After landing in Norway and arriving in Longyearbyen, the northernmost city in the world, you will encounter not only unique geography but also an authentic atmosphere of warm Scandinavian hospitality known as “hyggligt”. A cool Arctic wind will surround you as soon as you step off the plane, and a famous signpost will remind you of the bear activity in the region. Panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, rugged peaks and glaciers will make your first impression incredible.

Overnight your expedition ship leaves the last traces of civilization on Svalbard and heads for the southern half, which forms a triangle, with the island of Ejoya and many fjords, islets and skerries. The initially barren vista hides a wealth of life: saxifrag flowers, Svalbard poppies and bullfinches between the rocks. Reindeer, belugas and tiny Arctic foxes can be found in this amazing Arctic ecosystem dependent on the cold waters of the sea. An expedition to southern Svalbard offers a unique perspective on this protected area where life and nature thrive in the harsh Arctic environment.

Ocean Albatros sails back to Longyearbyen, taking you through the history of the mining settlement. Originating in the late 1800’s as a mining settlement, Longyearbyen has become a center of Arctic tourism and exploration. Visit to the inactive

Northwest Svalbard, a national park with a rich history discovered by William Barents, where the Dutch and English ravaged the ocean’s riches in the 16th century. Places like Smeerenburg, with remnants of whaling and houses, and Itre Norskøya, with grim traces of industrial activity, tell of the region’s past. Today it is home to Arctic plants and birds, and the traces of history slowed down by the Arctic nature attract archaeologists and antiquities enthusiasts. Caution is also emphasized because of the potential for wildlife, including polar bears.

Beneath the caressing touch of the icy wind, exposed cheeks feel its breath, and the fragrance of snow and sea breeze is full in every inspired note. In this majestic realm of floating ice that stretches northward from Svalbard to the North Pole, the Arctic ice, which renews its patterns annually, becomes the focus of two full days of refreshing exploration. At a glance, this snow-white wilderness appears unbroken, but as it reveals its secrets, the icy expanse will offer magic to attentive explorers. Traveling through narrow channels in the ice, clear water reveals mysterious silhouettes of fish, playing seals and even polar bears. This inexhaustible realm of the Arctic, surprising and remote, becomes the exciting goal of this expedition, where every moment becomes a poetic revelation.

Return to the welcoming shores of northwest Svalbard, where whalers and seals hunted centuries ago, and where the archipelago’s fascinating modern history is now unfolding. These lands have been a staging post for daring explorers and scientists for centuries, and today the legacy of their exploits resounds like legend.

In the evening the Ocean Albatros will change course to return to the port of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will seem like a metropolis after a few days of isolation in the sea ice!
After enjoying exploring Longyearbyen, return to Svalbard airport and make the return trip to the Norwegian mainland – with memories to last a lifetime.

Glide through the waters and admire the royal grace of icebergs, observe a variety of birds and seals, and maybe even whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced guides who will ensure your safety on every trip.
Train your body as well as your mind and heart on an unforgettable trek under the trusted guidance of kayaking masters throughout your journey. Kayaking is available on both Arctic and Antarctic trips.
While kayaking is possible in most locations on every Antarctic excursion, weather, sea and ice conditions will determine when and where to ensure your safety and enhance your experience. To sign up for this activity, you must have previous kayaking experience and complete a mandatory safety briefing with a kayak master. Kayaking is offered on all ships and on all trips*, conditions permitting.
On our Antarctica voyages, we expect 2-4 forays per voyage, while our Arctic voyages will have fewer. If there are more people wishing to register than there are seats, we use an on-board lottery system to determine participants.

*Except for South American, Mid-Atlantic and most European voyages.