North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special

Eight day North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special aboard the m/v Ortelius with Oceanwide Expeditions

  • Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

  • Itinerary: 8-day North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special

  • Departing/Returning: Longyearbyen/Longyearbyen

  • Ship name: m/v Ortelius

  • Passengers: 108 *

  • Departures: 12 Jun - 19 Jun, 2025

Dates and Details.

Trip Description.

  • 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 2-7: North Spitsbergen’s natural beauty, wildlife, and multi-day pack-ice

    This voyage will take you into the pack ice and along the remote shorelines of rugged north Spitsbergen. Places we might visit include the following:

    Raudfjord

    On the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can enjoy this expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. We will try to land at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya.

    Monaco Glacier

    Depending on the weather and sea ice, we could sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this precipitous 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 us from sailing here early in the season, we may sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

    The Seven Islands

    The northernmost point of the voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here we may reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. At Phippsøya there is a walrus haul-out site, while Rossøya is the northernmost landmass in Spitsbergen. The vessel may sail deeper into the pack ice when wheeling around west again.

    Sailing in the pack ice

    We aim to sail into the pack ice at quite some distance from the coast of Spitsbergen, watching for polar bears and other animals at the edges of the pack. Our voyage through the pack ice may be a multi-day affair, depending on the position of the ice and local sea and weather conditions. Regardless of how long we spend in the ice, these days at sea will be a highlight of the trip. Note that while the ship navigates the pack ice, we will not make any shore landings or excursions from the ship. However, wildlife encounters are the main draw here, with good chances to encounter many species that thrive in this icy habitat, including polar bears, seals, and whales.

    After our time on the ice, we will retrace our route west, keeping watch for polar bears, ringed seals, and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. This is also the habitat of ivory gulls. About 40 nautical miles (74 km) west of Spitsbergen, we will sail along the edge of the continental shelf. Here, fin whales forage during the summer in the upwelling zones (where cold, nutrient-rich water wells up from below the sea’s surface) that run along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, you will have a good chance of sighting minke whales.

    Forlandsundet wildlife

    Walruses sometimes haul out in Forlandsundet, at Poolepynten. But if we cannot go there, we might sail to the mouth of Isfjorden, where we may see different species of rorqual whales. Our intended landing site is Alkhornet, where seabirds nest on the cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. Another possibility is the glacier front in Ymerbukta, where you can see congregations of various eider duck species.

    Day 8: There and back again

    Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. The vessel arrives back in Longyearbyen in the early morning, and bus transportation to the airport will be provided.

  • Monacobreen

    Formerly known as Glacier de Monaco and Liefde Bay-bræ, Monacobreen is a glacier that reaches down into Liefdefjorden in Spitsbergen.

    Sjuøyane

    Isfjord

    The second longest fjord in Svalbard, Isfjord lies on the west side of the principal island of Spitsbergen

    Arctic Fox

    Small but sturdy, these members of the canidae family can withstand some of Earth's coldest temperatures

    Kittiwake

    Named for their own bird call, these cliff-nesting "three-toes" are the most abundant gulls on the planet

    Polar Bear

    Awe-inspiring icons of the circumpolar north, polar bears are majestic to behold, terrifying to confront, and as essential to the Arctic as ice and snow

    Walrus

    Spending two thirds of their lives in the water, these "tooth-walking sea horses" cuddle their calves in the same fashion as human mothers

    Svalbard reindeer

    Saved from the brink of extinction by dedicated recovery programs, these small reindeer have a dramatically variable birth rate

  • INCLUSIONS

    • 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.

    • Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.

    • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.

    • AECO fees and governmental taxes.

    • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

    EXCLUSIONS

    • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights

    • Pre- and post- land arrangements.

    • 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).

  • A deposit of 25% is required to hold your spot within 14 days of being invoiced and final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment can be made via bank transfer or debit and credit card. Cards accepted are Visa or Mastercard.

This expedition focuses on the pack ice of north Spitsbergen and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife.

Voyage Map.

Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, the gateway to Spitsbergen, before sailing through Isfjorden, where minke whales may appear. In Raudfjord, glaciers and cliffs shelter seals, seabirds, and polar bears, while Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjorden attracts kittiwakes and hunting bears. The Seven Islands offer walrus haul-outs and a chance to reach the Arctic pack ice near Rossøya, Spitsbergen’s northernmost landmass. Navigating the pack ice provides encounters with polar bears, seals, and whales. Sailing west, the continental shelf is a prime spot for Greenland and fin whales. The voyage concludes at Forlandsundet or Alkhornet, home to walruses, Arctic foxes, and reindeer, before returning to Longyearbyen.

Available Add-on Activites

  • Photo Workshop

    Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment. The workshop must be pre-booked prior to departure.

    FREE


  • Will we get off the ship?

    Yes!!! Once we arrive in North Spitsbergen’s it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” below for more details on each outing.

  • Are there additional taxes and fees?

    The price shown is the "all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, canned beverages and alcohol, and additional activities. See the full list of inclusions/exclusions below.

  • Do I pay extra if I'm a solo traveler?

    Not necessarily, no! Our group trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.

Cabin types


Currently $1,000 off!

Quadruple Porthole

Featuring two portholes for scenic views, and two upper/lower berths for sleeping. A private shower and toilet, desk and chair, and flatscreen TV ensure your space is both functional and comfortable.

Modern amenities include a telephone and WiFi (supplemented), along with a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and ample storage space to accommodate your essentials, making your stay on board seamless and enjoyable.

was $4,300
now $3,300


Triple Porthole

Two portholes, one upper/lower berth plus an additional single lower berth, ensuring restful sleep. It includes a private shower and toilet, desk and chair for personal space, and a flatscreen TV for entertainment. Stay connected with a telephone and supplemented WiFi. Additional amenities like a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and ample storage space make your stay convenient and organized.

$5,350


Twin Porthole

Two portholes, two lower berths, and a private shower and toilet. It's furnished with a desk and chair, and equipped with a flatscreen TV, telephone, and supplemented WiFi. Additional amenities include a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and plenty of storage space, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

was $5,950
now $4,950


Twin Window

Features two windows for ample natural light, two lower berths for restful sleep, and a private shower and toilet. It's furnished with a desk and chair, and includes a flatscreen TV, telephone, and supplemented WiFi for connectivity and entertainment. Additional amenities like a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and generous storage space ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.

was $6,450
now $5,450


Twin Deluxe

Features two lower berths for restful sleep, a private shower and toilet, and a desk and chair for workspace or dining. A small sofa provides a cozy seating area, while a refrigerator, coffee & tea maker, and flatscreen TV add home-like comforts. Stay connected with telephone and supplemented WiFi, and enjoy the convenience of a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and plenty of storage space for your belongings.

$6,800


Superior

Two windows, a double bed, and a single sofa bed, ensuring comfort for all occupants. It features a private shower and toilet, desk and chair, and a flatscreen TV for relaxation. Modern amenities include a telephone, supplemented WiFi, a refrigerator, and a coffee & tea maker. Additional conveniences are provided by a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and ample storage space, creating a well-equipped and comfortable environment.

was $7,750
now $6,750


Ship Details.

The m/v Ortelius was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989.

Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598), who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theater of the World. At that time his atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.

The Ortelius carries 108 passengers in 50 cabins

Deck Plan