South Spitsbergen Explorer - Bear Island - Diving (supplemented) | Ortelius Expedition Ship

South Spitsbergen Explorer - Bear Island - Diving (supplemented)

Across 9 nights, prepare to explore southern Spitsbergen, the largest island in Svalbard and home to a plethora of Arctic wildlife. From walrus haul-outs and encounters with the king of the Arctic, you'll glimpse the drama of life in one of Earth's most extreme environments. Then, visit remote Bear Island as you voyage to Norway's beautiful far north beneath aurora-filled night skies.

Day by day

Day 1: Longyearbyen - the start of your journey

You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than 100 plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2: Spectacular Hornsund

We start the day by quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, dominated by towering mountain peaks. The mountain of Hornsundtind rises to 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), while the peak of Bautaen testifies to why early Dutch explorers gave this island the name Spitsbergen, which translates to “pointed mountains.” There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area, and we have a fair chance of encountering seals and polar bears. The nearby cliffs of Sofiakammen are also home to thousands of pairs of nesting kittiwakes and little auks. In the evening, we might see thousands of harp seals rutting on ice floes at Sørkapp.

Day 3 - 4: The seabird colonies of Bear Island

Day 5: Along and through the pack ice

Day 6: Kittiwakes & hiking in Diskobukta canyon

Day 7: The ivory gulls of Agardhfjellet

Day 8: Dinosaurs and seabird colonies at Kvalhovden

Day 9: Bellsund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history

Day 10: There and back again

+12

Cruise Includes

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.

All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes

Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.

Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Cruise does not include

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.

Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Meals ashore.

Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography