Table Of Content

This island is the resting place of AndrĂ©e’s Arctic balloon expedition of 1897, which was one of the great mysteries of the Arctic for decades. The Svalbard archipelago has nine main islands; some of these islands are connected by sea ice and expedition cruises are the only safe way to move between them. A lot of these islands are national parks, in fact, Svalbard has seven national parks in total.
Sea Kayaking in Scotland
These two sites are at the entrance to the southern arm of Bellsund - Van Keulenfjorden. Both sites, and the area between them, are scattered with remains from the Beluga, the white whale, that was hunted for the blubber and skin. There are piles of bleached bones and upturned wooden boats that were left when the area was abandoned in the 1930’s.
What is an Expedition Micro Cruise?
Regardless of the exact route, the expedition will build into its climax. Enjoy the best of Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea. Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers, keep watch for arctic fox, and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters.
Days Extensive Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis
A Look at the 2023 Summer Season in the Arctic - Cruise Industry News
A Look at the 2023 Summer Season in the Arctic.
Posted: Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, their Norway cruise—which includes the fjords and Svalbard—is one of their most popular bookings. They’ve been traveling to Svalbard since 1972—it’s one of their staple cruises—and it quickly sells out. Welcome to ExpeditionCruise.net, the web’s most authoritative information portal on adventure and expedition cruising.
Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances. ‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible.
In the Realm of the Polar Bear Circumnavigating Spitsbergen
For those interested in a little extra excitement, there are optional activities designed to get you closer to the action. Our Svalabrd expeditions provide a mix of comfort and adventure; for those willing to explore this remote Norwegian archipelago the memories will last a lifetime. Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the High Arctic between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The polar summer spans from May to September, where the Midnight Sun’s beautiful colours and contrasts adds an extra dimension to Svalbard’s glaciers, majestic mountains and Arctic tundra. This is the best time to enjoy outside exploration and take in this frozen land. MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917.
Some two thirds of the island is a relatively flat plain with shallow freshwater lakes and Ramsar Wetland, while the entire island and the surrounding waters are a Nature Reserve. This extensive fjord system has impressive scenery and numerous glaciers that is great to explore by ship whilst being on the watch out for bears. On shore you will be able to explore the Arctic tundra; keeping watch for arctic fox, hare and reindeer. Selected voyages may also allow you to don snowshoes or skis to travel across the snow. Yet despite its small size, Longyearbyen packs a punch when it comes to attractions. The Svalbard Museum offers a comprehensive insight into the archipelago's history, from its early exploration to the coal mining era, and the rich biodiversity that calls this polar region home.
Hundreds Of Passengers Stranded After Cruise Ship Runs Aground In Greenland - Forbes
Hundreds Of Passengers Stranded After Cruise Ship Runs Aground In Greenland.
Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time to See Polar Bears
This island is off the NE coast of Nordaustlandet and there is a very large Walrus colony, with lots of mothers with young. On the NW side of Bellsund, this is a huge Little Auk colony amongst the extensivescree on the side of the mountain ridges above the landing beach. The largest glacier on Spitsbergen that flows into the NW sector of Storfjorden with the longest front to any glacier in Svalbard where it reaches the sea. Travelers should also consider supporting local businesses and community-driven initiatives in Longyearbyen.
MS Spitsbergen preview is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of traveling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the 'Sports Route'. The 24 hours of daylight during high summer means photographers can literally go all day and many animals use this time to build up reserves for winter. If you're looking for predation shots then this is a great time to go. Photography is a major draw for people looking to take a Svalbard cruise. The wildlife, epic landscape and gorgeous light make the archipelago an photographer's dream.
The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. On the drive to Camp Barentz, located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. Once at Camp Barentz we enjoy a presentation in the large ‘lavvo’ - a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up some souvenirs.
If the conditions allow, we will sail along the coast exploring places such as Krosssfjorden, home to majestic glaciers, and some of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords and scenery. There is the chance of landing to explore the geology, but with lots of scouting first to make sure there is not a hidden bear. The surrounding mountains provide some spectacular scenery and some impressive geology. But few cruise ships go further into this deep fjord, preferring to do landings in Bellsund, and to ship cruise into Hornsund. The tundra is also great for plants and wildlife, from geese to Arctic Terns.

Often seen close to the foot of bird cliffs in Svalbard hunting for food, the fur of these spritely creatures is white in the winter and brown in the summer. Explore the realm of the polar bear with our expert wildlife spotting guides. A small ship allows excellent flexibility to maximize polar bear encounters with minimal disturbance.
This is when the region experiences the Midnight Sun, providing extended daylight hours for exploration and photography. During this time, the sea ice recedes, allowing for easier navigation and better wildlife sightings. The landscapes are adorned with vibrant flora, and various bird species nest in the cliffs. The summer season in Svalbard showcases the Arctic at its most vibrant and accessible, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
No comments:
Post a Comment