Svalbard
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located north of mainland Scandinavia and to the east of Northeast Greenland. Positioned between 74 and 81°N, it is about as far north as any ship can reach without the power of an icebreaker. It is a protected area making it one of the best places in the Arctic to find wildlife including polar bears, walrus, arctic fox, reindeer, birds and whales.
With ice strengthened hulls, ships will be able to get into the young pack ice on the North and/or East side of Spitsbergen searching for polar bears in their natural habitat. With high chances for seeing wildlife, towering mountains and large glaciers, Svalbard makes an excellent first trip to the Arctic. We offer a variety of Svalbard cruises on ships ranging in size from 12 to 200 guests.
Discover Svalbard’s Breathtaking Wilderness & Wildlife
A protected region, Svalbard is one of the best places in the Arctic to observe diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. Travelers have the opportunity to witness:
- Polar bears prowling the sea ice
- Walruses lounging on ice floes
- Arctic foxes blending into the tundra
- Svalbard reindeer grazing on the sparse vegetation
- A variety of bird species soaring over dramatic fjords and nesting on the cliffs
- Whales surfacing in the icy waters
Svalbard’s combination of incredible wildlife, accessibility, and striking scenery makes it an excellent introduction to the Arctic.
Choose Your Perfect Svalbard Cruise
We offer a selection of Svalbard cruises on vessels ranging from intimate 12-guest yachts to expedition ships accommodating up to 200 passengers. Whether you seek a small-group adventure or a more luxurious Arctic experience, we have the perfect voyage for you.
Start Your Arctic Journey Today!
Explore our available Svalbard cruises and experience the magic of the High Arctic firsthand.
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Svalbard FAQ’s
What is the difference between Svalbard and Spitsbergen?
Svalbard refers to the whole archipelago of islands where Spitsbergen is the largest island in the archipelago.
Where do Svalbard cruises begin and end?
Most voyages begin and/or end in Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is located on Spitsbergen and is accessible by flights from Oslo, Tromso or charter flights from Helisinki. The scheduled domestic flights between Oslo/Tromso and Longyearbyen are operated on SAS (Scandinavian Airlines).
Are you guaranteed to see polar bears on all Svalbard cruises?
While there are excellent chances for seeing wildlife, no specific wildlife sightings can be guaranteed in advance. Polar bears and other arctic wildlife are nomadic and skittish. The expedition staff will do their best to spot the wildlife, but to avoid disappointment, it’s best to go with an open mind and not set specific wildlife expectations in advance.
What are the new rules regarding polar bear viewing in Svalbard?
Starting January 1, 2025 there will be a requirement to keep a minimum distance from polar bears. The minimum distance is 500 meters from March 1 – June 30 and 300 meters from July 1 – February 28. We recommend traveling with a good pair of binoculars and a telephoto lens.
