Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard - 10 Days
Onboard National Geographic Endurance – 138 passengers
Sail to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, one of the best places on the planet to see polar bears in their native habitat. Over the past 50+ years, our ace spotters have given our guests multiple opportunities to experience close sightings. In addition to the bears, we’ll be on the lookout for walrus, reindeer, elusive arctic foxes, fur seals, and numerous species of birds. The archipelago offers unique hikes, with artful, sculptural arrangements of whale bones on pebbled beaches and the ghostly remains of trapper’s huts.
Hightlights:
- Search for polar bears and walrus alongside our veteran spotters
- Explore under the midnight sun and take advantage of spectacular photo ops with tips from a National Geographic Photography Expert
- Sail up to rock-wall rookeries teeming with thousands of birds, see pelagic birds from the ship’s rail when we’re underway, and Zodiac cruise near a cloud of feeding arctic terns
- Actively explore––kayak, Zodiac cruise, hike, and walk
- Hike the spongy tundra in search of reindeer, Arctic fox, and a variety of endemic plants
Tour Dates
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Jun 7 - Jun 16, 2025 (10 days)
Itinerary
Day 1: Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After lunch, our introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen & Embark Ship
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas over icy fjords and the Barents Sea enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival to this Arctic outpost, explore the world’s northernmost settlement, which has morphed from a coal mining hub to a base for exploration and science in recent history. Witness daily life and delve into this history before embarking. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8: Exploring Svalbard
We operate in true expedition style, letting nature dictate our day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. Our fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship probes deep into the ice where the polar bears forage, walrus sun themselves, and the Svalbard reindeer roam. Join our spotters on the Bridge as we scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home, like beluga, fin, and minke. There’s no greater thrill than a sighting that brings everyone rushing to the bow or Bridge for a close-up view.
Sail deep into protected bays and fjords, where even a novice kayaker can comfortably paddle surrounded by sparkling bergs and dramatic mountains. Video from our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below us during Recaps with our multi-talented field staff. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Disembark & Fly to Oslo
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Fly back to Oslo on a private charter flight, enjoy dinner with fellow guests, and overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Oslo
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for the return flight home. Meals Included: Breakfast
Route Map
Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard
Jun 7 - Jun 16, 2025 (10 days)Paddling
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
Category 7
These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table; two single beds that can convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk and chair; espresso maker; hammock; and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, and rain shower. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, priority access to one igloo reservation, and one spa appointment per departure.
Bridge Deck: #708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721
Category 6
Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table; two single beds that convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; coffee table; espresso maker; and a closet. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one igloo reservation, and one spa appointment per departure.
Bridge Deck: #714
Category 5
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.
Bridge Deck: #700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717
Category 4
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table; two single beds that can convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.
Lounge Deck: #608, 610, 612, 613-623
Category 3
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; convertible sleeper sofa; writing desk with a chair; two bedside tables; coffee table; and a closet.
Main Deck: #512-524
Category 2
Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Fore Deck: #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427
Category 1
Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
Fore Deck: #406, 408, 411, 413, 415
Category A Solo
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed; writing desk with an office chair; and a closet.
Main Deck: #504-510, 513
Category B Solo
Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed; writing desk with chair; hammock; and a closet.
Lounge Deck: #604-607, 609, 611
Deck Plan
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary parka or jacket.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
