High Arctic ...
The Trip of a Lifetime
from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL
Updated Program!
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High Arctic ... The Trip of a Lifetime
from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL |
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Updated Program! |
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Svalbard/Spitsbergen & the High Norwegian Arctic June 30 - July 12, 2011
The Arctic and North Atlantic islands and coastlines offer some of the finest scenery and wildlife experiences in the world. Visitors to the region can witness enormous colonies of seabirds thronging the cliffs and shores, and enjoy the thrilling antics of whales and dolphins at sea, and seals and walrus hauled out on the rocks and ice floes. You may even encounter the very symbol of the Arctic - the Polar Bear. Though remote and sparsely populated today, many of the places we explore have been inhabited in the last 5000 years, and thousands of unique prehistoric and historic sites are a testimony to the thriving cultures of the past. Spitsbergen (Svalbard), with its rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers, is a true High Arctic archipelago, and only 500 miles from the North Pole. Its abundant wildlife was once a huge draw for whalers and trappers but now discerning visitors are discovering the attractions of huge Arctic seabird colonies and the chance to enjoy and photograph species like Walrus, Reindeer, Arctic Fox and of course, Polar Bear.
Mid-summer at these latitudes the sun will not set, providing endless photographic possibilities: Spitsbergen at midnight
Longyearbyen (the administrative center of Spitsbergen, with 2000 residents), and the Russian community of Barentsburg (with 1000 residents) are the main settlements - most of Svalbard's 62,000 sq km are unspoilt and incredibly beautiful. Outside of the settlements, there are no roads on Spitsbergen, so this world of natural wonders is most easily and safely explored on an expedition cruise, using Zodiacs for shore landings. The coast is mostly ice free in the summer and colorful wildflowers, mosses and lichens abound. The photographic opportunities are stellar as we explore the surreal landscape of fjords, glaciers and icebergs, and the extraordinary wildlife that makes its home here. |
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About Our: About: Special Stuff: Special Trips: |
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Mammals and Seabirds of the Norwegian Arctic June 30 (Thurssday) • Flights from home to Longyearbyen through Oslo, Norway July 1 (Friday) • Morning flight to Longyearbyen and afternoon embarkation Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, is a charming place and well worth a visit. If you opt to arrive earlier accommodation options range from the SAS Radisson to simple guesthouses. The small town is colorful and its environs are bright with wildflowers beginning to bloom, and Svalbard Ptarmigan (a subspecies of the Rock Ptarmigan) and Snow Buntings nesting on the outskirts. Strolling around this former mining town you might well cross paths with Svalbard Reindeer (and endemic sub-species). Both the parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. We board the Polar Pioneer by 4:00 pm on July 1 and will depart at about 6:00 pm. The Polar Pioneer will sail out of the Fjord Isfjorden by early evening. The waters are very calm compared to the Antarctic and due to the shallow seas and the northward flow of the Gulf Stream, the climate is much milder than one would expect so far north. The Arctic summertime will be in full swing, so bring plenty of sunscreen, as well as the other polar essentials like warm clothes! |
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July 2 - 10 (Saturday-Sunday) • aboard the Polar Pioneer Working in concert the Captain and Expedition Team will map out our itinerary. If ice conditions are heavy we will likely start our expedition by going south from Longyearbyen, into Bellsund Fjord and Hornsund Fjord, and then out to the sea ice south of Spitsbergen. The small island of Sorkapp is where Harp Seals congregate to molt on ice floes. Another great area to explore is Bear Island and the neighboring Continental Shelf to the west - a region known for whales as well as foraging seabirds. Bear Island itself is home to bird colonies as dense as anywhere in the northern hemisphere. The bird cliffs here are phenomenal sea stacks that rise hundreds of feet out of nowhere, packed with birds, some of which breed here almost exclusively. The cliffs are on the west side of the island, which is more vulnerable to wind than the east, making landing more difficult. Weather permitting, we will be able to land and hike up from the east side of this narrow island to walk alongside the cliffs and look down from above the nesting area! In these waters we have our best chance of seeing pelagic whale