Ship
m/v Hondius
Photography Focussed
Embarkation
Longyearbyen
Disembarkation
Longyearbyen
Starting Price
5280 USD
On Ground Assistance
Skipper
Deepak Shankar
Overview
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the High Arctic on this 8-day North Spitsbergen Explorer expedition, an adventure focused on the spectacular fjords, glaciers, pack ice, and wildlife-rich coastlines of northern Spitsbergen. Sailing aboard the expedition vessel m/v Hondius, this journey offers outstanding opportunities to encounter polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, Arctic foxes, and thousands of nesting seabirds amidst some of the Arctic's most dramatic landscapes. Combining Zodiac cruises, guided shore excursions, and expert-led wildlife interpretation, this expedition is perfect for those looking to experience the magic of Svalbard while enjoying exceptional photography opportunities and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Who should join this expedition?
This expedition is ideal for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, nature lovers, and adventurous travellers who wish to experience the Arctic without undertaking a full circumnavigation. Whether you're new to expedition cruising or an experienced explorer returning to Svalbard, this journey provides incredible opportunities to photograph Arctic wildlife, learn from experienced expedition guides, and immerse yourself in one of the world's most remote and beautiful environments. It's well suited for solo travellers, couples, families with older children, and anyone passionate about wildlife and exploration.
Top Highlights
- Explore the spectacular fjords, glaciers, and pack ice of North Spitsbergen aboard the expedition vessel m/v Hondius.
- Search for polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, whales, seals, and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat.
- Visit renowned Arctic locations including Raudfjord, Monaco Glacier, Hinlopen Strait, Seven Islands, and Alkefjellet bird cliffs.
- Enjoy daily Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings led by experienced expedition staff and naturalists.
- Exceptional opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography under the Arctic's unique summer light.
- Travel with a small group of like-minded explorers while learning about Arctic ecology, wildlife behaviour, and conservation.
- Optional activities such as kayaking allow you to experience the Arctic from an entirely different perspective.
Included and Excluded
- Accommodation onboard m/v Plancius in the selected cabin category
- All meals throughout the voyage (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
- Tea, coffee and drinking water onboard
- Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings
- Services of experienced expedition leaders and naturalists
- Daily lectures and wildlife briefings
- Use of rubber boots during the expedition
- Airport transfer (Longyearbyen airport to ship and return)
- All port taxes and harbour fees
- AECO visitor fee and government taxes
- Comprehensive pre-departure information package
- International airfare to and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Passport, visa and personal documentation costs
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses, laundry and onboard purchases
- Gratuities for expedition staff and crew
- Optional activities (if applicable)
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions
Itinerary
Day 01 :
8 June 2027 – Largest Town, Biggest Island
Day 02 :
9 June 2027 – Raudfjorden
Day 03 :
10 June 2027 – Monaco Glacier
Day 04 :
11 June 2027 – Highlights of Hinlopen
Day 05 :
12 June 2027 – The Seven Islands
Day 06 :
13 June 2027 – Sailing the Continental Shelf
Our guides will tailor drives based on current animal movement and sightings.
Day 07 :
14 June 2027 – Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord or Alkhornet
Day 08 :
5 June 2027 – There and Back Again
Morning by road departure back to Nairobi for onward international flights
