Realm of the Polar Bear - 8 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
10 - 100Start / End
- Longyearbyen
- Longyearbyen
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 128Meals included
20Highlights
- Journey into the Realm of the Polar Bear: Embark on an 8-day expedition deep into the Svalbard archipelago, offering unparalleled opportunities for close-up encounters with the majestic polar bear and a host of other Arctic wildlife in their pristine, icy domain.
- Breathtaking Glacial & Fjord Landscapes: Marvel at the dramatic scenery of ice-covered seas, towering glaciers spilling into the ocean, and spectacular fjords, all under the eternal daylight of the Arctic summer.
- Dynamic Exploration by Sea and Land: Experience the polar wilderness through exhilarating Zodiac cruises along ice edges to spot seals and walrus, alongside opportunities for guided walks on shore, immersing you in this magnificent environment.
- Rich Wildlife Spectacle: Beyond polar bears, delight in observing lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and vibrant colonies of seabirds, and keep a keen eye out for large whales drawn to nutrient-rich waters on later-season voyages.
- Expert-Guided Arctic Adventure: Travel with a dedicated team of professional naturalists and lecturers aboard your comfortable expedition ship, enhancing your understanding of the Arctic's unique ecosystem, geography, and history through engaging lectures and discussions.
- Comfort and Discovery Aboard Your Expedition Ship: Enjoy seven nights of ocean-facing accommodation on the Expedition vessel, providing a warm and welcoming base as you explore one of the world's most remote and awe-inspiring destinations.
- Embark on an extraordinary expedition into the 'Realm of the Polar Bear', seeking thrilling close-up encounters with these iconic Arctic monarchs, alongside abundant wildlife like lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and vibrant bird colonies.
- Be captivated by a pristine world of towering icebergs and magnificent glaciers, as you cruise through serene, ice-covered seas and dramatic fjords, where breathtaking mountain vistas meet the ocean's edge.
- Immerse yourself in the Arctic's raw beauty with dynamic explorations by ship, exhilarating Zodiac cruises along the ice edge for wildlife viewing, and insightful guided excursions on foot, bringing you closer to this remote wilderness.
- Enrich your journey with an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers, offering stimulating insights into the region's unique ornithology, marine biology, geology, and history, making every sighting a deeper learning experience.
- Experience the magic of perpetual daylight during the season, providing ample opportunities for unparalleled wildlife viewing and capturing stunning photographs of the dramatic landscapes and diverse inhabitants of the high Arctic.
- Enjoy seven nights aboard the well-appointed Expedition ship, ensuring comfort throughout your adventure. Benefit from essential gear like insulated, waterproof boots and an expedition parka, supplied to keep you warm and ready for every exploration.
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Summary
From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land we dare only to explore a few months of the year.
Itinerary
Day 1
Longyearbyen/Svalbard
Transfer from Longyearbyen to the Expedition for a late afternoon embarkation. Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.
All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).
Day 2
Svalbard
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search! Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.
Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.
The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.
Day 3
Svalbard
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search! Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.
Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.
The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.
Day 4
Svalbard
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search! Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.
Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.
The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.
Day 5
Svalbard
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search! Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.
Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.
The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.
Day 6
Svalbard
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search! Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.
Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.
The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.
Day 7
Svalbard
This voyage is spent travelling in the world in which the polar bear survives. Our wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting wildlife like the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Ice and weather conditions permitting we can explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be brought to land to visit historical sites and experience the tundra. We are always on the lookout for wildlife, ranging from endangered and rare polar species to sea mammals and birds. And, of course, we'll have our eyes peeled for polar bears - they can be found all throughout this region, but finding them can require patience and persistence. Come join us in the search! Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore more of the archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.
Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. During these six days visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea.
Possibility to cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs.
The evening of our last full day of adventure will find the expedition ship anchored off Longyearbyen.
Day 8
Svalbard/Longyearbyen
On the departure day, there will be transfers available to the Longyearbyen airport for all passengers with flights scheduled.
What's Included
Accommodation
Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 7 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 7
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Jun 2026
from £3,149Jul 2026
from £2,799Jun 2027
from £3,999Jul 2027
from £3,999
- Save 25%Mon 6 Jul 2026 > Mon 13 Jul 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 128 left£4,199£3,149Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 30%Mon 13 Jul 2026 > Mon 20 Jul 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 128 left£3,999Best offer£2,799Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 30%Mon 20 Jul 2026 > Mon 27 Jul 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 128 left£4,199£2,939Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 25%Mon 27 Jul 2026 > Mon 3 Aug 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 128 left£3,999£2,999Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
Amazing ship, guides, and food
Lara Oct, 2019 Verified- ein sehr engagiertes Expeditionsteam - wunderschöne Tierbeobachtungen - gute Stimmung an Bord
Doris Sep, 2019 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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