Svalbard Ship Guide
In the absence of hotels and infrastructure once you depart Longyearbyen, an expedition ship offers the best means to explore Svalbard's ragged coastline, while acting as both your…
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Svalbard's summer months of June and July are characterised by a frenzy of wildlife activity as every creature capitalises on this narrow window of time. The receding ice also allows ships to navigate further north and to the less-visited eastern side of the region, opening up even more thrilling opportunities to explore.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and wildlife…
Experience the Arctic’s legendary wildlife aboard an intimate micro expedition ship, amidst a pristine backdrop of calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. With an unmatched sense of ‘expedition’ and a deeper connection to nature, you build your own adventure, searching for…
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsøya, just 540 miles from the geographical North Pole. En route you'll experience calving glaciers and teeming colonies of seabirds, walrus and whales, all while keeping a sharp…
Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…
Travelling during the height of summer under the ever present midnight sun, and with wildlife activity at its peak, this in-depth Svalbard voyage also offers the possibility of undertaking a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, if ice and weather conditions allow. Maximum…
An intimate summer expedition circumnavigating Spitsbergen on a 12-guest micro ship. Feel connection to nature, with a sense of solitude and scale, which is harder to find on larger ships. Explore rarely-visited islands, glaciers and the polar desert in search…
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
Scouting Svalbard’s ice floes for wildlife by zodiac and on foot, cruising the magnificent 14th of July glacier and reaching the world’s most northerly settlement at Ny Ålesund are just some of this 10-day voyage’s many highlights. There's also the…
For guests seeking a seamless, luxury, all-inclusive Svalbard travel experience, this is the ideal option. Travelling aboard an outstanding expedition ship with a choice of dining options and very well appointed suites, spend six full days exploring Svalbard’s spectacular coastline…
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of two small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…
For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…
This immersive 10-day Svalbard voyage stands out as it's guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience, and travels onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship. Travelling slowly, maximising time on…
For a stellar introduction to all Svalbard has to offer, travel on board a modern X-Bow ship with a maximum of just 130 guests while accompanied by one of the best expedition teams in the business. Complimentary charter flights and…
Setting sail from Scotland, this iconic journey island hops its way northwards before bisecting the Arctic Circle and spending time exploring the captivating Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The little-visited islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen are a real treat,…
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board on a comfortable expedition ship and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling on a smaller ship allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special guest…
Delivering a whopping 12 full days of exploration under the midnight sun, this voyage appeals to both wildlife enthusiasts keen to boost their chances of sighting Svalbard’s captivating fauna and the slow traveller who wants to get under the skin…
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
If you’re looking for a good value introduction to Svalbard, travelling on a sturdy, older ship with bags of charm and history, this is a good option to consider. Spend six full days exploring and learning about Svalbard’s rich history…
If you’re looking for an in-depth Svalbard voyage to optimise wildlife encounters and provide a really immersive experience, while not wanting the budget to run away from you, this is a good option. What this cosy 128-guest ship may not…
Svalbard coastline
Bear sightings can happen anywhere in Svalbard
Kayaking in Svalbard
The stunning mountains and glaciers of Svalbard
Witness reindeer close-up
A walrus haul-out
Flowers on the beach in Svalbard
See wild reindeers
Capturing beautiful scenery from the ship
Admire glacial ice close-up
Svalbard has rich summer flora
Summer in Svalbard is defined by abundant light, life and access to the wildest corners of the archipelago. With the midnight sun in full swing, daytime is constant and there's no real night – just bright light lasting through the early hours and extending your opportunities to explore.
Temperatures during these months remain cool at around 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F) during the day, but the snow begins to retreat. Fjords open up, sea ice breaks apart and expedition ships can reach further into Svalbard’s dramatic coastline. Some areas will still have patches of ice, particularly in the north and east. By early July, ice-choked Hinlopen Strait usually becomes navigable, allowing circumnavigations of Spitsbergen.
14th July Glacier on Svalbard
June and July offer some of thebest chances to spot polar bears. As the sea ice thins and breaks up, the King of the Arctic is often found around any lingering ice pockets, on the coast, or up in the pack ice, which many ships will sail north towards to help maximise sightings.
Reindeer and Arctic foxes are active, making the most of Summer. Walrus lounge on beaches and on isolated ice floes. Cetaceans begin to appear more frequently in the fjords – keep a particular eye out for beluga whales.
