Circumnavigating the island of Spitsbergen and other islands in the Svalbard Archipelago, this 10 day expedition cruise onboard an ice-strengthened vessel encapsulates the essence of the Arctic. Its wildlife, landscape and climate are unique to our planet and this tour focuses on two different approaches to learning and experiencing this remote, yet now accessible, environment. Firstly, you will spend as much time ashore as possible using Zodiac landing craft led by well experienced tour guides. This provides the senses with a real experience of the Arctic. Secondly, scientists on board the vessel will conduct educational lectures and presentations covering all manner of topics relating to the Arctic. The tour operates in an expedition style whilst maintaining a high level of comfort and service onboard. Departing from and ending in Longyearbyen in Norway, the ‘Around Spitsbergen’ tour is for the adventurers amongst us who have a passion for the natural world and who want to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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.

Near the mouth of Liefdefjorden, we will go ashore for a walk on the tundra island of Andøya. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest here, and the more rare King Eider may also be seen. Sailing into Liefdefjorden, we will cruise near the face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes and occasionally polar bears are seen on the glacier.

We visit Laagoya today, a low island with a big lagoon where a big herd of Walrus tends to congregate.  Sabine's Gulls nest on the island as well.  At Sorg Fjord we may find another herd of walruses not far from the graves of 17th century whalers.  On a nature walk, we may encounter families of ptarmigans.

In Freemansundet we plan to land at Sundneset on the island of Barentsøya to visit an old trapper's hut and then take a brisk walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen Reindeer and Barnacle Geese. Later we cruise south to Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeøya. After a Zodiac cruise through the shallow bay, we land on a beach littered with whale bones and tree trunks, which have drifted here from Siberia. We can also climb to the rim of a narrow gully which is inhabited by thousands of Kitttiwakes, together with Black Guillemots and piratical Glaucous Gulls. During the breeding season, the base of the cliffs is patrolled by Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears, especially females with young cubs, searching for young birds that have fallen from the nesting ledges.

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. Fortunately, Belugas were not hunted to the edge of extinction and may still be seen locally. Indeed, there is a good chance that we will come across a pod. Cruising into Recherchefjorden during the afternoon we can explore an area of tundra at the head of the fjord where many Reindeer feed.

The above itinerary is for guidance only.  Our exact route and program may vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. Flexibility is paramount for this type of expedition cruise.

The chances that we can complete a full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation (based on our experiences from 1992 until 2010) are about, 30 % in the first half of July, 60 % in the second half of July, 90% in the first half of August, 95% in the second half of August. In case we cannot complete a full circumnavigation we will mostly resort to a program in Northeast or Southeast Spitsbergen.

Longyearbyen Port Information

Directions to the ship in Longyearbyen

Berth name:  Port Longyear / Bykaia
Berth Operator:  Bydrift Longyearbyen (Harbour Master)

From the airport it is about 5 to10 minutes by car (pre-arranged transfer or bus or taxi) to the pier.

From the pier it is about 18 minutes walk to town.
From the pier it is about 30 minutes walk to Nybyen.

Approximate taxi costs from:
Airport to pier for 1 up to 8 persons (and v.v.)  NOK 100,- per transfer
Airport to Spitsbergen Guesthouse for 1 up to 4 persons (and v.v.) NOK 170,- per transfer
Airport to Spitsbergen Guesthouse for 5 up to 8 persons (and v.v.) NOK 170,- per transfer
Pier to Nybyen (and v.v.) NOK 110,- per transfer

The expedition team normally consists of one expedition leader and two guides / lecturers. All members of the team are highly experienced and have worked in these conditions for many years. Every morning after breakfast the passengers will be informed about the day’s program (position of the vessel, general information regarding the area, itinerary and the expected wildlife during the excursions). The excursions will be evaluated in the afternoon and after dinner. Occasionally, the expedition team will organise lectures, sometimes supported with slide shows to inform the passengers about various interesting features of the Arctic.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Arctic trip. Please consult your Travel Agent or nearest Norwegian Embassy.

