Adventure cruise to Spitsbergen (Svalbard)
At 78° north, between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard and its main island, Spitsbergen, are the most spectacular places in the Arctic. Glaciers plunging into the sea, sea ice, polar bears, and the midnight sun create a unique setting in the world.
Experience a true adventure in a small group, in a friendly and safe atmosphere.
Spitsbergen at a glance
Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Spitsbergen, the largest island of Svalbard, offers breathtaking scenery. Far from mass tourism, our adventure prioritises quality over quantity.
Location
Norwegian archipelago, between 74° and 81° north. Main port: Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world.
Ideal period
From May to September: sea ice, abundant wildlife, flowering tundra, and midnight sun.
Highlights
Polar bear watching, glaciers, sea ice, deep fjords, walruses, and whales.
Who is it for?
Nature lovers, photographers, honeymooners, families with teenagers seeking authentic adventure.
Physical level
Accessible to all in good health. Landings by Zodiac and easy walks on uneven terrain.
The atmosphere
Intimate adventure on small ships for a true connection with the elements.
Why choose Spitsbergen for your adventure?
Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to observe polar bears in their natural habitat. The archipelago encapsulates the essence of the Arctic in just a few days: monumental glaciers, drifting sea ice, and narrow fjords.
It is also a territory rich in history, from ancient trapping sites to great polar expeditions. Whether for a first encounter or to deepen your passion, Svalbard offers an ideal balance between total change of scenery and comfort on board.
- One of the best spots in the world for polar bears
- Great diversity of Arctic landscapes in a single trip
- Exceptional polar light for photography
- Easy access via Norway
- Small group adventure in a friendly spirit
The realm of the polar bear
Each day is a new opportunity to encounter Arctic wildlife, with the utmost respect for the environment. We will take you by zodiac to get as close as possible to the observation areas. Land excursions are also planned to discover Arctic flora, observe animals in their natural habitat, and admire the landscape from different angles.
Polar bear
Symbols of the Arctic, they move between sea ice and coasts. Observation from a safe distance.Learn more..
Walruses
Massive and fascinating, they rest in colonies on beaches or drifting ice.
Whales
Fin whales and humpback whales frequent these rich waters. A blow can appear at any moment.
Seabirds
Tens of thousands of guillemots and puffins nest on the steep cliffs.
Arctic foxes
Lively and curious, they change their fur according to the season, lurking near the bird cliffs.
Svalbard reindeer
Smaller and stockier, they graze on the tundra and can be approached easily.
Responsible observation
Safety distances and the guides' instructions are strictly adhered to. The aim is to provide you with beautiful observations without ever forcing an approach or disturbing the animals.
Life on board: immersed in the living Arctic
Upon your arrival in Longyearbyen, you enter another world. Our ship weighs anchor and heads north, marking the beginning of a pause between sea and ice, silence and light.
We choose to give time to what really matters. Here, there is no rigid programme. The pace is dictated by the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Taking time, adapting, and fully immersing oneself in nature.
Most nights, we anchor in calm spots at the foot of a glacier. After dinner, our guides offer informal discussions on history or wildlife, while the evening light transforms the world into gold.
What adventure format is right for you?
In Spitsbergen, the exact itinerary always depends on ice and weather conditions. But beyond the map, what really makes the difference is the time spent in the area, the pace of navigation, and the level of immersion you wish to experience.
Whether you have a week or several weeks, whether you are looking for a first approach or a complete Arctic adventure, we offer four formats of adventure cruises, each with its own balance between navigation, land explorations, and polar immersion.
Take the time to discover which one best matches your desires, availability, and way of travelling.
A first Arctic immersion, dense and accessible. In one week, this adventure cruise allows you to discover the iconic landscapes of the west coast and the north-west fjords of Spitsbergen, in a concentrated and rhythmic format.
Coastal navigation, zodiac outings, landings, and wildlife observation structure the days. This format prioritises proximity to glaciers, bird cliffs, and vast polar spaces, without seeking performance or distance.
An ideal stay to discover Spitsbergen for the first time, or for those with limited time but wishing for a true Arctic experience.
Key points
First approach to Spitsbergen
West coast and iconic fjords
Accessible and balanced pace
Short, immersive, and intense format
Discover the upcoming departures
This 11-day format allows for a more in-depth exploration of the north-west of Spitsbergen, taking the time to alternate between navigation, zodiac outings, and landings. It offers a more relaxed pace, allowing for more exploration and adaptation to conditions.
The landscapes gain in diversity: deep fjords, glacial fronts, historical sites, and vast coastal areas. The experience is more complete, while still being accessible to travellers who are not used to long polar stays.
An excellent compromise for those who want to go further than a first discovery, without committing to a long format.
Key points
In-depth exploration of the north-west
More time on land and in zodiac
Great diversity of landscapes
Balanced and comfortable format
This 13-day adventure cruise heads towards the high latitudes of Spitsbergen and the Seven Islands archipelago, at the edge of the pack ice. It allows access to the northernmost lands of the archipelago, in a distinctly polar atmosphere.
The navigation becomes more challenging, the landscapes more austere, and the feeling of isolation more pronounced. This format is aimed at travellers already comfortable with the idea of an adventure trip, eager to experience a more intense and wilder Arctic experience.
A pivotal format between advanced exploration and great polar adventure.
Key points
Access to the northernmost lands of Spitsbergen
Navigation near the pack ice
Strong and isolated polar atmosphere
Engaged format, without being extreme
The complete tour of Spitsbergen is the most comprehensive and engaged experience we offer. Over 20 days, this adventure cruise allows for a full circumnavigation of the archipelago, exploring its most remote regions and navigating areas that are rarely accessible.
From the fjords of the south to the eastern fringes, from isolated straits to the high latitudes of the north, this journey offers a total immersion in the polar world. The extended time allows for a true adaptation to the rhythm of nature, ice, and navigation.
An exceptional journey, reserved for those who wish to experience Spitsbergen in all its complexity, diversity, and grandeur.
Key points
Complete tour of the archipelago
Most isolated and wild regions
Long and varied navigation
Total Arctic immersion
FAQ – Cruise in Svalbard
This intimate dimension allows for a friendly, deeply human experience, and total customization of each excursion.
The polar bear is an animal of the pack ice, whose natural habitat is mainly located further north, towards the pole.
In Spitsbergen, sightings occur when ice conditions bring certain individuals closer to the coasts, particularly in spring and summer, during the evolution and fragmentation of the pack ice.
However, there is neither a period, nor an area, nor an itinerary that guarantees a sighting: the presence of bears depends on many natural factors (ice, food, movements), which are by definition unpredictable.
Our approach is therefore based on patience, observation, and adaptation to the conditions of the moment, without ever trying to force encounters. Each sighting remains a rare and always unpredictable moment.
No, general good health is sufficient. You simply need to be able to get on and off a Zodiac with assistance and walk at a leisurely pace on uneven terrain.
A respectful approach to the environment, a deliberate slowness to adapt to the elements, and a desire for total immersion away from mass tourism.
To go further in discovering Spitsbergen
Glaciers, fjords, animals, Arctic lights… Spitsbergen reveals itself fully when you take the time to understand what you are observing. Our articles extend the experience of the cruise, both on board and on land.
Book your cruise to Spitsbergen now
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to discover Spitsbergen in privileged conditions. Join us for an authentic and human adventure that you will never forget.
