Nature At Its Best The wonder and beauty of the High Arctic in mid-summer is something very special. Life explodes during the brief Arctic summer, and sea kayaks are a superb way to see walrus, reindeer, and millions of migratory birds. This circumnavigation of Spitsbergen takes you within 600 miles of the North Pole, well into the realm of the polar bear. With 24 hours of daylight, you'll make the most of each day. Tundra walks provide a pleasing contrast to paddles through narrow ice-choked fjords. The fossil-rich polar desert in the east, towering mountains in the west, and panoramic glacial vistas provide stunning backdrops to the rich wildlife.
Trip Details
Duration
11 Days
Location
Spitsbergen, Norway
Season
July
Trip Type
Sea Kayaking
Nearest City
Longyearbyen
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Spitsbergen, Norway
Distance Traveled
10-24km per Day
Minimum Age Limit
16
Paddling Skill Level Required
Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
12
Kayaks Supplied
Double Kayaks, Some Singles Available
Kayak Brands
Prijon
Support Vehicles
Ship-Based Trip
Accommodations
Twin share cabins aboard 71-meter ship.
Showers Available
Yes
Transportation to Start Site
Not Included
Dining
Chefs prepare wholesome and uncomplicated meals. If you have special dietary needs, just let SSV know in advance.
About Liquor
Alcohol is sold on board the ship.
Additional Activities
Zodiac Cruises, Shore Excursions
Rates
$6,010.00 - $9,758.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
From AUD $7070: Trip costs are per person in AUD dollars and depend on cabin chosen. Note: US cost provided is only a guideline based on current exchange rates. Does not include airfare or pre and post-cruise accommodations and transfers.
This trip is not available for the Adventure Agents Program.
Click here to email this trip by "Southern Sea Ventures Pty. Ltd." to yourself or to a friend.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Board Ship, Cruise Begins Embark Longyearbyen
Today there is time to explore the remote village of Longyearbyen, ‘capital’ of Spitsbergen. In the afternoon, board the ship, Polar Pioneer, and commence the circumnavigation, cruising out of the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin. The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, pogies (paddling mitts for your hands), life jackets, and dry bags.
Days 2-3: Sea Kayaking, Zodiac Cruising, Shore Excursions Northwest Coast
Cruise northwards along the west coast of Spitsbergen stopping at intriguing places like Kongsfjorden or Magdallenefjorden. Spend long periods kayaking or walking on the lush tundra among the summer flowers. You'll feel a sense of history at the 350-year-old remains of Dutch whaling settlements Smeerenberg (blubber town) on Amsterdamoya and the 100-year-old relics of the famous Swedish explorer Andree, who set out from Danskoya in an unsuccessful attempt to fly a balloon to the North Pole.
Days 4-5: Sea Kayaking, Zodiac Cruising, Shore Excursions Northern Flanks of Spitsbergen
Working your way along the north coast, explore new places such as Woodfjorden and Leifdefjorden in search of the mighty polar bear. You can enjoy magnificent views of sweeping glaciers winding their way into the sea, paddle among jostling ice floes, walk in the mountains among the reindeer, visit trapper huts of yesteryear - all the while remaining on the alert for wandering polar bears. You come face-to-face with the formidable pack ice of the Arctic Ocean and keep your eyes peeled for bobbing walrus feeding on clams or hauled out on the beach in wallows.
Days 6-8: Sea Kayaking, Zodiac Cruising, Shore Excursions East Coast of Spitsbergen
Along the east coast of Spitsbergen, enter a different world - a polar desert. If ice conditions allow, pass south through the narrow Hinlopen Strait. The strait is flanked by creamy coloured slabs of rock that are rich in fossils, as you discover for yourself when you go ashore. Visit Alkafjellet where a series of 100-meter high dolerite towers are home to millions of Brunnich’s guillemots - the penguins of the north - that occupy every available nook and cranny. Elsewhere, seek out Eider ducks and geese, and hope to spot Arctic fox and beautiful ivory gulls. As Polar Pioneer passes between Spitsbergen and the smaller Barentsoya and Edgeoya, cross the main polar bear migration routes and the beautiful fertile plain of Sundeneset. The spongy ground is richly covered with bright green mosses, a variety of delicate and colorful flowers, particularly the yellow marsh (bog) saxifrage, various mushrooms, clear bubbling streams and small tarns. Explore this beautiful terrain by kayak and on foot, marvelling at the contrast between the colorful soft ground and the barren, rocky terrain from further north. Reindeer antlers lie scattered along the ground. Round South Cape, Spitsbergen's most southerly point, before continuing the journey northwards.
Days 9-10: Sea Kayaking, Zodiac Cruises, Shore Excursions Southwest Spitsbergen
In spring, polar bears travel this way on ice floes transported by strong east-west currents. You may visit Stormbukta (Stormy Bay) where calcareous rocks create a landscape of rounded hills and bizarre cliffs. The rocks were formed about 500 million years ago when shallow seas covered the land. Hornsund, 23km long and 8-10km wide, is the southernmost of the large fjords on Spitsbergen’s west. Towers of rock pierce the clouds, lush green slopes run down to the sea and crumbling glaciers surround you. It is a beautiful place. You may also visit Bellsund on the west coast of Spitsbergen. There are many different options available.
Day 11: Trip Concludes Disembark Longyearbyen
During the early morning, cruise back into Isfjorden before docking in Longyearbyen.
This Package Includes
Accommodation and meals onboard ship
Kayaks, dry suits, paddling and safety equipment
Reservation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of AUD$1500 per passenger and a completed booking form is required to hold your reservation. The balance becomes due 90 days prior to departure. If the balance is not paid by the due date, SSV will regard the booking as cancelled.
Cancellation Policy
If it becomes necessary to cancel your holiday, you must notify SSV immediately in writing. Cancellation will take effect when SSV receives your written notice. The following fees apply when cancellation occurs between:
Time of booking and 90 days prior to departure: loss of your full deposit;
90 and 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip cost per person;
Less than 60 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost per person.
There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
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