SVALBARD
SOUTH TOUR
7 DAYS

Please note: This tour schedule can only be viewed as an example. The complete tour depends on the weather and ice conditions. It is possible that plans will have to be changed during the trip!

Day 1: The anchor is lifted

We move into the cabins on board and the final preparations for the tour take place (e.g. loading of provisions and checking the technical equipment).

Our tour ship leaves Longyearbyen in the early afternoon, and sets course towards Isfjord and the fjord estuary later on. Once leaving the harbor there is already a chance to encounter a pod of belugas (white whales) that can number up to several hundred. Sea encounters with seals and walruses are also possible.

Northern fulmars and other seabirds will accompany us most of the time. Depending on the weather forecast we will decide if we spend the night near the entrance to the fjord, or if we continue further south and anchor here.

Day 2: Walrus colonies

After breakfast we lift anchor and might find small walrus colonies. In the entrance to the Bellsund often strong currents prevail, which provide a large food supply.

We have observed thousands of seabirds gather here like gullemots, auks and puffins to dive for krill and small fish. Also, in the are there are some good dive sites which we may visit.

Day 3: Through the fjords

We continue our journey into the fjords. We will be on a special lookout for beluga whales.

Especially polar bear mothers with their cubs often avoid areas with many male bears. Male polar bears can become dangerous to the cubs as they want to mate with the female. Therefore, in these areas of lower polar bear density but with a relatively large number of seals, there is also a good chance of observing mothers with a few weeks old cubs.

4th – 6th day: Arctic impressions

Searching for wildlife and getting amazed by the beautiful scenery. We will see glaciers, mountains and valleys while crossing the fjords.

We will visit places that witnessed human activities in the Arctic. Often you can find wooden ship wrecks and other debris washed on the beach. And despite of hundreds of years old the wood still is in quite good shape cause of the high arctic climate.

We also dive in different places. However, inside the fjords the visibility often is poor due to melting water.

Day 7: Isfjord and Barentsburg

We head back to the Isfjord. There are good opportunities to spot whales in the fjord’s estuary. Today, we can dive at various interesting locations and will sail past colonies with tens of thousands of seabirds.

Our last night on the ship we will spend in the harbour of the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. We can visit the restaurant that has good food to offer and even makes its own craft-beer.

Day 8: Last day at sea

A land excursion might be possible in the morning. Afterwards, we return to the harbour of Longyearbyen, where we get off the ship in the afternoon. Optionally, we can spend the evening together with dinner in a restaurant and a subsequent visit to the best bar in town.

An extended stay – either before or after the tour – in Longyearbyen is highly recommended!
More information here https://en.visitsvalbard.com/activity-planner