This expedition is designed with a very specific objective: to maximize time in the pack ice, the natural environment where polar bears roam, hunt, and travel across the frozen Arctic Ocean. Rather than offering a wide variety of landing sites, this voyage prioritizes immersion in a remote and constantly shifting icy landscape, where wildlife encounters happen primarily from the ship.

During the days spent in the pack ice, the vessel operates far from the coast, navigating among ice floes and pressure ridges. No shore landings are planned while sailing in the pack ice, as the focus is on careful observation from deck level, scanning the ice for polar bears, seals, ivory gulls, and whales that thrive in this extreme habitat. These long hours at sea are a defining part of the experience and require patience, curiosity, and a true expedition mindset.

Once conditions allow, the itinerary may also include limited landings and coastal exploration along North Spitsbergen, always secondary to the main goal of time spent in the ice. This voyage is best suited for travelers whose priority is polar bear observation and a deep immersion in the Arctic pack ice, and who are comfortable with extended navigation and flexible daily plans.

Trip Highlights

• Expedition centered on extended time in the Arctic pack ice, one of the best habitats to observe polar bears in the wild.
• Multi-day navigation deep into drifting sea ice, with daily plans shaped by ice and wildlife conditions.
• High-latitude Arctic exploration far north of Spitsbergen, reaching remote and rarely visited waters.
• Wildlife observation primarily from the ship, with strong chances to spot polar bears, seals, and Arctic whales.
• A true expedition-style voyage, prioritizing flexibility, patience, and immersion in the polar environment over land-based activities.

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen and the gateway to the high Arctic. After some time to explore this former mining town and its surroundings, the expedition vessel departs in the early evening, sailing out through Isfjorden. Keep watch on deck, as this is often the first opportunity to spot Arctic wildlife, including whales.

Days 2–7: North Spitsbergen, wildlife, and extended pack ice navigation

During these days, the expedition explores the remote northern regions of Spitsbergen and ventures into the Arctic pack ice. Daily plans remain flexible and are shaped by ice, weather, and wildlife conditions, with the primary goal of reaching prime polar bear habitat and spending extended time in this dynamic Arctic environment.

Raudfjord

Along the north coast of Spitsbergen, Raudfjord offers a striking Arctic landscape dominated by glaciers, tundra, and steep shorelines. The area is known for thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the presence of ringed and bearded seals, as well as the possibility of polar bear sightings. When conditions allow, a landing may be attempted at sites such as Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya.

Monaco Glacier (Liefdefjorden)

Depending on weather and sea ice conditions, the expedition may enter Liefdefjorden, where a landing at Texas Bar may be possible, followed by cruising within sight of the impressive 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this towering glacier are a favorite feeding area for thousands of kittiwakes, and the glacier front is also a well-known hunting ground for polar bears. Slow navigation and Zodiac cruising allow time to fully appreciate the scale and wildlife activity of this dramatic setting.

The Seven Islands

If ice conditions permit, the voyage may push north of Nordaustlandet toward the Seven Islands, the northernmost part of the Svalbard archipelago. Here, the expedition may reach approximately 80° North, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. At Phippsøya, walruses are often found hauled out on shore, while Rossøya marks the northernmost landmass of Spitsbergen. From this high-latitude region, the vessel may continue sailing deeper into the pack ice before gradually turning west again.

Sailing in the pack ice

A central element of this expedition is sailing deep into the Arctic pack ice, often at a considerable distance from the coast of Spitsbergen. The ship carefully navigates among ice floes and open leads, scanning the ice edges for polar bears and other wildlife. Time spent in the pack ice may extend over several days, depending on ice position, sea state, and weather conditions.

While navigating in the pack ice, no shore landings or excursions are planned, as the focus is entirely on wildlife observation from the vessel. Regardless of the exact duration, these days immersed in the frozen Arctic Ocean are often considered the highlight of the voyage, offering excellent chances to observe polar bears, seals, and whales in their natural habitat.

After leaving the pack ice, the expedition retraces its route west, keeping watch for polar bears, ringed seals, and elusive Greenland (bowhead) whales. This region is also home to ivory gulls. About 40 nautical miles (74 km) west of Spitsbergen, the ship sails along the edge of the continental shelf, where nutrient-rich upwellings attract feeding fin whales during the summer months. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, sightings of minke whales are also common.

Forlandsundet wildlife and final landings

As the voyage continues south, walruses may be encountered hauled out in Forlandsundet, particularly at Poolepynten. If conditions do not allow access to this area, the ship may instead sail to the mouth of Isfjorden, where different species of rorqual whales are often seen.

The intended landing site is Alkhornet, known for its nesting seabirds, Arctic foxes searching below the cliffs, and reindeer grazing on the tundra. Another possible landing area is the glacier front at Ymerbukta, where congregations of eider ducks can often be observed.

Day 8: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

The expedition returns to Longyearbyen in the early morning. After disembarkation, bus transfers to the airport are provided, marking the end of an unforgettable journey into the Arctic pack ice and one of the wildest, most remote environments on Earth.

Important information: All itineraries are for guidance only. The final route and daily activities depend on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions, as well as AECO regulations and site availability. Flexibility is essential on expedition cruises, as the expedition leader determines the final plan in real time to ensure safety and the best possible experience.