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Svalbard
- Trip dates: June 6th - 13th 2025
- 8 days
- 7 nights
itinerary
A voyage to Svalbard is a one in a lifetime adventure, so we made sure we got you:
- The best Travel Fam for a fun & fulfilling voyage.
- The best vessel for a comfortable journey.
- The best season to experience Arctic Circle wildlife.
- The best price, because you shouldn’t pay more for all of the above.
Look no further, it’s time to realize your dream visit to the Arctic Circle with us!
Day 1: Longyearbyen
- Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the world’s northernmost town, where you’ll board the Ocean Albatros for an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Experience the chill of the Arctic breeze as you step onto the tarmac, with towering mountains and glaciers in the distance. After a mandatory safety briefing, our expedition vessel sets course for adventure, leaving civilization behind.
Day 2 & 3: Northwest Spitzbergen
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In the early days of human exploration, North West Svalbard witnessed the devastating onslaught of English and Dutch whalers, pillaging its abundant marine life from the triple junction of land, sea, and ice. Today, amidst the Arctic’s rewilded wilderness, careful vigilance is maintained for wandering polar bears, while seabirds flock to raise their young, and Arctic flowers bloom defiantly amidst the harsh conditions.
Day 4: Northeast Svalbard
- In the morning, we venture into the vast icy wilderness of northeastern Svalbard, characterized by rocky polar desert landscapes and glaciers flowing into the sea, often choked with ice even in summer due to the absence of warming ocean currents. Despite its seemingly barren appearance, this region teems with life; Arctic foxes roam the chilly shores, while hundreds of thousands of seabirds tend to their nests on rocky cliffs above. The cold coastal waters are remarkably productive, hosting abundant shellfish that attract walruses. Our itinerary will adapt to the ever-changing sea, wind, and ice conditions, embracing the essence of polar exploration—following Mother Nature’s rhythms and seizing opportunities for discovery.
Day 5: North Svalbard
- Now we reach some of the northernmost pieces of land on Earth – the northerly coasts of Svalbard, barren landscapes almost permanently beset by ice. With luck we may reach the island of Nordaustlandet and hopefully the seven (or nine, depending on how you count) smaller islands of Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard. The almost vegetation-free, rocky islands are located around 1000 km more northernly than mainland Norway’s famous Nordkapp.
- Weather permitting, we will land and walk upon these most northern landmasses. The high Arctic islands are quite barren, and only moss and lichens cover the stones. The birdlife is rich in this area, with flocks of grazing geese and some of the rarer gulls frequently seen on these islands. Definitely bring your binoculars!
- At the end of the day, we will start cruising towards the Arctic ice pack which stretches from Svalbard to the North Pole.
Day 6: Into the Ice
- The vast ever-changing ice pack to the north of Svalbard stretches from this already isolated archipelago to the North Pole, and onwards across the Arctic Ocean towards the northern shores of Chukotka and Alaska.
- The Arctic ice pack is one of Earth’s largest habitats, although unlike most it varies hugely year on year, expanding in winter and retreating in summer. The location of the sea ice around Svalbard can also vary wildly – however, your Expedition Leader will work hard to maximise our chances of finding and exploring this impossibly remote environment. At first glance, this stark white wilderness seems barren, empty and lifeless. This icy wilderness holds on to its mysteries, and of course wildlife sightings are at the whims of Mother NatureWith a little perseverance however, the ice reveals its secrets.
- This is the kingdom of the polar bear, the vast icy wastes at the top of the world.
Day 7: Kongsfjorden Area
- During the ‘night’ (what is night, when the sun never sets?), Ocean Albatros will have repositioned past the saw-toothed mountains of Prins Karls Forland and arrived in magnificent Kongsfjord. Surrounded by craggy mountains, bounded by the magnificent Kongsbreen and Kongvegen Glaciers, and crowned by the Three Crowns (a set of pyramidal mountains said to represent the monarchies of Norway, Sweden and Denmark), this is surely one of the most beautiful and tranquil corners anywhere in the world.
- Our first landing will be at the small settlement of Ny Ålesund. Situated further north than Longyearbyen, Ny-Ålesund is Earth’s northernmost settlement, if a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours can be described as such… You will have to judge for yourself!