Cliffs and shorelines transform into noisy, chaotic nesting sites as migratory birds return in their thousands. Little auks, guillemots, kittiwakes, skuas and fulmarsare all part of the spectacle.
Bear on ice floe
Summer in Svalbard is sensory overload: 24-hour daylight, bursting blooms and a high chance of spotting walrus, whales and polar bears. We’ve explored during this peak season, so we can help you find a voyage that delivers optimum off-ship time and wildlife encounters.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and wildlife…
Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsøya, just 540 miles from the geographical North Pole. En route you'll experience calving glaciers and teeming colonies of seabirds, walrus and whales, all while keeping a sharp…
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…
For guests seeking a seamless, luxury, all-inclusive Svalbard travel experience, this is the ideal option. Travelling aboard an outstanding expedition ship with a choice of dining options and very well appointed suites, spend six full days exploring Svalbard’s spectacular coastline…
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
Travelling during the height of summer under the ever present midnight sun, and with wildlife activity at its peak, this in-depth Svalbard voyage also offers the possibility of undertaking a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, if ice and weather conditions allow. Maximum…
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional micro expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and…
For a stellar introduction to all Svalbard has to offer, travel on board a modern X-Bow ship with a maximum of just 130 guests while accompanied by one of the best expedition teams in the business. Complimentary charter flights and…
This immersive 10-day Svalbard voyage stands out as it's guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience, and travels onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship. Travelling slowly, maximising time on…
Setting sail from Scotland, this iconic journey island hops its way northwards before bisecting the Arctic Circle and spending time exploring the captivating Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The little-visited islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen are a real treat,…
Embark on an unforgettable Arctic expedition, navigating Svalbard’s icy wilderness where nature’s secrets unfold. Encounter polar bears, walruses, and whales as you explore pristine fjords and historic sites. This week-long voyage blends breathtaking scenery with scientific discovery, offering a rare,…
For anyone keen to experience Svalbard’s rich Arctic wildlife and spectacular scenery while travelling comfortably, this is a good option. Travelling in the company of naturalists on board a modern state-of-the-art ship, equal attention is given to your experience both…
For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board on a comfortable expedition ship and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling on a smaller ship allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special guest…
Delivering a whopping 12 full days of exploration under the midnight sun, this voyage appeals to both wildlife enthusiasts keen to boost their chances of sighting Svalbard’s captivating fauna and the slow traveller who wants to get under the skin…
Using the ship as your comfortable ‘basecamp’ and travelling slower to enable more time for exploring each location – on foot, by kayak and through the lens of your camera – this is an ideal trip for the active traveller seeking quality…
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
If you’re looking for a good value introduction to Svalbard, travelling on a sturdy, older ship with bags of charm and history, this is a good option to consider. Spend six full days exploring and learning about Svalbard’s rich history…
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of two small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…
If you’re looking for an in-depth Svalbard voyage to optimise wildlife encounters and provide a really immersive experience, while not wanting the budget to run away from you, this is a good option. What this cosy 128-guest ship may not…
Scouting Svalbard’s ice floes for wildlife by zodiac and on foot, cruising the magnificent 14th of July glacier and reaching the world’s most northerly settlement at Ny Ålesund are just some of this 10-day voyage’s many highlights. There's also the…
Circumnavigate the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, cruising as far as 80° North to reach the edge of the pack ice. This voyage includes an impressive eight days of off-ship exploring, with ample opportunities to spot remarkable Arctic wildlife…
This exclusive 13-day voyage is guided by renowned Arctic expert, Rinie van Meurs, who has over 30 years of experience. While travelling onboard a small, capable and cosy 12-guest ship, his deep knowledge and passion will bring the Arctic and…
Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…
Experience the Arctic’s legendary wildlife aboard an intimate micro expedition ship, amidst a pristine backdrop of calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. With an unmatched sense of ‘expedition’ and a deeper connection to nature, you build your own adventure, searching for…
Travelling during the height of summer, the goal is to complete a full circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. But what really marks this voyage out is the rare inclusion of the remote and little-visited island of Kvitøya, renowned as a…
Guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience ,and travelling onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship, this short eight-day voyage is ideal for the Arctic traveller who is looking for…
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsøya, just 540 miles from the geographical North Pole. En route you'll experience calving glaciers and teeming colonies of seabirds, walrus and whales, all while keeping a sharp…
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…
