Beyond the Arctic Circle: Tromso to Svalbard

Day 1 - Tromsø
Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Tromsø in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included.

Days 2-3 - Bear Island
Sail northward from Tromsø spending a day at sea to travel to Bear Island, an untouched beauty of the Arctic. Think rugged coastlines, steep cliffs, and very dramatic landscapes. The island is home to millions of seabirds, including black-legged kittiwakes, puffins, and little auks. Bear Island is a remote and often overlooked part of the Svalbard Archipelago, allowing those who do visit an off-the-beaten-path adventure and epic wildlife.

Days 4-5 - Svalbard
Continue sailing along the coast of Svalbard and explore near South Spitsbergen National Park. The fjords are characterized by dramatic landscapes, including snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and icy seas, offering stunning views. Start by seeing the Hornsundtind massif where you can enjoy the Arctic landscape and potentially view wildlife. The fjord cuts deep into the island creating a memorable visual experience. Search for bearded seals and maybe polar bears. The group will also visit Bellsund for other interesting historical sites and wildlife viewing.

Days 6-8 - Svalbard/Greenland Sea
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Your wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. Always be on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, have your eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search!

Days 9-10 - Greenland Sea/Svalbard
Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore more of Svalbard, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history.

Day 11 - Svalbard/Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.