Svalbard Circumnavigation: The Ultimate Arctic Quest
10 Days / 9 Nights On Board
Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen
A true Arctic expedition into a land of magnificent extremes. From the mountainous fjords of the south to the north polar pack ice, from the wildlife hotspots of northwest Svalbard to the polar deserts of Hinlopen Strait, this thrilling expedition offers the complete Arctic experience. We will explore this magnificent archipelago by land and by sea, venturing into one of the largest protected areas in the Arctic. How far north we reach, and the exact route of the voyage, will depend on the whims of Mother Nature – as with any true polar expedition!
On board Ocean Albatros, you will experience areas of Svalbard not easily accessible by other means of exploration as we carefully navigate around this breathtaking archipelago.
During the short summer, wildlife such as reindeer, geese, and Arctic foxes are busy amassing energy for the icy polar winter. The cliffs shimmer with life as every surface is populated with countless birds. On shore, walrus enjoy the short Arctic summer as seals, whales, and polar bears forage along the edge of the pack ice. Our fleet of Zodiacs allows us to exploit every opportunity for exploration – from historical sites, to glacier fronts, to remote lonely beaches, no area is off limits to us!
Activities: Kayaking, Photography, Citizen Science
Expedition Dates
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: All aboard in Longyearbyen!
- Day 2: Kongsfjorden Region, Northwest Svalbard
- Day 3: Northwest Svalbard
- Day 4: Into the Ice
- Day 5: Northeast Svalbard
- Day 6: East Svalbard
- Days 7-8: South Svalbard
- Day 9: West/Central Spitzbergen
- Day 10: Disembarkation
Day 1: All aboard in Longyearbyen!
Begin your journey in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views, and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship Ocean Albatros awaits you in the harbor; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!
Day 2, Kongsfjorden Region, Northwest Svalbard
During the Arctic “night,” we sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord, framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. The first stop is Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings.
Day 3, Northwest Svalbard
North West Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens, and graves of young sailors at Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, hosting Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.
Day 4, Into the Ice
The Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard is a vast, everchanging wilderness, shifting seasonally and stretching beyond the North Pole to Alaska and Siberia. Though seemingly barren, this icy habitat supports diverse wildlife, from fish and seabirds, to seals, belugas, and bowhead whales, and is the preferred hunting ground of polar bears. The Ocean Albatros navigates through ice channels to explore this remote environment, hunting for wildlife, ending the day cruising toward the Hinlopen Strait between the islands of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.
Day 5, Northeast Svalbard
From the Arctic ice, the journey continues into Hinlopen Strait, where towering cliffs host some of the world’s largest seabird colonies, crowded with guillemots and fulmars amid predatory skuas and gulls. The unearthly polar deserts of northeast Svalbard are surrounded by iceberg-studded seas, where vibrant marine life thrives. Walruses rest on beaches, belugas frolic in pods, and baleen whales feast offshore, showcasing Svalbard’s rich biodiversity despite the harsh Arctic conditions.
Day 6, East Svalbard
In Eastern Svalbard, cold polar waters meet the weak last gasp of the Gulf Stream, and the ocean remains icy even under the midnight sun. On Edgeøya, evidence of past large-scale walrus and beluga hunting contrasts with today’s strict wildlife protections and extensive nature reserves. Highlights we may visit include the geological marvels and walrus colonies at Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, or the vast bird colonies at Sundneset, before we return toward the main island of Spitzbergen via Sørkapp.
Days 7-8, South Svalbard
After rounding the southern tip of Spitsbergen, the expedition enters the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys support reindeer, Arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers. Rich in wildlife and history, the area offers highlights like Alkhjornet’s bird cliffs and the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu, making it one of Svalbard’s most diverse and captivating regions.
Day 9, West/Central Spitzbergen
During the night we will enter Forlandssundet, the strait which separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. Our destinations may include Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk. The remote beaches, rugged mountains, and tundra plains of the region positively beg to be explored! From Forlandsundet, we will return southwards during the afternoon into Isfjorden, all the while on the lookout for wildlife and spectacular views as we return to civilization.
Days 10, Longyearbyen disembarkation
On the final morning of our expedition, we arrive back in Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic!
After exploring Longyearbyen and biddin a fond farewell to the crew and fellow Arctic explorers, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the
Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.
Activities
Sign up at time of booking - 20% non-refundable deposit required. Please see Rates & Dates for pricing.
Sign up on board. Available to all guests on all voyages.
Important Details
Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
A Next-Generation Ship, Decades in the Making
Beneath the sleek exterior of the Ocean Albatros lies decades of learning and adaptation to the harsh Antarctic environment. It’s patented X-BOW offers unprecedented stability and comfort; its many onboard amenities are designed to maximize your Antarctic experience; and its spacious heated mudroom with four exterior doors makes zodiac boarding quick, safe and effortless.
All Voyages Include
- One Hotel Night
- Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
- World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
- Beer and wine included with dinner
- Professional Photography Coach
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep
Ship Facilities
Albatros:
- Two Outdoor Jacuzzis with panoramic views
- Fitness Center & Polar Spa
- Fine cuisine in two restaurants
- Multiple observation decks
