Svalbard Polar Expedition

SVALBARD POLAR EXPEDITION CRUISE

Welcome to the High Arctic . . .

Join Planet Earth Adventures for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the edge of the world. This exclusive expedition offers a rare opportunity to explore the pristine Arctic wilderness of Svalbard—a breathtaking archipelago north of mainland Norway, just shy of the North Pole. Home to dramatic landscapes, drifting sea ice, and legendary wildlife, this is one of the last truly wild places on Earth. There is no better time to visit Svalbard than late winter and early spring. In March and April, the sun begins to return after the long polar night, casting a golden glow across snow-covered mountains and frozen fjords. The landscapes shift through a palette of soft blues, pinks, purples, and fiery oranges—an Arctic light show unlike any other. This season also brings prime wildlife viewing opportunities. Our sturdy, ice-capable expedition ship allows us to reach remote regions deep within the drift ice, where we stand the best chance of observing polar bears, walrus, seals, arctic fox, reindeer, and a wide variety of seabirds in their natural habitat.

Our ship is purpose-built for Arctic exploration—small enough to navigate narrow passages and get close to wildlife without disturbance, yet powerful enough to push safely through dense drift ice. Recently renovated, the vessel offers:

• Spacious twin cabins

• A cozy onboard lounge

• A large 360° viewing deck

• A Swedish chef preparing delicious meals

• A sauna for warming up after Arctic adventures

• Zodiac boats for ice and land excursions

Each day, weather and conditions permitting, we launch Zodiac cruises to explore icebergs, glaciers, and remote landings. Whether walking across frozen shores or drifting quietly among sea ice, you’ll have unforgettable encounters with the Arctic’s raw beauty. At night, we return to the comfort of our ship—enjoying hearty meals, warm drinks, and, when the moment is right, perhaps a BBQ on deck beneath the Arctic twilight. For the bold, there’s even the chance to take a polar plunge into the icy Arctic Ocean (don’t worry, the sauna will be waiting!).

This expedition is designed for those with a passion for the polar regions and a desire to experience the Arctic in a small group of like-minded explorers. Photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventurers, and curious travelers alike will find inspiration in the silence, power, and vastness of this place. From scanning the horizon for polar bears to standing on the sea ice under a glowing Arctic sky, every day brings the chance for something extraordinary. This is more than a trip—this is an Arctic adventure of a lifetime.

Svalbard is calling. Are you ready?

Expedition Highlights

• 8 nights accommodations aboard our expedition vessel.

• Use Zodiacs to cruise around for exploring and close-up photography of wildlife.

• Explore Arctic landscapes that include majestic glaciers, mountains, and fjords.

• Opportunities to view animals, such as walrus, seals, birds, and when on land, arctic fox and reindeer.

• Encounter polar bears, walruses, and seals 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.

• Tour led by world-class expedition leaders. 

SVALBARD POLAR EXPEDITION (9-DAYS)

ARRIVAL INTO LOGYEARBYEN: Today arrive on scheduled flight from Oslo. You have a pre night booked in Longyearbyen at the Radisson Blu. There is an optional upgrade option at the Funken Lodge based on availability at the time of booking. If time permits, you may want to explore Longyearbyen by booking an optional snowmobile, dog sled, snow cat tour. Please call us about the lodging upgrade or optional tours available to you.

DAY 1: LOGYEARBYEN & THE ARCTIC: Today, we begin our expedition in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we will embark on our expedition ship after an introduction from our expedition leaders and a safety briefing from the Captain. We’ will set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord and as Longyearbyen disappears and we wave goodbye to civilization. Later, we will settle in on the ship and in our cabins. During the evening we will have a welcome dinner, socialize and enjoy the magnificent glaciers, mountains and amazing arctic landscapes as we pass by while traveling towards the land of the polar bear. Departure from Longyearbyen today is at 4 pm. (D)

DAY 2 - 8: EXPLORING THE ARCTIC WILDERNESS: The wildlife viewing around Svalbard is exceptional. Along the shores and on the ice floes you might see bearded seals and walruses. On land we often spot arctic foxes, svalbard reindeer and of course the ultimate wild animal you can encounter here, the mighty polar bear. Your Expedition leaders, Fred, Melissa and Albert will be constantly on the look out to point out any wildlife you don't want to miss. Traveling through the drift ice, our route will be dictated by sea ice and weather conditions. Our goal is to explore and experience as much as possible of what the Arctic has to offer and encounter the impressive wildlife. When conditions allow, we will use the zodiacs to cruise around and perhaps go on land or ice. We will most likely travel to the fjords Fuglefjorden and Raudfjorden on the north side of Spitsbergen where we should encounter the edge of the North Pole pack ice. Later in the week we travel down south on Spitsbergen’s west coast to Bellsund and Hornsund. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: FAREWELL TO THE ARCTIC: By morning we will have arrived back at the port of Longyearbyen. We will have breakfast together on the ship it is time to leave the arctic. We will disembark the ship and say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made but knowing you will keep the memories of the amazing adventure that you shared together. Afterwards you will have time to explore the small town of Longyearbyen, perhaps shop for souvenirs before departing back home. Return Longyearbyen is at 9 am. (B)

