Sail the High Arctic
This Arctic expedition navigates above the Arctic Circle, only 600 miles from the North Pole.
A High Arctic navigation that focuses on spotting the elusive polar bear in its natural habitat while also searching for other Arctic species, this sailing moves through the Svalbard Archipelago and is bookmarked with time spent in Longyearbyen.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Remarkable Wildlife
These waters are a playground for belugas, seals, arctic foxes, reindeer and copious birdlife.
Expeditionary Ship
Sail on an ice-strengthened Arctic ships, renowned for their expeditionary feel.
Bears & Walruses
This is the best place in the whole Arctic to see polar bears, and walruses can be spotted too.
Why we like it
With the population of bears estimated at 3,000 (more bears than people!), Spitsbergen is considered by most to be the best place in the whole of the Arctic in which to see the world’s most iconic and dangerous predator. In the last 10 summers, every Steppes client visiting this place on an expeditionary cruise has seen polar bears – and they’ve got the enchanting memories and photographs to prove it. The wide range of expeditionary vessels that we work with means an equally broad spectrum of journey lengths and itineraries – if you choose to opt for one of the longer voyages, you will have a much higher chance of a complete circumnavigation.
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Day 1
Longyearbyen
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Day 2
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Isfjorden
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Day 3
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Bourbonhamna
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Day 4
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Krossfjorden
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Day 5
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Liefdefjorden & Monacobreen
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Day 6
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Phippsoya
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Days 7-8
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Hinlopen Strait & Nordaustlandet
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Day 9
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Fuglesangen & Smeerenburg
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Day 10
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Prince Charles Island
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Day 11
Longyearbyen
Day 1
Longyearbyen
Day 2
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Isfjorden
Day 3
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Bourbonhamna
Day 4
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Krossfjorden
Day 5
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Liefdefjorden & Monacobreen
Day 6
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Phippsoya
Days 7-8
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Hinlopen Strait & Nordaustlandet
Day 9
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Fuglesangen & Smeerenburg
Day 10
Sailing the Svalbard Archipelago: Prince Charles Island
Day 11
Longyearbyen
Video
Want to know what it's like to cruise around Svalbard?
From polar bears and glaciers to walruses and icebergs, Svalbard is an otherworldly destination that teems with eye-popping landscapes and unique wildlife. Watch the video to get a sense of life on board a vessel in this enchanting region.
Zodiac Explorations
It is difficult not to be bear-centric when exploring the Svalbard Archipelago, but Spitsbergen is no one-trick pony. Much of your time will be spent on exploratory zodiac excursions, getting as close as the conditions allow to glaciers and keeping a watchful eye out for Spitsbergen’s other wildlife – walruses, arctic foxes, whales and a myriad birdlife.
Enchanting Marine Life
In the company of knowledgeable expeditionary staff, look out for pure white beluga whales, pass old hunting cabins, anchor off small harbours to see bearded seals and sail towards the magnificent Monaco Glacier. Cruise sheltered coastal waterways and fjords under the midnight sun, taking advantage of the extra manoeuvrability provided by small, ice-strengthened ships.
Arctic Birding
Even those who might not think of themselves as birders will become utterly absorbed with keeping track of the unique species found in this region. From black-legged kittiwakes feed on the up-welling of nutrients found near sub-glacial outflows to more than 100,000 breeding Brunnich’s guillemots on the impressive bird cliffs at Alkefjellet, these winged creatures will become a memorable part of your Arctic escapades.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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