For the Rolls-Royce of expeditionary cruising in Svalbard, travel with the original pioneers of polar exploration on this trip. Traversing Svalbard aboard one of the most advanced small expedition ships afloat and accompanied by your unparalleled onboard expedition team, expeditionary…
For guests seeking a seamless, luxury, all-inclusive Svalbard travel experience, this is the ideal option. Travelling aboard an outstanding expedition ship with a choice of dining options and very well appointed suites, spend six full days exploring Svalbard’s spectacular coastline…
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and wildlife…
Experience the best of two contrasting Arctic regions as they get ready for summer. Beginning in Reykjavík, this audacious voyage by expeditionary icebreaker ship arches north across the Arctic circle following the dramatic, ice-choked coastline of east Greenland, before steering…
Embark on an unforgettable Arctic expedition, navigating Svalbard’s icy wilderness where nature’s secrets unfold. Encounter polar bears, walruses, and whales as you explore pristine fjords and historic sites. This week-long voyage blends breathtaking scenery with scientific discovery, offering a rare,…
For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…
For anyone keen to experience Svalbard’s rich Arctic wildlife and spectacular scenery while travelling comfortably, this is a good option. Travelling in the company of naturalists on board a modern state-of-the-art ship, equal attention is given to your experience both…
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
Travelling during the height of summer under the ever present midnight sun, and with wildlife activity at its peak, this in-depth Svalbard voyage also offers the possibility of undertaking a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, if ice and weather conditions allow. Maximum…
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional micro expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and…
For breathtaking contrast, visual drama and logistical simplicity, this roundtrip Arctic adventure combining northern Norway and Svalbard is hard to beat. Travelling onboard a stylish, modern expedition ship, head north from Tromso via little-visited Bear Island to spend days…
If you’re looking for a good value introduction to Svalbard, travelling on a sturdy, older ship with bags of charm and history, this is a good option to consider. Spend six full days exploring and learning about Svalbard’s rich history…
This immersive 10-day Svalbard voyage stands out as it's guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience, and travels onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship. Travelling slowly, maximising time on…
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board on a comfortable expedition ship and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling on a smaller ship allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special guest…
May is springtime in Svalbard and for those travellers looking for pristine, fairytale snowy landscapes, icy fjords and a world – and wildlife – re-awakening after the long winter slumber, it’s a magical time. Travelling on board a micro expedition…
Using the ship as your comfortable ‘basecamp’ and travelling slower to enable more time for exploring each location – on foot, by kayak and through the lens of your camera – this is an ideal trip for the active traveller seeking quality…
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
If you’re looking for an in-depth Svalbard voyage to optimise wildlife encounters and provide a really immersive experience, while not wanting the budget to run away from you, this is a good option. What this cosy 128-guest ship may not…
This exclusive 13-day voyage is guided by renowned Arctic expert, Rinie van Meurs, who has over 30 years of experience. While travelling onboard a small, capable and cosy 12-guest ship, his deep knowledge and passion will bring the Arctic and…
Scouting Svalbard’s ice floes for wildlife by zodiac and on foot, cruising the magnificent 14th of July glacier and reaching the world’s most northerly settlement at Ny Ålesund are just some of this 10-day voyage’s many highlights. There's also the…
Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…
Experience the Arctic’s legendary wildlife aboard an intimate micro expedition ship, amidst a pristine backdrop of calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. With an unmatched sense of ‘expedition’ and a deeper connection to nature, you build your own adventure, searching for…
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of two small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…
Travelling during the height of summer, the goal is to complete a full circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. But what really marks this voyage out is the rare inclusion of the remote and little-visited island of Kvitøya, renowned as a…
Guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience ,and travelling onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship, this short eight-day voyage is ideal for the Arctic traveller who is looking for…
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
For anyone keen to experience Svalbard’s rich Arctic wildlife and spectacular scenery while travelling comfortably, this is a good option. Travelling in the company of naturalists on board a modern state-of-the-art ship, equal attention is given to your experience both…
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…
Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…
From the frozen stillness of early Spring to the soft, golden light of Late Summer, each season in Svalbard offers something different.
In the absence of hotels and infrastructure once you depart Longyearbyen, an expedition ship offers the best means to explore Svalbard's ragged coastline, while acting as both your…
Discover More
At the height of summer when wildlife populations and activity are peaking on Svalbard, there are few other parts of the Arctic which offer the same combination of easy access and …
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