1600s and is now the home to nesting Arctic terns.

Dansk�ya & Amsterdam�ya Islands
Dansk�ya Island, was the launch site for a failed attempt by Salomon Andr�e and two companions to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon in 1897. Amsterdam�ya Island was a Danish and Dutch whaling station in the early 1600s and is now the home to nesting Arctic terns.

Liefdefjorden
As we enter this spectacular fjord, Zodiacs are launched for a cruise through the ice fields leading up to the Monaco Glacier. This scenic region is frequently visited by polar bears. Conditions permitting, we go ashore for a hike near the glacier. We will explore this stunning fjord where photographic opportunities often include Arctic fox, whales, ringed seals and thousands of kittiwakes.

Kongs fjorden & Ny-�lesund
We may choose to visit an international research station along the shores of this scenic passage, or view the small settlement from the deck of our ship. The mighty Kongs Glacier is a place where polar bears come to hunt for seals. Close by, the lush hills of Ossian Sars offers a breathtaking hike.

Hinlopen Strait
As we come around the northeastern tip of Spitsbergen, ice conditions permitting, we cruise through Hinlopen Strait which separates Spitsbergen from Nordaustlandet. Dotted with icebergs, this scenic strait is a perfect place for a Zodiac cruise. Here, we often spot ringed, harp, and bearded seals, polar bears and seabirds. As we go ashore, we find ourselves in a place of unchanged pristine beauty just the way nature once revealed itself to the heroes of polar exploration.

Hornsund
Hornsund is the southernmost fjord on Spitsbergen Island. The coastline features several bays with glacial valleys leading to high mountain peaks. A Polish research station has been operating here since 1957 working on meteorology, seismology and glaciology. Arctic fox, abundant seabirds and reindeer are frequently seen here.

Bellsund
Located between Isfjord and Hornsund lies the mighty Bellsund, entrance for Van Mijenfjord, Van Keulenfjord and Recherchefjord. Here you can find old hunter�s cabins and remains of the era of early whaling that took place here and still stir the imagination. Aksel�ya separates the fjord entrances of Van Mijenfjordand and Van Keulenfjord.