- The setting is spectacular, and the scientific projects are as fascinating as the history of the town, which has hosted the Nobile, the Norge and the Fram, Amundsen, Nansen and Nordenskiöld, all legends of polar exploration who passed this lonely outpost seeking to push the boundaries of humanity. The remnants of these expeditions (such as the mooring mast of the Norge) can still be seen today.
Day 8: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. Disembarkation
- During the evening, the Ocean Albatros will reposition to return to the port of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic!
- After enjoying exploring Longyearbyen and a fond farewell to the crew and fellow guests of Ocean Albatros, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.
Included
Not included
THE BEST TRAVEL FAM!
You dont want to be stuck in a boat to the Arctic with the wrong people. Experiences are all about the company, so share this adventure with the best possible Travel Fam!EXPEDITION LEADER: ALVARO
This Svalbard Expedition will be led by Alvaro, our founder.COMFORTABLE & HIGH QUALITY VESSEL
Enjoy the comforts and amenities of the Ocean Albatros, our vessel for this voyage. Built in 2021, the unique X-Bow design of the Ocean Albatros vessel offers exceptional stability at sea, giving you a smoother ride across some of Earth's most challenging waters. It has a max capacity for 170 people.ACCOMODATION
On Board the Ocean Albatros vessel: Category F: Triple Cabin Porthole. (For Category C State Cabin - Triple or Porthole Twin room, price will be different and depending on availability).GYM, SPA AND OTHER AMENITIES
Other activities onboard include the ship Gym, where you can burn some calories on the fitness bicycles or treadmills. The new purpose-built ships have a Spa, in which guests can enjoy massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments (additional cost applies). The Library is a great place to rest between outings, with expansive views and a wide selection of Arctic-related reading material. During your voyage you will also be able to enjoy the tea time in the late afternoon, or indulge in some retail therapy in the onboard shop, which sells personal necessities as well as specially-selected Arctic souvenirs.ZODIAC LANDINGS
Some sites do not offer landing opportunities, but are locations where exploring on the water offers the best opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife and photography. These Zodiac cruise sites are often known for their concentration of ice, wildlife and even historical landmarks such as whaling stations, where our fleet of Zodiacs offer the best vantage point. This would be the only scenario you may have to wait on the ship (other than in adverse weather conditions), but the team will always aim to offer an onboard program during this time, such as seminars given by the knowledgeable and experienced Lecturer team. Zodiac cruises are great for observing icebergs, glaciers, whales, and other marine wildlife. Your skilled driver will navigate around the area looking for wildlife and beautiful landscapes. By the end of the voyage, Zodiac cruises tend to become a firm favourite among our guests because of the vast diversity of scenery and marine life it is possible to experience.MEALS: FULL BOARD ON THE SHIP
Buffet Breakfast and à la carte lunch & dinner, snacks + free tea and coffee available 24 hours while on the vessel. Dinner drink package.COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS
Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our à-la-carte dinners). Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties.LECTURES
The primary focus is knowledge, and Ocean Albatros crew apply this to every aspect of a journey. From the staff that forms their team, to the routes ship follows, and of course, the program onboard.LANDINGS
Guided walks with the expedition team and Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary. The goal for the days spent exploring in Svalbard is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible (weather permitting). Weather dependent, we will try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise. Landings are a great opportunity to stretch your legs and set foot on shore to visit the wildlife colonies, historical sites, and dramatic landscapes of Svalbard. Our experienced Expedition Team will be on shore to help you spot any wildlife, historical remains and geological and biological features, as well as keep our guests safe on shore from any potential hazards. Remember that Svalbard holds a significant population of polar bears; while encounters are rare, these large wild animals can be dangerous. For that reason, when ashore in Svalbard our specially trained staff always prioritise the safety of our guests, and freedom to roam and hike in the area may be limited. We remind all visitors that this is for their own safety, and the safety of polar bears on Svalbard.TAXES, TARRIFS, ANLD LANDING FEES
EXPEDITION BOOTS
Expedition Boots: Ocean Albatros offer boots for loan for wet landings during the voyage. They have boots in the size 35 to 47 (EU sizes)
June 6th – 13th 2025
Our Selection Process takes only 10 minutes and it helps us create the best travel family!
