Svalbard & The Arctic Circle Expedition | Aqua Lares Yacht

Svalbard & The Arctic Circle Expedition

Venture deep into the remote Arctic wilderness aboard Aqua Lares on an unforgettable expedition through the icy landscapes of Svalbard. Designed around nature’s constantly changing conditions, this immersive voyage navigates towering glaciers, drifting pack ice, isolated fjords, and historic polar exploration sites while offering extraordinary opportunities to encounter polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and countless seabirds in their natural environment. Flexible routing allows each departure to adapt to weather, wildlife, and sea ice, creating a unique expedition experience led by expert guides and enhanced by Zodiac landings, breathtaking scenery, and the surreal glow of the Midnight Sun. Travel Tips Dress in thermal layers with waterproof outerwear for changing Arctic conditions. Bring insulated gloves, a warm hat, neck gaiter, and waterproof footwear. Pack a camera with extra batteries, as cold temperatures drain power quickly. Waterproof dry bags help protect electronics during Zodiac excursions. Binoculars greatly improve wildlife viewing experiences. Motion sickness medication is recommended for open-water crossings. Remain flexible, as Arctic itineraries frequently change due to weather and ice conditions. Weather Preparedness Summer conditions in Svalbard typically range from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C), though wind chill often makes temperatures feel colder. Travelers should expect rapidly changing weather that may include sunshine, snow flurries, rain, fog, and strong winds within the same day. Waterproof and windproof clothing is essential, especially during Zodiac landings and glacier cruising. Extended daylight from the Midnight Sun can also affect sleep patterns, so eye masks are recommended for added comfort. Fitness Requirements This expedition is suitable for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Guests should feel comfortable boarding Zodiac boats, walking across uneven terrain such as rocky beaches or tundra, and standing for extended periods during wildlife viewing excursions. Optional guided hikes may involve moderate walking distances in cold conditions. No technical mountaineering experience is required, but good mobility and balance are important for safe participation in daily activities.

Day by day

Day 1: Embarkation - Longyearbyen

Your Arctic adventure begins in Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement of its kind and the gateway to the remote wilderness of Svalbard. Surrounded by rugged mountains, glaciers, and frozen tundra, this isolated frontier town introduces travelers to the dramatic beauty of the High Arctic. Upon boarding Aqua Lares, guests settle into expedition life while meeting the onboard expedition team, naturalists, and guides who will accompany the voyage. Safety briefings and wildlife protocols prepare travelers for exploration in one of the world’s most untouched environments. As the ship sails away beneath the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun, the landscape quickly transforms into a vast world of icy fjords and remote coastlines. The first evening offers opportunities to spot seabirds and marine life while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Arctic exploration far from modern civilization.

Day 2: Gravneset & Smeerenburg

Today’s exploration combines Arctic history with spectacular natural scenery. The journey begins at Gravneset, home to historic whaling burial grounds that preserve the legacy of early European Arctic expeditions. Continuing onward to Smeerenburg, once a major Dutch whaling settlement during the 17th century, travelers gain insight into the challenging lives of early polar hunters and explorers. Towering glaciers, snow-covered mountains, and tundra landscapes surround the area, creating dramatic scenery throughout the day. Zodiac excursions may bring guests ashore to observe remnants of historic settlements while searching for Arctic wildlife such as geese, Arctic terns, seals, and walrus along the shoreline. Expedition guides interpret the region’s fascinating cultural and environmental history while adapting activities according to weather and ice conditions. This opening day of exploration perfectly balances wildlife encounters, photography opportunities, and stories from the Arctic’s early exploration era.

Day 3: Pack Ice

Day 4A: Alkefjellet & Bråsvellbreen

Day 4B: Liefdefjorden & Raudfjord

Day 5A: Hinlopenstretet & Torellneset

Day 5B: Krossfjorden & Kongsfjorden

Day 6A: Sorgfjorden

Day 6B: Calypsobyen & Van Keulenfjorden

Day 7A: Krossfjorden & Kongsfjorden

Day 7B: Gnålodden & Burgerbukta

Day 8: Disembarkation - Longyearbyen

+12

Cruise Includes

Onboard meals

House wines and beer

Non-alcoholic drinks

Laundry service

All excursions

High-speed WiFi

Onboard meals

House wines and beer

Non-alcoholic drinks

Laundry service

All excursions

High-speed WiFi

Cruise does not include

All air tickets

Visas

Transfers

Spirits

Premium wines

Spa services

Boutique purchases

Guide and crew gratuities

All air tickets

Visas

Transfers

Spirits

Premium wines

Spa services

Boutique purchases

Guide and crew gratuities

Highlights

Search for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, Arctic foxes, and seabirds in the wild

Navigate through drifting pack ice at the edge of the polar world

Explore immense glaciers including Bråsvellbreen and Lilliehöökbreen

Visit historic Arctic whaling settlements and trapper cabins

Experience Zodiac landings in remote wilderness inaccessible to larger ships

Witness the Midnight Sun illuminating the Arctic landscape throughout the voyage

Enjoy opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and optional tundra hikes

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

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.