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One of the most spectacular and most photographed fjords in Svalbard, and with all the pointed peaks it can be understood how Spitsbergen got its name. Very popular for the landing at Gravneset, with the whaler’s graveyard it is named after, with the remains of the blubber ovens from the whaling days. The region is also rich in history and cultural significance, with early explorers such as Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen having made expeditions to Svalbard. Today, travelers can learn about the history and ecology of the region through guided tours and educational presentations.
Night Svalbard ExploredDetails
From spotting polar bears and whales to hiking through the tundra, there's something for every explorer. Plus, with our experienced guide team, you can rest assured that your trip will be both enjoyable and safe. Don't miss out on visiting one of the Arctic’s most remote and fascinating destinations.
When is the best time of year to take a cruise to Svalbard?
This region offers a range of activities, including zodiac rides under vertical rock faces, and through Melfjord, a narrow channel walled by steep granite cliffs polished smooth by glaciers. Svalbard is the northernmost archipelago in the world, and a popular Arctic destination for travelers. The number of polar bears outnumber people—which is a big draw for tourists.
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If the sea ice grants passage, we will aim to head east towards the Hinlopen Strait area and venture deeper into a vast world of ice and cliffs. While attempting this we will be obliged to reach a new higher latitude to the voyage, crossing the 80 degrees North parallel. The days will be long and complemented with action, zodiac cruises and the search for wildlife. The ice will extend all the way to the horizon, and the enigmatic presence of the northern king of wildlife will be felt. We will potentially come across some immense bird cliffs where thousands of birds fly in and out without a break. These days will be filled with a sense of adventure and exposure to nature, the ice and the winds might let us through to the south, or we might need to turn around and head back West over the north.
Best Time to See Polar Bears
We will visit rarely visited landing sites and have lots of chances to take in the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery. As we round the southern tip of Spitsbergen, we will enter the area around Hornsund where we will have a day to explore and do some wilderness hikes. The region is home to an abundance of wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and whales, making it a popular destination for wildlife watching.
Svalbard Struggling With Health Of Cruise Ship Passengers - Life in Norway
Svalbard Struggling With Health Of Cruise Ship Passengers.
Posted: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Svalbard Tours Regions
Encounter Svalbard’s glaciers from the ship and Zodiacs with room for all guests onboard. We acknowledge the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and travel, and we pay our respects to elders past and present. Svalbard is located in the high Arctic and shares the Arctic’s designation as a technical desert when it comes to annual precipitation (or lack thereof). Particularly the eastern part of Svalbard sees relatively little precipitation annually. Depending on when you take your Svalbard cruise you can expect temperatures to average anywhere from -14°C in the winter to 6°C in the summer.
The sea ice has retreated further north and in most years it is possible to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Our Svalbard Pioneer Cruise is ideal for getting off the beaten track and seeing the wilder side of Svalbard. Visit Svalbard with Aurora Expeditions and our Expedition Team will take you on excursions unique to the High Arctic, fully included in the cost of your expedition.
When to Travel
Research ships tend to be fairly small, making them ideal for navigating smaller bays and inlets. Many of the budget cruises to Svalbard are offered on what is called 'research vessels'. For peopke wanting to expereince Svabard in the dead of winter you will need to take a land-based expedition trip.
The water temperature in the polar regions is close to freezing and winds sweep off the glaciers, making paddling a chilling experience. In South Georgia, there are stronger winds and swells than in Antarctica. Scotland, Iceland, Norwegian coasts are warmer with water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F. Led by experienced guides, you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes.
Featuring guest lecturers and scientists, your Expedition Team will enhance your knowledge with specialist lectures as part of your Svalbard expedition. Topics may include Svalbard’s flora and fauna, climate, cultural artefacts, geology and exploration history. Informal talks and impromptu guiding may also take place out on deck or ashore. On a trip to Svalbard feel completely at one with nature as you hike in the Arctic tundra, kayak through deep fjords or collect samples for global Citizen Science projects. Cruise passengers have several options for excursions including kayaking.
We will use our expertise to recommend the right adventure and ship for you dependent on your experience and comfort levels. As a member of AECO we take great efforts to ensure our trips don’t have any negative impact on the wildlife or environment. Our expedition leaders are highly trained in safety and following these rules and brief guests at the beginning of each departure. They ensure the safety of the guests throughout the cruise and that the AECO rules are followed. We offer accommodation options for single cabins or sharing a cabin with travellers of the same gender.
Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic. We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you. Given the environmental concerns and impact on local infrastructure mentioned earlier, it's crucial for Svalbard cruise visitors to be mindful of their impact on this fragile ecosystem.
Ships with the highest ice-class ratings are most able to navigate through the channels, so favour these in your selection. Some trips will visit Svalbard as well as other regions, giving you an even richer view of the region. Expedition cruises in Svalbard offer small inflatable boat trips to discover the sea ice.
Svalbard is definitely a birders paradise and you'll get some fantastic shots from the boat and during shore excursions. These include puffins, red-throated divers, Arctic skuas, terns, northern fulmar, several types of geese and a number of waders. Arctic foxes can be seen throughout the Arctic region including Svalbard where this a good population. Standing above all others is the might Polar bear which has a stronghold in Svalbard with over 3,000 inhabiting the archipelago. Yes, you'll get cheap (but limited options), however, booking 1-2 years in advance is generally cheaper.
Svalbard boasts a myriad of highlights, including the vibrant settlements of Longyearbyen and Spitsbergen. These remote outposts provide a glimpse into the resilience of human life in the Arctic. As your ship navigates through the icy waters, you'll have the privilege of witnessing monumental glaciers calving into the sea, while keeping a lookout for polar bears roaming the pack ice. From the deck, marvel at the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks and the serenity of the Arctic tundra stretching as far as the eye can see.
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