|
Prices
for - Arctic Adventures
North Spitsbergen Sailing
Expedition
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen 11 Nights /
12
Days
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice
and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see
wildlife.
Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Day 1
Arrive in Longyearbyen,
the administrative centre for Spitsbergen, and a former mining town. There will
be a chance to visit the Museum, which has an interesting collection on the
history of the islands, the mining industry and polar exploration. In the
afternoon we sail through scenic Isfjorden, setting course for Alkhornet at the
mouth of the fjord, whose cliffs are home to a large colony of Kittiwakes. Below
the cliffs is a den of Arctic Foxes, who scavenge on fallen eggs and chicks. We
continue to Trygghamna to visit the remains of a 17th century English whaling
station and an 18th century Russian Pomor station.
Day 2
We leave Tryghamna
early in the morning and sail through Forlandsundet, the sea passage that
divides the island of Prins Karls Forland from the mainland. Weather permitting,
we will go ashore at Fuglehuken, where the expedition of Willem Barentsz landed
on Spitsbergen and in doing so became the first Europeans to set foot on the
islands. Here we can see the graves of whalers and observe impressive colonies
of Common Guillemots, Brünnich's Guillemots, Little Auks and Kittiwakes. Nearby,
Harbour Seals and Walruses often haul out and prove popular subjects for
photography.
Day 3
Today we visit Ny
Ålesund, the northernmost permanent settlement in the world, a centre for polar
research and a former starting point for many North Pole expeditions, including
those of Amundsen and Nobile. The local bird life has adapted itself to human
presence and is exceptionally tame. Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese, Common
Eiders, Arctic Terns and several species of wader can be observed and
photographed at close quarters. Reindeer can also be seen in the vicinity - they
are smaller than their mainland relatives and do not form large herds.
Day 4
In the morning we sail
from Ny Ålesund to the 14th July Glacier where we take to the Zodiacs, for a
spectacular cruise along its front. Not far from the glacier we visit an
accessible breeding site for Brünnich’s Guillemots, Little Auks and Puffins. The
guano of these bird colonies, the southward exposure and the sheltered
situation, give rise to a relatively rich vegetation with many species of
flowering plants.
Day 5
Sailing northwards we
visit Magdalenafjord, one of the most beautiful places on Spitsbergen, with many
impressive glacier fronts. During a shore visit we will view the remains of 17th
century English whaling activities. Birdwatchers will not be disappointed as
there are substantial seabird colonies here, particularly noted for their Little
Auks.
Day 6
Today we will try to
visit Ytre Norskøya, a small island which was used for many years as a lookout
point for Dutch whalers. There we can still follow their tracks to the summit of
the island, passing excellent bird cliffs on the way. On shore the remains of
17th century blubber ovens can be found, while Arctic Skuas and Common Eiders
breed among the graves of 200 Dutch whalers.
Day 7
Raudfjord on the north
coast of Spitsbergen is a beautiful fjord with spectacular glaciers and an
exceptional variety of wildlife. It is a favourite with Ringed and Bearded
Seals, has abundant seabird colonies, and offers good chances for spotting Polar
Bears and Belugas. Jermaktangen, at the fjord’s eastern entrance, shows marked
features of sea erosion.
Day 8
If sea-ice conditions
allow, we may land on the northern-side of Reindyrfla, the largest tundra area
on Spitsbergen. Its vast undulating plain provides good grazing for Reindeer and
several species of waders also breed here. On the tundra lakes there is a good
chance of spotting Red-throated Divers and King Eiders, whose breeding plumage
is especially colourful.
Day 9
Today we visit the
remains of Smeerenburg, the largest 17th century whaling settlement on
Spitsbergen, and, if we obtain permission, Danskøya, where many historical
remains are to be found of the 19th century expedition by the Swedish explorer
Andree, who tried to reach the North Pole in a balloon.
Day 10 & Day 11
On our way south, we
will try to make a landing on the coast of Forlandsundet at Engelsbukta or
Sarstangen, where Walruses are often hauled out. From there we head straight for
Longyearbyen, but if time allows we could call at Colesbukta, from where fit
walkers can walk to Longyearbyen in around six hours, joining the rest of the
party when the ship arrives later in the day.
Day 12
Departure by scheduled
flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo.
Prices
for - Arctic Adventures
|