Important: Each client is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and entry requirements before joining a tour.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Clothing for onboard the ship:

In keeping with the expedition’s atmosphere, the dress code on board is very informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothes to lounge around onboard, in the communal bar area, and in your cabin.  Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery is best appreciated from the deck. The secret to keeping warm is the "layer principle". It is better to have several light layers of clothing than one heavy layer. This also gives you the flexibility in your clothing so you can take off a layer if you are too warm or put on another layer if you are cold.  Synthetic fibres are better than cotton, as they allow your skin to breathe easier, and the dry quicker.  It is recommended that you bring a good pair of sturdy shoes/boots for walking about outside on the deck, preferably with good tread to prevent slipping.  If applicable, pack a pair of Teva sandals or similar for use in the shared showers.

Clothing for excursions ashore:

• Warm trousers – Ski pants are suitable if you have them; otherwise, bring any sturdy trousers, such as jeans, that can be layered between your long thermal underwear and waterproof outer-trousers.
• Waterproof trousers – Essential for your comfort. Wear them over your regular trousers (jeans) to keep you warm and dry. Gore-Tex and similar fabrics are both waterproof and breathable.
• Thermal long underwear – synthetic are better.
• Sweaters – Wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket of medium weight is recommended.
• Turtlenecks – Bring several practical turtlenecks for layering and use around the ship.
• T-Shirts – Synthetic is better than cotton.
• Mittens – these are better than gloves, especially if you wear a pair of thin polypropylene gloves underneath the mittens. Thus, you can take off the mittens to operate your camera and still have some protection from the cold. It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of wool mittens to wear if your other pair gets wet or lost.
• Hat and Scarf – Bring a warm hat and scarf to protect your head, ears, face and neck.
• Warm Socks – Sturdy, tall, wool socks worn over a thin pair of synthetic or cotton socks should provide enough insulation for your feet. Bring several pair, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
• Waterproof & Windproof Jacket – Bring a well-fitting jacket with attached hood. This is the most important layer of clothing you will bring, please make sure it is fully waterproof.  There is nothing worse than wind on wet clothes at zero degrees.
• Small day bag – A waterproof nylon backpack or similar bag with shoulder straps, for carrying your camera and other gear during shore excursions. Be sure to choose one with shoulder straps so that your hands are free.
• Sunglasses – Good quality sunglasses. Please note that the glare from the water and surrounding snow and ice can be very dazzling, even when the sky is overcast.
• Binoculars – highly recommended.
• Camera – and plenty of memory cards/film. You will take more photos than you think!
• Rubber Boots – (Please note that Expedition Rubber Boots are available free of charge if your departure is on board the M/V Plancius. Please advise Kumuka of your shoe size when booking. Boots are not available on the other vessels). Your boots are probably the most important item you need to bring. They need to be a pair of pull-on rubber, unlined and completely waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher with a strong, ridged non-skid sole for landings onshore. Stepping out of the Zodiacs to shore almost always involves stepping into water, so it is important that the boots are high enough to avoid water going over the top and into the boots. Aslo, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. for this reason boots such as Sorrels, snow boots, hiking boots or low rubber boots are not satisfactory, as you will get your feet wet. Make sureyour boots are not too tight or too sloppy. If they are too tight you will get cold feet. If they are too loose you can, within reason, add an insole or extra socks to take up the space. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks.

All meals are included and are eaten communally.  Normally breakfast is served at 7.30am, lunch at 12.30pm and dinner at 7pm.  Please inform the purser in due time if you have any dietary requirements so the chefs have enough time to prepare something special for you.  Water from the tap is safe to drink. 

It is customary to tip the crew for their services rendered during your voyage.  It is usually made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is then divided among the crew.

The ship is equipped with email access and a satellite telephone.  Contact can be difficult at times due to limited satellite coverage.  The cost of using the email or telephone is at your own expense, and very expensive.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com