Included Svalbard by Zodiac & Walks Ashore
-
Port
Svalbard Experience
-
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$0
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
90 Minutes
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Svalbard is a remote, wild and lonely corner of our planet, largely untouched by humans. Our plans and itinerary for Svalbard are never set in advance, as weather and sea conditions and the presence of wildlife guide the Expedition team's decisions for each day. A polar bear on the horizon can mean a stop in the Zodiacs for a better look. Ice choking the waters in front of us means we can slow down to explore its edges and admire the colors and forms influenced by the world around us. When storms threaten, we opt for a protected bay and calmer waters. Whatever the conditions, enigmatic Svalbard offers countless opportunities and quiet beauty in the hush of the High Arctic. Exciting discoveries await those with a spirit of adventure. Potential highlights include:
Tundra landscapes: Hike across stark landscapes with the Expedition team, who love to investigate the delightful small plants and flowers that thrive in this seemingly barren environment. Admire rock formations and landscapes carved over time by frost and water. A chance encounter with an Arctic fox, a reindeer, or an interesting bird species adds bonus points to time on the tundra.
Wildlife viewing: Arctic wildlife is so special because its survival is always hard-won. Whether it's a polar bear, seen as a tiny white speck in the distance or ambling fluidly along a shoreline, a pile of walruses hauled out on an ice floe, bearded seals patrolling an icy glacier, a Svalbard reindeer alert to well-camouflaged predators, or a whale fluke, fin or spout, photos and words can never do it justice. Being there is everything. We will never pursue or allow our encounters to impact wildlife adversely; we manage our activity very carefully. Our walks are closely monitored by our Bear Guards, maintaining both our safety and mitigating stress on land-based wildlife.
Historical remnants: While the history of human endeavors in Svalbard is minimal, some historical remnants from the whaling era linger on the shore. These are an apt reminder of the hardy souls who ventured before us into this hostile land to scrape a meager living from the resources they found here. Trappers' huts stand as lonely sentinels in this vast landscape — a focal point for contemplating a life of both crushing hardship and utterly splendid isolation for those who went before.
Please note: Included Expeditions cannot be booked in advance. The ship's Expedition team will communicate finalized content and departure information. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Life jackets are provided and must be worn. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.