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Spitsbergen - Bear Island Cruise

Seals & Bears Voyage

9 Days / 3 locations in Svalbard, Norway and Norway

A voyage to Bear Island and returning to Longyeabyen, in search of seals and bears

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Longyearbyen
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.

 
Day 2     Spitsbergen
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We start the day quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks. Hornsundtind rises to 1,431m, while Bautaen shows why early Dutch explorers gave the name ‘Spitsbergen’ - pointed mountains - to the island. There are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and very good chances of encounters with seals and Polar Bear.

 
Day 3     Bear Island
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

At the south side of Bear Island we sail by the largest bird cliffs in the North Atlantic occupied by more than 10 species of seabirds. We make a landing at the 19th century whaling station at Hvalrossbukta

 
Day 4     Spitsbergen
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

On Hopen Island is the most remote weather station in the Spitsbergen archipelago, with an always friendly Norwegian crew. Near the station there are several remains of the Polar Bear hunting era and large seabird cliffs. At Kofotodden there are some remain of the 17th century whaling

 
Day 5     Spitsbergen
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We work our way into the sea-ice at the south eastern part of Storfjorden near Tusenøyane, an area teeming with wildlife which feeds at the edges of the ice near their breeding places. Thousands of Harp Seals are laying on the ice here or swimming in the water. It is their rutting time. It is also a good area for bears and Bearded Seals and Walrus.

 
Day 6     Spitsbergen
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A second day in the ice of Storfjorden, with more chances for Harp Seals, other seal species and bears. If ice-conditions allow we may try to land in the Hambergbukta or Isbukta, an amphitheatre of glacier fronts

 
Day 7     Spitsbergen
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

If ice conditions allow we will land at Stormbukta with an easily accessible Kittiwake colony in a canyon and warm springs, which do not freeze during winter. Alternatively we land at Palfylodden a Walrus haul out place with the remains of thousands of walruses slaughtered in previous centuries. We sail northward along the Spitsbergen banks, looking for Finn Whales

 
Day 8     Spitsbergen
On Board the M/V Ortelius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today we land on Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden. Here piles of Beluga skeletons (the Beluga is a small white whale), the remains of 19th century slaughter, are yet another reminder of the consequences of thoughtless exploitation. Belugas were not hunted to extinction and may still be seen locally. Cruising into Recherchefjorden during the afternoon we can explore an area of tundra at the head of the fjord where many reindeer feed. Alternatively we sail to a Walrus haul out place at Mariasund or at the western entrance of Fridtjofhamna

 
Day 9     Longyearbyen
Meals: Breakfast

Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Oslo and home.

 

Notes

Please Note

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Price Includes
Transfers in Spitsbergen As Indicated in Itinerary
Shore Excursions
Comprehensive Pre-Departure Material
Tax and Port Charges
Free Use of Rubber Boots for Excursions
Conferences and Shipboard Entertainment
All Meals
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
OCE-1269
1.28.15.WP26