NOTE TO OUR GUESTS: Our exact route and daily itinerary will be determined by current weather, ice conditions, and where we anticipate the best opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing. In the Arctic, flexibility is essential—and it’s also what makes each expedition truly unique. While we typically encounter polar bears, as well as other iconic Arctic wildlife such as walrus, seals, and Arctic foxes, sightings can never be guaranteed. This is the wild, after all—and that’s exactly the beauty of it. What we can promise is this: every expedition brings its own magic. No two journeys are ever the same. The Arctic always delivers something unforgettable. Mother Nature is in charge out here—and that’s exactly what makes it a true adventure.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

ABOUT THIS TOUR: Adventure travel is exactly is as its name implies, an adventure! Although every attempt is made to adhere to these itineraries, participants need to acknowledge and willingly accept the unexpected route and itinerary changes due to factors beyond our control.  Please keep in mind that due to Svalbard’s extreme and fast climate changes, we reserve the right to change/alter the route of our Expedition. Being flexible is important.

WHAT IS INCLUDED & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : Transportation, lodging, transfers and baggage handling and meals as indicated on the itinerary. All rates are per person in U.S. dollars based on shared occupancy. Single supplement is extra for this tour. Tour does not include air transportation to and from Longyearbyen from your gateway city or any optional tours, food, drinks and entrance fees to attractions that are not included in the cost of this travel package unless stated otherwise in the detailed itinerary. In cases where dinner or lunch is included, alcoholic drinks are not included and must be paid for separately at the end of your expedition. Please note that this expedition is dependent upon weather & ice conditions, and might be altered if conditions are not favorable. In the event of major changes to the tour, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected.

THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: Expedition participants must understand and willing to accept that weather can affect the planned itinerary. When traveling in the high arctic, travel plans can change in the blink of an eye, and catching a flight is all part of the adventure, no matter your destination. Weather conditions delay or cancel about one in four scheduled flights. Some communities are served by just one regularly scheduled commercial air service, many just a few days a week. When wind, rain, snow or fog delays flights, there is nothing to do except sit back and enjoy your stay. Any additional costs which occur due to weather related issues, delays, extra nights lodging or unforeseen circumstances, the tour participant will be responsible for these expenses. You should plan to have some "buffer" days in your itinerary. Planet Earth Adventures will not be responsible for any missed flights or connections. We recommend arriving into Longyearbyen at least 2 days prior to the departure of this expedition. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance. This is life in the High Arctic!!

VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Due to Svalbard being outside the Schengen area, identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests with a foreign citizenship must bring their passports or national ID-card. Tour participants are responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation on this tour such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the participant’s responsibility. All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE: Please note a good degree of mobility is required to get the most out of this tour as there may be a number of walks over rough, hilly ground. Suitable waterproof clothing and boots are also essential. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distances and be able to get in/out of the zodiacs with minimal assistance. Any optional activities taken on this tour will change the difficulty level of this tour. Recommended clothing list will be provided at the time of booking.

SAFETY, DAYLIGHT HOURS & WEATHER CONDITIONS: Svalbard’s nature is astonishingly beautiful but also very unpredictable and full of surprises. The climate is rough, the weather can change rapidly, and polar bears can suddenly show up when you least expect them to. These are some of the risks that are ever-present in Svalbard, and which you should be preparred for when travelling in the Arctic wilderness. Good preparations are key in order to minimize these risks and the likelihood of accidents or dangerous situations.

FLEXIBILITY: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. While we endeavour to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly suggest purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance on this trip in order to protect your travel investment at the time you sign up for one of our trips. This coverage will offset cancellation charges in the event of illness before or during your trip. Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance is available at a supplemental cost. Click Here to purchase travel protection. Your credit card may offer basic travel insurance or emergency travel assistance if you use it to book travel or accommodation although the coverage is usually very limited. Check with your credit card provider to see if you are covered and what benefits are provided.

CANCELLATION POLICY: We consider the deposit non-refundable at the time of reservation; however, Planet Earth Adventures will try to be flexible in the event of a cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly. A credit card is required to make your reservation online. Your card will be charged when you book your trip. We require at least 90-day written notice for cancellations. Note that different cancellation conditions including higher charges apply to certain types of trips and additional services including most arctic bookings. Again, we strongly advise to purchase cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover any cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.