FAQ
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?
Wander Expedition does not handle flight bookings on your behalf and is not ultimately responsible for your flight connection. However, we can provide guidance and support as you research the best options for your journey.
WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?
This Expedition is designed for everyone seeking a fun time, off-the-beaten-path exploration, the opportunity to make new travel friends, and create unforgettable travel stories.
We are offering this Expedition with a high quality vessel and affordable price. If you are planning to visit Svalbard and the Arctic Circle, this is the best way to do it with the best travel Fam!
PASSPORT & VISA
Each guest is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements (Norway is visa free for most nationalities) for the duration of the trip. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after arriving home from your destination.
TYPICAL EXPEDITION DAY
Leaving Longyearbyen, your expedition vessel will proceed onwards into Svalbard to explore the unknown. The goal for the days spent exploring in Svalbard is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible (weather permitting). Weather dependent, we will try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise.
Typically, there will be a morning activity after breakfast and an afternoon activity after lunch. We always try our hardest to meet this expectation, but because weather in the Arctic can be extremely unpredictable, we ask everyone to be mindful of our remote location and thank everyone in advance for their flexibility. Activities we offer include landings, Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. Regulations in Svalbard limit the number of people ashore at any time, so we will usually aim to offer a Zodiac cruise while our first group of guests are ashore, and reverse this for the second group ashore to maximise exploration time. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.
LANDING ON SVALBARD
Landings are a great opportunity to stretch your legs and set foot on shore to visit the wildlife colonies, historical sites, and dramatic landscapes of Svalbard. Our experienced Expedition Team will be on shore to help you spot any wildlife, historical remains and geological and biological features, as well as keep our guests safe on shore from any potential hazards. Remember that Svalbard holds a significant population of polar bears; while encounters are rare, these large wild animals can be dangerous. For that reason, when ashore in Svalbard our specially trained staff always prioritise the safety of our guests, and freedom to roam and hike in the area may be limited. We remind all visitors that this is for their own safety, and the safety of polar bears on Svalbard.
GEARING UP: WHAT TO BRING
We highly recommend to our guests to dress in layers (ideally in woollen or synthetic fibers) and wear a backpack so that layers can be adjusted as the weather dictates. Warm/waterproof layers, hats, waterproof gloves and scarves are recommended for all excursions off the vessel, even on the sunniest days – the weather can deteriorate rapidly at any time. Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm) is also essential – the low angle of the Arctic sun combined with cool ambient temperatures can cause sunburn to easily go unnoticed until it is too late!
Unlike many areas of the Arctic, Svalbard does not host mosquitos or other biting insects. Bear in mind however that mainland Norway does! Head nets, long sleeved clothing and repellant are essential if you plan on extending your visit!
ARCTIC TEMPERATURES: Navigating the Climate of the White Continent
Arctic weather is famously unpredictable. Svalbard experiences midnight sun from April to late August, bringing with it warmer and calmer weather. Summer temperatures tend to range between 4-10°C (39-50°F); due to the constant sunlight, temperatures in summer rarely drop below freezing, although frost and snow showers can occur at any time.
Extended periods of sunshine can warm up sheltered areas significantly, and these can feel warm (even hot) on calm windless days. However, the weather in Svalbard is heavily influenced by the last gasp of warm water currents from the Gulf Stream, which can bring rapidly changing conditions. Fog, wind and rain can occur at any time, even on the warmest sunniest days, leading to rapid drops in temperature. We therefore remind our guests to be prepared for all weather conditions!
SAFETY AND SECURITY ON BOARD
The ship comply with all safety regulations and are ice-class vessels suitable for sailing in polar environments. Upon arrival on the vessel, there will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure. They will provide security information and practical details regarding life onboard and introduce key personnel. You will be informed where the safety equipment is located and how it is used. Each stateroom is equipped with lifejackets. Once onboard, please familiarize yourself with the ship’s emergency rescue plan.
SEASICKNESS AND STABILISATORS
The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness medication work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling.
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