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SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER
25 JUNE TO 07 JULY 2017
12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS
Overview
Spitsbergen and the Svalbard archipelago offer a tremendous wildlife and birdlife experience, as well as a fascinating lesson in glaciology. The islands are the northernmost inhabited places on the planet and would be permanently locked in ice if not for the moderating influence of the Atlantic Gulf Stream current. First used as a whaling base in the 17th and 18th centuries, the islands are now celebrated as a breeding ground for many seabirds, along with marine mammals and the elusive polar bear. Our expedition ship is the renowned Akademik Ioffe, perfectly suited for remote exploration.
We commence in Longyearbyen, the principal community of this frosty Norwegian territory. Our 11-night itinerary allows for a thorough exploration of the archipelago and we first head south, then northwest and then along the northern coastline of the main island of Spitsbergen. If ice conditions permit, we cruise deep into the Hinlopen Strait - which separates the island of Spitsbergen from the more easterly island of Nordaustlandet.
As we explore the waterways of Svalbard, we enjoy frequent stops at well known wildlife sites, places of historic interest and witness glaciers, ice filled bays, fascinating plant life, all the while soaking up the stunning beauty that surrounds us. Our expedition ship is uniquely capable of working in and among the sea ice and our Captain and crew are among the most experienced ice navigators in the world. Off the northern coastline of Svalbard, the vast Arctic ice cap stretches as far as the eye can see and we maximize our time exploring along the edges of the pack ice.
This area is full of wildlife including seals, walrus, birds - and the iconic polar bear. As we return south to the main island group we continually encounter a great diversity of wildlife including beluga whales, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox and copious birdlife. Our days are filled with guided shore excursions offering excellent hiking opportunities, cruising in the zodiac boats and exploring on the ship. Throughout our journey we enjoy a comprehensive programme of presentations, these will provide an excellent background to our expedition.
As with all our expeditions, safety is our top priority. For that reason weather, ice or other conditions may require us to change our itinerary and shore excursions as we go but that is half the fun of Polar exploring. Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment.
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Day By Day Expedition Itinerary
June 25, 2017 – Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Arrive in Longyearbyen today, transfer to your hotel for included pre-cruise accomodation.
June 26, 2017 – Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Today we embark our expedition ship, the Akademik Ioffe in Longyearbyen and, as we throw the lines, we sail out of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden during the early evening. With almost 24 hours of daylight at this time of the year, we enjoy the views from the outer decks of the ship as we depart. We meet our expedition team during an introductory briefing and then enjoy a welcome dinner in the ships comfortable dining room. Entering the vast expanse of the Greenland Sea, our ship heads south, hugging the main island of Spitsbergen to our port side (left).
June 27, 2017 – Bourbonhamna
We arrive at the southerly Bourbonhamna – well known for the beluga whales that transit the narrow sound. Adults are pure white and the younger calves a mottled grey colour. It is estimated there are approximately five to ten thousand belugas in the Svalbard population. The beluga has no dorsal fin; a diagnostic feature of whale species that live in the high Arctic such as the narwhal and bowhead. Since a dorsal fin could be damaged when the animal surfaces in areas with ice, it has been postulated the lack of dorsal fin is an adaptation to living in waters that are frequently covered by ice. We search for belugas from the ship and while zodiac cruising and then plan our first shore excursion at Bourbonhamna. An old hunting cabin and other artefacts are points of interest during our hike to Ingebrigstenbukta. However, it is the massive piles of beluga whalebones that catch everybody’s attention. The bones and all artifacts are protected by the Svalbard Government and cannot be removed. While wandering amongst these relics we hope to catch a glimpse of dozens of reindeer that inhabit the area.
June 28, 2017 – Kapp Lee
Coming around the most southerly point of Spitsbergen, we push into the broad expanse of Storfjorden. Exploring Dolerittneset near Kapp Lee, the lush vegetation of this region is remarkable given the fact we are at 70° North in latitude. This area has a large scattering of reindeer antlers; however, it is the plethora of ancient whalebones that makes the excursion so memorable. Some 400 years ago, whales were hunted almost to extinction in the waters surrounding Svalbard. Now nature has turned the decaying old bones into items of beauty. Time and the elements have altered their original shape and sculpted them into works of art. They are covered in blankets of green mosses and grasses, spattered with blotches of
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black and orange lichen, and framed with purple saxifrage, yellow cinquefoil and white sandwort flowers. They are fascinating photographic subjects. Now, even after death, the noble whale supports life by robustly protecting the delicate flora from the harsh winds and providing nutrients to ensure their survival.
