Around Spitsbergen (Svalbard)
In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

24th JULY - 2nd AUGUST 2023
Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation (9 nights)

Your best opportunity to spot the king of the High Arctic: the POLAR BEAR! JOIN ME ON THIS INCREDIBLE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

— “AN EXTREME AND AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHY DESTINATION
WITH STUNNING WILDLIFE, FOCUSSING ON POLAR BEARS” —

Svalbard (Spitsbergen) is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, it's known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The Northern Lights are visible during winter, and summer brings the “midnight sun”—sunlight 24 hours a day. For a long time the poles symbolised a pure, untouched world. A world hostile to humans, with temperatures that go deep below zero. Unknown, vast, inhospitable areas where storms roamed the plains and which killed many polar explorers and researchers.

TRAVEL WITH ME !

During this adventure, for those who are interested, I will share my secrets and key elements for producing great images. As we observe one of the wildest and purest places left on earth, I will guide you through the technical aspects of photography. Helping you understand your camera and settings according to your technical level. You will also have the opportunity to visit the abandoned coal mine settlement Pyramiden and Barensburg (both optional).

THE PERFECT DESTINATION

Yes, this picture could be yours! Join me on an epic quest in the Arctic.

ITINERARY

Longyearbyen

Start your Svalbard expedition with a trek around historic Longyearbyen, then join our expedition around the island to take in the fantastically beautiful landscapes, the thousands of seabirds, and of course the star of the show, the polar bear.

This special expedition offers you the chance to catch site of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

Day 1: Largest town, biggest island

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 a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2: Cruising Krossfjorden

Heading north along the west coast, you arrive by morning in Krossfjorden. Here you might board the Zodiacs for a cruise near the towering blue-white face of the Fourteenth of July Glacier. On the green slopes near the glacier, colorful flowers bloom while flocks of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nest on the cliffs. You have a good chance of spotting an Arctic fox scouting for fallen chicks, or a bearded seal paddling through the fjord.

In the afternoon you sail to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center. Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

Day 3: The massive Monaco Glacier

Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be implemented.

Day 4 – 5: Stop at the Seven Islands

The northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, so the ship may park for several hours among the pack ice before wheeling around west again.

When the edge of this sea ice is tens of miles north of the Seven Islands (mostly in August), you can spend a second day in this area. Alternatively (mostly in July) you may turn to Sorgfjord, where you have the chance to find a herd of walruses not far from the graves of 17th-century whalers. A nature walk here can bring you close to families of ptarmigans, and the opposite side of the fjord is also a beautiful area for an excursion.

Day 6: Highlights of Hinlopen

Today you sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears. At the entrance there is even the possibility to spot blue whales. As with Liefdefjorden, you can take an alternate west Spitsbergen route if ice prevents entry into Hinlopen. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in the Zodiacs, you then view the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, you may attempt a landing where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. Near Torrelneset you can also visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet, next to the world’s third-largest ice cap. Here you may encounter walruses during a coastline hike over the area’s raised beaches. 

Day 7: Barentsøya’s many bounties

The plan is to make landings in Freemansundet, though polar bears sometimes make this impossible. Potential stops on Barentsøya include Sundneset (for an old trapper’s hut), Kapp Waldburg (for its kittiwake colony), and Rindedalen (for a walk across the tundra). You might also cruise south to Diskobukta, though Kapp Lee is more likely your destination. On Kapp Lee is a walrus haul-out, Pomor ruins, and the chance for hikes along Edgeøya.

Day 8: Land of the Pointed Mountains

You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears.

Day 9: Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history

Today you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as rock slopes where little auks are breeding.

Day 10: There and back again

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Age and Nationality
Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.


Dress code
In keeping with our expedition’s atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.


Currency & payment
Refreshments from the bar and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the Hotel Manager and pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (Euro or Dollar). We do not accept cheques of any kind. The prices and standard currency on board is the Euro. Other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager at prevailing rates.


Electric current
The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. You may need a 220v/110v converter.


Your physical condition
You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.


Ship information
The ice-strengthened vessel Plancius is ideal for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic. Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. In 2004 it was purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. Plancius is a Dutch flagged completely rebuilt and converted 116 -passenger vessel. She complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations classed by Lloyd’s Register in London.

- Comfortable and nicely decorated, but not luxurious. It is made for explorers;
- spacious yet small ship character, comfort & modern technology;
- base camp for active, adventure and wild-life minded explorers;
- small ship operation: 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private facilities;
- restaurant / lecture room and a spacious observation lounge (full panoramic view).

Plancius offers an exploratory educational travel program in the polar regions spending as much time ashore as possible. Click here for more information about the ship.

PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader determines the final itinerary. Average cruising speed for m/v Plancius is 10,5 knots (20 km/h).

In collaboration with INEZIA TOURS.

CABINS & PRICES

Quadruple Porthole

Triple Porthole

Twin Porthole

Twin Window

Superior room

BOOKING INFORMATION

Dates: 24th JULY - 2nd AUGUST 2023 (these dates count only for the expedition on the ship. You can also join me on the extended tour. Contact me for more information.)

Payment: Prices start at €4.650,- based on a quadruple cabin (excluding flights). After returning the booking form to info@clauwers.com, your place aboard is guaranteed!

Arrival: Longyearbyen (LYR), July 24th. There is a possibility to join me earlier on an extended tour to see some of the remote, abandoned, and in one case an active mining town(s). We will go into Russian territory, without the need for a visa. Contact me for more information so we can make it fit in your flight/travel schedule.

Departure: Longyearbyen (LYR), August 2nd, after 6 pm, and preferably the day after. Let me know your flight schedule as soon as you are booking your flights.

JOIN ME ON THIS INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE !

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME :

See you in Svalbard!

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