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This 11-day active adventure begins and ends
in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway’s
Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago.
The aim of this expedition is to explore the
coastline of the largest island in the group,
Spitsbergen, while positioning the ship to
view a total solar eclipse. The exact course
depends on local weather and ice conditions.
We expect to explore magnificent fjords,
cruise in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and
encounter polar bears and walrus in their
natural habitat. Optional kayaking is
available Day 1: Embarkation:
Longyearbyen
This small community of 1,000 souls is the
largest community in the Svalbard islands.
Please arrive in the morning as embarkation is
in the early afternoon.
Day 2: Around
Svalbard
This expedition’s goal is to explore the
largest island in the archipelago, Spitsbergen,
but we may visit some lesser islands if
conditions permit. We’ll be sailing in a
clockwise direction, hoisting our Zodiacs over
the side for cruising or shore explorations
from time to time.
Day 3: 14th of
July Glacier
Lying on the west coast of Spitsbergen, this
magnificent ice cliff with the unusual name
will be explored by Zodiacs cruising in the
waters at its base. We’ll also visit Ny
Alesund an international Arctic research
station with a population of about 80
scientists and support staff. Birders should
have their binoculars handy as this is known
habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple
Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and
Snow Buntings.
Day 4: The Total
Solar Eclipse
*The eclipse is anticipated to occur August 1
at 9:20AM local time. We are planning to
position the ship north of Kvitoya Island as
close as possible to the umbra of the solar
eclipse.
Days 5-6: Smeerenburg
On the northwest coast of Spitsbergen is
Smeerenburg, once known as Blubber Town. Dutch
whalers established the community in the 17th
century. Blubber ovens, whalebones, and other
remains of the whaling industry are still
visible.
Days 7-8: Moffen
Island
The temperature drops as we sail northward,
crossing 80N, 965km (600 miles) from the North
Pole. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary that
we plan to visit on this expedition. On
previous visits we have spotted polar bear and
Sabine Gulls, in addition to walrus!
Days 9-10:
Bourbonhamna
There are so many islands in Svalbard that
certain areas are known as Seven Islands and
Thousand Islands. As we explore, you can
expect to hike through geological formations
five hundred million to a billion years old.
Our Expedition Team will relate engrossing
tales of Arctic exploration. We’ll be on the
alert for beluga whales near Bourbonhamna. The
“white whales” are the only whales able to nod
and turn their heads sideways.
Day 11: Longyearbyen
Disembarkation will be in Longyearbyen.
*Our Expedition Team in collaboration with the
Captain will do their utmost to position the
ship for eclipse viewing. Please note,
however, that local conditions such as cloud
cover may obscure the event.
NOTE: We carry sea-kayaks, designed for ocean
level paddling. A maximum of ten kayakers may
participate per voyage. Cost per person: $395
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