June 29, 2017 – Hornsund
Returning to the west coast, glacier-filled bays surround us as we sail the ship into Hornsund. With good ice conditions, we are able to navigate close to the glaciers that are a feature of the area. The entire archipelago of Svalbard is a giant lesson in glaciology and our onboard guides will use our hikes and zodiac cruises to explain the formation of this fantastic landscape.
June 30 & July 01, 2017 – Krossfjorden and Northwestern Spitsbergen
The rocky shores of Krossfjorden are home to numerous bird colonies and a range of species. We anchor the ship in a protected harbour, launch the zodiacs and cruise along the bird cliffs near the 14th of July Glacier. Bearded and ringed seals are known to frequent the waters here and we watch out for them in the dark waters of the fjord.
Lilliehook Glacier, at the northwestern head of Krossfjorden, is an incredible sight. The glacier face stretches almost seven kilometres and has a height of around 80-meters. Viewed from the ship or on a zodiac cruise you come to appreciate the enormous scale of our surroundings. Later in the day as we sail out of Krossfjorden and Kongsfjorden, we may be fortunate enough to see the historic airship anchor pylon near the scientific community of Ny Ålesund.
This remote outpost earned its place in aviation pioneering history as a starting point for North Pole aviation exploration. Notable pioneer aviators including Zeppelin, Amundsen, Ellsworth, Byrd and Nobile all passed through Ny Ålesund. Nearby, Smeerenburgfjorden has a four hundred year history of whaling and is a favorite spot as we round the northwestern tip of Spitsbergen. A wander along the beach looking at the blubber cookers, or an hour behind a tripod shooting landscapes on your camera might be on the schedule, all the while looking for wildlife that can appear anywhere in Svalbard.
July 02 & 03, 2017 – Polar Pack Ice, Phippsoya and the Seven Islands
We continue north and east up into the ice, hoping to cross the 80° north parallel. As we approach the ice edge the ship slows down and all hands are either on the bridge or out on the outer decks as we start scanning for wildlife. Bearded seals, ringed seals and walrus may be found hauled out on the edges of the ice. Harp seals swim in herds of 10 to 20 through the open water channels in the ice. A buttery coloured lump miles away on the ice metamorphoses into a polar bear as we slowly work our way through the ice toward it. Our ship is perfectly designed for near silent approach and our Captain takes great pride in bringing us in close enough to experience the wildlife without disturbing it.
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At 81° degrees north latitude, Phippsoya - one of the Seven Islands - is only 540 nautical miles from the North Pole. Because of its proximity to the permanent pack ice, Phippsoya offers the potential for great polar bear viewings. We have enjoyed excellent encounters with them in recent seasons in this area. Be sure to get up to the bridge and take a picture of the ship’s GPS showing this incredibly high polar latitude as we’re near the top of the world.
July 04, 2017 – Hinlopen Strait and Nordaustlandet
From the ice edge we turn south into the main strait separating Svalbard’s two main islands: Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. In Hinlopen Strait, the bird cliffs at Alkefjellet are home to more than a hundred thousand breeding Brunnich’s guillemots, as well as thousands of kittiwakes and black guillemots. It is a spectacular site and a challenging one for our zodiacs as the tidal currents roar through Hinlopen Strait. Nearby Murchison Fjord is a wonderful place to kayak or cruise as we navigate the waterways between the islands. There are some excellent hiking routes here which take us up to high points affording staggering views and further opportunities to encounter Arctic wildlife.
July 05, 2017 – Leifdefjorden and Monacobreen (Monaco Glacier)
Entering Leifdefjorden we slowly cruise towards the Monaco Glacier. This vast sweep of ice more than seven kilometers wide provides a fabulous backdrop for a zodiac cruise. Miles of ice face broken up by ice caves and tumbling seracs are a sight to behold as are the thousands of black-legged kittiwakes feeding on the upwelling of rich nutrients found near the sub-glacial outflow. A morning of cruising in the ice is best followed by a hike on the tundra. Red phalaropes, purple sandpipers and vibrant tundra provide plenty of viewing and photography opportunities. As we explore the landscape on foot, the remains of fox traps and sun bleached seal bones speak of both human interaction and wildlife predation.
