This active adventure departs and returns to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. Aboard our expedition ship, we plan to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen, the largest in the archipelago. Ice and weather conditions will dictate our exact itinerary - this will be true exploration. We expect to sail into magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs along towering sea bird cliffs and search for polar bears, walrus, and seals in their natural habitat. Ashore, we will search for wildlife and photograph the stunning high arctic scenery that surrounds us. For those wanting a sea level view of things, kayaks are available on most departures.

Spitsbergen has a rich concentration of arctic wildlife, making this expedition a great choice for nature and wildlife  photographers. Between hikes on shore and cruising in zodics or on the ship, you will have many excellent photographic opportunities. Bring lots of digital cards for your camera!

Adventure Option

Kayaking
Each ship carries sea-kayaks, designed for ocean level paddling, which are available for clients to use at an additional charge of $495 per person. This option should be considered by experienced kayakers only. A maximum of ten kayakers may participate per voyage, so please request this option at booking. 

If you have paddled the waters of New England or Alaska; if you have kayaked off the coast of California or Canada's Maritimes, you are ready for polar sea-kayaking.

Polar kayaking takes place in one of the roughest and toughest environments on Earth. When you settle yourself in one of our kayaks, you should already be comfortable getting in and out and have practiced an emergency wet exit.

Once you have booked your optional adventure, you will received a set of preparation notes that lists the gear supplied and the gear you must bring with you.

Camping
No camping experience is necessary, because camping in the polar regions is unlike any camping done in other parts of the world. The equipment supplied is designed for low temperature adventures.

Depending on the choice of itinerary and dates of travel, campers may experience only a few hours of twilight. At other times, campers may feel as if they can touch the stars. No two polar camping adventures are alike.

This option is available only on the August 3 & 13, 2010 departures aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov. Cost per person: $195.