HIGHLIGHTS
Search for whales, seabirds, and other exotic wildlife among the remote islands of Northern Norway and beyond.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
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| Start Date | End Date | Quad Porthole | Triple Porthole | Twin Porthole | Twin Window | Twin Deluxe | Superior |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Quad Porthole | (Mid-range)
Twin Window | (High-end)
Superior |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Northward bound
We
board the vessel at midday in the Dutch port town of Vlissingen, headed
north. Far north.
Day
2: Sea life on the move
Crossing
the North Sea and sailing by Dogger Bank, we stand an excellent chance
of spotting minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.
Several other cetaceans, including orcas (killer whales), might also be
seen in these waters.
Day
3 – 4: North along the Norwegian coast
We
continue north along the Norwegian coast, sometimes close to shore and
sometimes more distant. During these days at sea, keep a close lookout
for spouts of water that may announce the arrival of minke, fin, orca,
or blue whales.
Especially
near the famous fishing grounds of Fröya and Sklinna Banken,
we have a decent chance of spotting these species. As we progress
farther into the northern latitudes, you will notice the daylight
lasting longer and longer.
Day
5: Bodø near Saltstraumen
Passing
the Arctic Circle and sailing by Skomvaer and Røst, we may
see several species of large bird around the mountains of southern
Lofoten. Meanwhile we’ll sail among a multitude of small
islands in the Norwegian municipality of Bodø, the center of
the Nordland province, not far from the famous strait of Saltstraumen.
More passengers will join our voyage in Bodø.
Day
6: Searching for sperm whales near Andøya
Today
we sail close to the islands of Andøya and
Bleiksøya, where we can see a beautiful seabird colony
before positioning our ship.
We’ll
stop at the head of a submarine canyon roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) west
of the northern end of Andøya.
In
this active area, sperm whales are known to emerge from depths of up to
1,000 meters (3,300 feet) after half an hour underwater.
Day
7: Under the midnight sun and into the Barents Sea
As
we look for more whales and seabirds, we sail north into the Barents
Sea. Here we get into the low Arctic waters, where the weather and sea
can sometimes be rough.
But
the conditions will be worth it, as we should still be able to see many
birds on their migration to the islands of Svalbard.
Day
8: The seabird colonies of Bear Island
We
arrive at the southeastern end of Bear Island, a great place for
viewing large seabird colonies. The nearby nesting cliffs are part of
an extensive nature reserve where large ships are not allowed to sail.
But
with our Zodiacs, we might be able to cruise near colonies made up
chiefly of Brünnichs guillemots and kittiwakes.
Afterward
we’ll sail northeast into Sorhamna, where we can get even
closer to the seabird cliffs.
Just
north of this, in Kvalrossbukta, we will see the remains of a whaling
station from early in the previous century.
We
might also make a landing in a shallow valley and look for (at a safe
distance) great skuas, large seabirds known to be fiercely territorial.
As
we continue north along the east side of Bear Island, we may encounter
dazzling shoals of drift ice.
Day
9: Sailing among the sea ice
Today
we sail along and through sea ice drifting with the east Spitsbergen
current.
Near
Sørkapp we may sail into Storfjorden to the east of
Spitsbergen, where we have a good chance of seeing harp seals from the
White Sea molting and lounging on the sea ice.
Bearded
seal sightings are also possible here, and the ice edge is a good area
to look for fin whales.
Day
10: Land of the Pointed Mountains
If
the sea ice is favorable, we’ll start the day by cruising the
side fjords of the Hornsund area, taking in all the towering peaks:
Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect
illustration of why early Dutch explorers named the island Spitsbergen,
meaning "pointed mountains." There are 14 sizable glaciers in this spot
as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar
bears.
Day
11: Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history
Today
we’ll continue to Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems
in Svalbard.
The
ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the
archipelago, which leads to relatively lush vegetation. Here there are
excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife.
A
possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van
Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These
remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a sad reminder of
unrestrained exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into
extinction, and we have a good chance of coming across a pod.
As
an alternative, we might cruise the side fjords of Bellsund, exploring
tundra where reindeer like to feed and rock slopes where little auks
often nest.
Day
12: There and back again
Every
adventure, no matter how great, must eventually come to an end. We
disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany us
wherever the next journey lies.
But
if you’re still craving additional chances to spot polar
bears, stay on board for our seven-night North Spitsbergen voyage, "in
search of polar bears & pack ice."
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All
meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee
and tea.
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program
of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff.
- Free
use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers
and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for
those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO
fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive
pre-departure material.
Excluded
from this voyage
- Any
airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre-
and post- land arrangements.
- Passport
and visa expenses.
- Government
arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals
ashore.
- Baggage,
cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess
baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry,
bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The
customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other
service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
ADVENTURE OPTIONS - Zodiac Cruising & Shore Programs
- Shored-based Walking