July 06, 2017 – Alkehornet
Alkehornet, at the mouth of Isfjord, offers breathtaking views and an incredible tundra walk as we near the end of our adventure in Svalbard. Arctic fox can often be seen here, as well as reindeer. Towering above the site is a horn-shaped mount covered in guillemots and kittiwakes. Only as we approach and stop to listen will we hear the chorus of thousands of birds, all singing at the same time. This evening we celebrate our journey with a special dinner attended by the ship’s Captain. It's a great time to reflect on a wonderful voyage in this wild and remote place.
July 07, 2017 – Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Arriving back into Longyearbyen this morning, we disembark after breakfast and say farewell to our expedition team and fellow passengers. A transfer into town is provided for those choosing to stay a few days. If you are departing today, we have a few hours this morning to explore the town, before transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Tromso or Oslo.
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About our itinerary – Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and may change. The ship's Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximise our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavy ice may block out planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship
Before you Book – Important Voyage Details
Proof of our Polar Commitment - When travelling with One Ocean Expeditions, you will discover how much we care about the places and people we visit. We demonstrate this by finding ways to give back as well as taking away so many incredible memories. For more information on our commitment to responsible tourism, please review our document entitled, “Our Environmental Commitment”.
Medical Documentation – Once you have booked your voyage to the Polar Regions, you will be required to complete a Medical Information Form. This form must be completed, signed and returned to One Ocean Expeditions no later than 90 days prior to departure.
Passport – Well before traveling, please ensure you have a current passport with an accurate photo, valid for at least six months after your scheduled return flight home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require you to have a return air ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket.
Budgeting – It is a good idea to bring along some $US cash. There are some onboard expenses such as those incurred at the bar, in our gift shop and for satellite communication via email or phone. There are souvenir shopping opportunities in Longyearbyen. Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the preferred currency.
Clothes – We do not need to tell you it is cold in the Arctic. So make sure you come prepared with clothes that will adequately protect you from the weather and wet conditions (sea spray is common onboard zodiacs). Expensive specialty gear is not required, but you should have warm, waterproof clothing available upon your arrival at your embarkation point. Please read the One Ocean Expeditions Pre-departure Information for more details about what to bring on the journey. Windproof and waterproof outer weather gear as well as expedition gumboots are included in the price of your voyage. This saves you from having to bring heavy clothing and boots from home. Details of this gear can be found in your pre-departure information.
Onboard – Like the weather, sea conditions can also be unpredictable. Rough waters are not uncommon in this part of the world. You will be safe and comfortable aboard with your experienced crew in control of our ship, but you may suffer the effects of motion sickness, unless you have taken precautions. We recommend visiting your doctor prior to departure for medication that can help you avoid this easily treated condition.
Gratuities – We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 - $US15 a day for gratuities for the crew and
Forward Travel Level 2, 15 Randle Street
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expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. Gratuities are at your discretion.
Sea Kayaking – If you have some experience sea kayaking and are interested in doing this activity during the expedition, you will need to book this option prior to departure. We cannot book this activity once onboard. There is a separate document for sea kayakers that you will need to review beforehand. It’s important you have some prior paddling experience. If you are unsure, speak to your booking agent or contact us to discuss.
Embarkation Protocol – Guests arrive with the rest of the group accompanied by the One Ocean Expeditions’ Representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Once onboard, you will be participating in an obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and zodiac operations.
Travel Insurance – On all One Ocean Expeditions’ voyages, you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health care plans will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your travel agent can recommend a policy designed to cover participants on these cruises. Your policy must provide coverage for your medical costs in case of hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation. We require that you obtain adequate insurance before joining the voyage. Cancellation insurance is also recommended.
Please check the terms of your policy carefully, particularly with regard to limits of cover (i.e. replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss, claims procedure, costs due to airline delays etc). Also ensure you are familiar with the procedure for making claims (for example, most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey).Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you have to cancel your holiday (see the cancellation provisions in our terms and conditions). For this reason you should take out insurance at the time of paying your deposit, which should then protect you in such a situation.
Visas –Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing and vary for different nationalities. You should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before traveling to Norway.
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind and check with us if you want to be sure about anything. The document was correct at time of printing but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff. We are here to help you!
(updated MAY16 SG))
Forward Travel Level 2, 15 Randle Street
Surry Hills, NSW 2010 0280216680