species such as Humpback, Blue, or Greenland (Bowhead). Continuing, we will find the edge of the pack ice, ideal for foraging Polar Bears, seals, and seabirds. Following the ice to the east we will reach North Spitsbergen, and maybe sail into Hinlopen Strait. We'll then sail back along the west Spitsbergen coast, with multiple landings, until arriving in Longyearbyen. Alternately, in lighter ice conditions, we may begin the expedition by sailing north to the ice line - an area rich in Walrus. From here we might sail into the eastern parts of the Svalbard archipelago, very rich in Polar Bears, seals and seabirds. Later we cruise south to Diskobukta on the island of Edgeøya. After a Zodiac cruise through the shallow bay we might land on a beach littered with whale bones and tree trunks (the driftwood having made the journey all the way from Siberia). We can also climb to the rim of a narrow gully which is inhabited by thousands of Black-legged Kittiwakes, 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). South of the island of Edgeøya is Tusenøyane, a localized archipelago containing a myriad of small islands. Two of the tiny islands, Zieglerøya and Dielitschøya, have lakes where many birds nest including Red-throated Loons, Long-tailed Ducks, King Eiders, Brant Geese, and Red Phalaropes. These islands, and nearby Andreetangen, are breeding grounds for Walrus and a favorite hunting area of Polar Bear. We'll visit some of the fantastic bird cliffs where Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Fulmars, and several species of alcids breed, including Dovekie, Black Guillemot, Brünnich's Guillemot, and Atlantic Puffin. We'll keep our eyes out for Narwhal, which on rare occasions pass through these northern waters in July. There is a decent chance to see Beluga in the southern fjords, and we should see Polar Bears, seal, and Ivory Gulls where ice abounds. We'll get inland a bit to see goose colonies - Pink-footed, Barnacle, and Brant - along with Common Eider, King Eider, Oldsquaw, and Svalbard Ptarmigan. Unlike Antarctica, Svalbard has terrestrial predators - the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear - so almost all of the birds nest on cliffs inaccessible to these hungry predators. The wildlife is not quite as approachable as in Antarctica, but because Svalbard never had an indigenous population its wildlife is less afraid of people than in any other Arctic region. Reindeer, Arctic Fox, and Walrus can at times be approached within 20 feet. We'll keep a bit more distance between ourselves and Polar Bear! While walking we will stay alert for nesting shorebirds, such as Red Phalaropes, Arctic Terns and Arctic Skuas. Ivory Gulls breed farther inland although we are likely to see them foraging along the sea ice. Our group will have the time, flexibility, and freedom to hike, view bird colonies, explore, and photograph while on shore. However, we must follow Polar Bear protection procedures, which involve staying in groups and keeping within sight of the guides, who are prepared to deal with bears if need be. A more complete list of possible landing sites follows... July 11 (Monday) • Disembark and flight home July 12 (Tuesday) • arrive home, or continue your travels |
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Possible Landing Sites during our expedition... Hornsund • A major fjord south of Bellsund and north of the tip of Spitsbergen is the large and rugged Hornsund, which has 14 large glaciers and rich marine wildlife, including seabird cliffs, Polar Bears, seals, and Belugas, plus interesting geological formations. One of the major migration routes of a Polar Bear population is up Hornsund Fjord, across to the east side of Spitsbergen, south to the tip at Sørkapp, and back up the west side into Hornsund again. The mountain peaks on the south side of Hornsund, Hornsundtind (1,431m) and Bautaen, show why the early Dutch explorers named the island Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." A Polish research station is located in Hornsund Fjord and the mountains behind it are home to thousands of nesting Little Auks (Dovekies). Stormbukta • Going south, before reaching the tip of Spitsbergen, we may try to land at Stormbukta near a Kittiwake colony and post-volcanic springs. Sandhamna • Near Sørkapp Island, where Harp Seals like to molt at the southern tip of Spitsbergen, we may make a landing at Sandhamna. Due to different ocean currents that meet and swirl around this southern tip of land, dead animals are often washed ashore here, attracting Polar Bears to the area. The land is dotted with lakes, which are home to geese and loons, and, occasionally, migrant birds that have lost their way are also spotted here. Isbukta • On the southeastern side of Spitsbergen, Isbukta is a secluded ice-filled bay surrounded by a spectacular glacier front. Its waters are rich in marine mammals. Bölscheøya • This charming island is in the small archipelago of