Ship
m/v Plancius
Photography Focussed
Embarkation
Longyearbyen
Disembarkation
Longyearbyen
Starting Price
6875 USD
On Ground Assistance
Skipper
Deepak Shankar
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 10-day Arctic expedition that takes you on a complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. This once-in-a-lifetime journey explores dramatic glaciers, towering mountain ranges, remote fjords, vast pack ice, and untouched Arctic wilderness in search of one of the world's most iconic predators—the polar bear. Along the way, you'll encounter walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, whales, and spectacular seabird colonies while sailing aboard the expedition vessel m/v Plancius. Guided by experienced expedition leaders and naturalists, this voyage offers exceptional wildlife photography opportunities, Zodiac cruises, shore landings, and unforgettable encounters in one of the most pristine environments on Earth.
Who should join this expedition?
This expedition is designed for wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, adventure travellers, and anyone who dreams of exploring the High Arctic. Whether you're an experienced photographer looking to photograph polar bears in their natural habitat or simply wish to experience one of the planet's last great wildernesses, this journey offers an incredible blend of exploration, education, and adventure. It is equally suitable for solo travellers, couples, and small groups seeking an immersive Arctic experience with expert guidance throughout.
Top Highlights
- Complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, covering remote regions rarely visited by conventional cruises.
- Outstanding opportunities to photograph polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales, seals, and seabirds.
- Explore dramatic Arctic landscapes through Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings.
- Sail aboard the expedition ship m/v Plancius with experienced expedition leaders and naturalists.
- Visit iconic Arctic locations including Ny-Ålesund, Hinlopen Strait, Seven Islands, Monaco Glacier, Hornsund, and Bellsund.
- Learn wildlife photography techniques while photographing the Arctic's unique light and landscapes.
- Experience one of the world's most pristine wilderness destinations with a small group of like-minded explorers.
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 :
6 July 2027 – Largest Town, Biggest Island
Day 02 :
7 July 2027 – Clockwise Circumnavigation of West Spitsbergen – Krossfjorden & Ny-Ålesund
Day 03 :
8 July 2027 – The Massive Monaco Glacier
Day 04 :
9 July 2027 – Stop at the Seven Islands
Day 05 :
10 July 2027 – Highlights of Hinlopen
Day 06 :
11 July 2027 – Storfjorden's Many Bounties
Our guides will tailor drives based on current animal movement and sightings.
Day 07 :
12 July 2027 – Land of the Pointed Mountains
Day 08 :
13 July 2027 – Bell Sund's Flora, Fauna & Hunting History
Morning by road departure back to Nairobi for onward international flights
Day 09 :
14 July 2027 – Expedition Cruising & Wildlife Exploration (Route Based on Ice & Weather Conditions)
Day 10 :
15 July 2027 – There and Back Again
