Adventure in Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen cruise: embark on an unforgettable polar adventure

At Escales Polaires, we invite you to experience a Spitsbergen cruise like no other. Between majestic glaciers, spectacular fjords and unforgettable encounters with Arctic wildlife, our Spitsbergen cruise is much more than a trip: it's a total immersion in one of our planet's last wild sanctuaries. 

Why choose a cruise to Spitsbergen?

Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago between Norway and the North Pole, offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. Here, nature reigns supreme. Far removed from mass tourism, our Spitsbergen cruise is designed for enthusiasts of wide open spaces, unspoiled nature and wildlife observation. We organize these polar expeditions from May to August, the ideal time to explore Spitsbergen's coasts in optimal conditions. The melting ice allows access to remote areas, and the long, nightless days provide unique light for your photography and exploration.

An exclusive cruise with a small group

At Escales Polaires, we put quality before quantity. Our Spitsbergen cruises are designed for a maximum group of 12 passengers, to guarantee an authentic, friendly and deeply human experience. This intimate dimension allows us to personalize each outing, each excursion, and to adapt to each person's pace. Aboard our comfortable expedition boat, you'll be accompanied by our team of passionate Arctic specialists. We'll be there every step of the way to guide you as you discover this exceptional environment. 

Immerse yourself in polar wildlife

One of the highlights of your Spitsbergen cruise is undoubtedly your encounter with polar wildlife. Thanks to our respectful approach and perfect knowledge of the terrain, you'll have a great chance of observing some of the Arctic's most emblematic species:

• Polar bears, king of the pack ice
• Walruses, in noisy and impressive colonies
• Bearded and ringed seals
• The Arctic fox, discreet but present
• Svalbard reindeer, perfectly adapted to this extreme climate
• A wide variety of seabirds: guillemots, puffins, kittiwakes, Arctic terns...
• And sometimes, with a bit of luck, whales and narwhals

Each day, we'll take you by zodiac to get as close as possible to the observation zones. Land excursions are also planned to discover Arctic flora, observe animals in their natural habitat and admire the scenery from different angles.

Breathtaking scenery

Spitsbergen is a treasure trove for photographers and contemplative types alike. Our Spitsbergen cruise plunges you into a setting of thousand-year-old glaciers, floating pack ice, deep fjords, icebergs sculpted by time, and sheer cliffs inhabited by thousands of birds. Each stop is a surprise: a peaceful bay surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a glacier tongue plunging into the sea, a pebble beach where walruses come to rest... All in an atmosphere of absolute calm, disturbed only by the cracking of ice or the cries of terns.

Tailor-made stays

Our Svalbard cruises are designed to match your appetite for polar adventure.

We now offer three distinct formats, each tailored to different levels of curiosity, comfort, and time — from a gentle introduction to a full-scale Arctic expedition.

• A 10-day “classic” itinerary, ideal for a first polar experience: it begins in Longyearbyen and allows for a deep exploration of the west coast, reaching as far as the majestic Woodfjord region.
• A slightly longer journey (12–14 days), for those who wish to go further north — all the way to the remote and legendary Seven Islands, known for their raw polar atmosphere and stunning ice-filled seascapes.
• And finally, an exclusive 20-day expedition, crafted for true Arctic enthusiasts, offering the rare chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, with the time and flexibility to dive into the high Arctic in full depth.

All our trips share the same philosophy: take the time, adapt to the elements, and immerse yourself fully in nature. Every departure is carefully built to optimize wildlife sightings, while always accounting for weather, ice, and safety.

Flexibility and responsiveness are at the heart of how we approach polar navigation.

Life on Board: Immersed in the Living Arctic

Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, you step into another world. That very evening, our vessel casts off and heads north. What begins is a rare interlude — between sea and ice, between silence and light.

Day after day, we navigate along the wild contours and glacier-lined fjords of Spitsbergen’s west coast. Each stopover is unique, shaped by wind, ice, currents — and the ever-changing opportunities offered by nature. If conditions allow, we push further north and east, to where maps begin to blur and the Arctic reveals its rawest face.

Encounters cannot be planned — they happen. The blow of a whale, a seal asleep on a drifting ice floe, a fox darting across the tundra, a reindeer watching from afar — and sometimes, the sudden, unforgettable presence of a polar bear. These fleeting moments are the very heartbeat of our journey.Each landing brings a new perspective. Sometimes it’s a gentle walk to observe a walrus colony or a seabird nesting site; other times a more active hike to a panoramic ridge or across a windswept peninsula where the ship awaits on the other side. 

Most nights, we anchor in quiet, sheltered places: at the foot of a glacier, in a peaceful cove, beneath the midnight sun. After dinner, our guide offers informal talks — stories of Arctic wildlife, geology, history, or simply reflections on the day. And if there’s still a desire to explore, we often head back out into the glowing evening light, when the world turns to gold and stillness. All outings are led by our experienced polar guide, ensuring safety, respect for the environment, and a deep, thoughtful approach to discovery.

Here, there is no rigid program. The pace is set by ice, weather, and wildlife. We choose to give time to what truly matters — to adapt, to observe, and to explore without haste. This sense of presence, this deliberate slowness, is what gives our expeditions their depth and authenticity.

Book your Spitsbergen cruise now

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to discover Spitsbergen under privileged conditions. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, an adventurer at heart or simply curious about the Far North, our Spitsbergen cruise promises an extraordinary adventure. We'll be with you every step of the way: trip preparation, equipment advice, safety briefings, and sharing our passion for the polar world. Join us for an authentic, human polar adventure. Book your Spitsbergen cruise with Escales Polaires now and enjoy an experience you'll never forget.

Our available dates

Our prices include accommodation on board, full board, daily zodiac outings, guided hikes and supervision by our specialist Arctic guides. We believe that such an experience cannot be measured solely in kilometers traveled or days spent on board. It's measured in emotions, in memories etched forever, and in the unique bond forged with nature.

All our 2025 trips are now fully booked. We are currently opening reservations for 2026 and 2027 — feel free to send us a message to plan your adventure.

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