Tusenøyane, to the south of Edgeøya. Bölscheøya has many remains of Walrus and Right Whales. On a happier note, there are Red Phalaropes, Arctic Skuas, Red-throated Loons, and possibly the Pale-bellied Brant Goose, a subspecies found only on Spitsbergen, Franz Josef, and occasionally in Greenland. Aekongen • Also in this same multitude of small islands south of Edgeøya, Aekongen has a complete Right Whale skeleton, spectacular basalt rock columns, and Common Eiders often nesting in July. Risetreppen • There are two beautiful canyons located at Risetreppen in Keilhaubukta, south of Edgeøya. The canyons are home to small colonies of Black-legged Kittiwakes and Black Guillemots. There are also raised beaches littered with sub-fossil whale skeletons. The beaches are foraging areas for the hardy Spitsbergen Reindeer. Kraussbukta • Just north of Kvalpynten, the southwest tip of Edgeøya, there is a big Thick-billed Murre colony at Kraussbukta. The tundra here is covered with small ponds for breeding Red-throated Loons, Pink-footed Geese, and Grey Phalaropes. Freemansundet • At the northwest tip of Edgeøya we may proceed through Freemansundet, the strait between Barentzøya and Edgeøya. This passage is wonderful for observing Walruses, seals, and even the elusive Northern Right Whale, which was hunted to near extinction in the 19th century. Kong Karls Land • In the eastern part of the Svalbard Archipelago is Svalbard's most strictly protected nature reserve, Kong Karls Land. This is the most important denning area for Polar Bears and is a haven for seabirds and other mammals. Ships may not approach the reserve closer than 500 meters (1,650 feet); landings obviously are prohibited. Cruising northeast, we may pass Svenskøya, the westernmost island in Kong Karls Land. There will be plenty of pack ice and there is a good chance we will see Polar Bears, Harp and Ringed seals, Ivory Gulls, and Pomarine Jaegers (Skuas). Svartknausflya • On southern coast of Nordaustlandet, the most northerly of the major islands, is Svartknausflya, a "polar desert" that gets so little precipitation that even the hardy tundra plants cannot survive. The bare, sandy hills are a strong contrast to the world's third largest ice cap, several hundred miles long, which plunges into the sea not far away. Alkefjellet • If ice conditions permit, we will sail northwest through Hinlopenstretet, the strait that separates Spitsbergen to the west and the big island of Nordaustlandet to the northeast. Along Lomfjordshalvøya, a big glacial thumb protruding from the coast of Spitsbergen into the strait, are the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. The basalt pillars, rising to hundreds of feet, and the overhanging ice cap with its waterfall are amazing. The cliffs are the breeding ground for thousands of Thick-billed Murres (Brünnich's Guillemots). Augustabukta • On the eastern side of Hinlopenstretet, across from Lomfjordshalvøya, the huge island of Nordaustlandet offers more great wildlife sites. Augustabukta is a good place to see Spitsbergen Reindeer, Pink-footed Geese, and Walrus. We may also visit a cliff where the rare Ivory Gull breeds. Liefdefjorden • If the ice is light here in the northernmost regions of Spitsbergen, we may sail to the mouth of Liefdefjorden and go ashore for a walk on the tundra of Andøya. Many Common Eiders and Pink-footed Geese nest here and the less common King Eider may also be seen. Monacobreen, with its five-kilometer long face, is an impressive glacier at the end of this large fjord. Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier and the waters from its front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes. Raudfjorden • Further west along the north coast of Spitsbergen, Raudfjorden is a beautiful fjord with spectacular glaciers. It is home to Ringed and Bearded Seals, seabird colonies and surprisingly rich vegetation. Ytre Norskøya • The small island of Ytre Norskøya, on the northwest coast of Spitsbergen has an accessible breeding ground of Little Auks, Black Guillemots, Brünnich's Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic Skuas. Krossfjorden • On the west side of Spitsbergen, on our way back to Longyearbyen, Krossfjorden is a good place for a Zodiac cruise along the famed 14th of July Glacier or Fjortende Julibreen. Large numbers of Kittiwakes and Brünnich's Guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. There is also a good chance to spotting Arctic Foxes below the cliffs and Bearded Seals in the fjord. Ny Ålesund • Just south of Krossfjorden is Ny Ålesund, the world's northernmost settlement. Once a mining village served by the world's most northerly railway, it is now home to a research base for the Norwegian Polar Institute. The tiny settlement is a breeding ground for Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese, and Arctic Terns. Ny Ålesund is also the location of the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile in the airship Norge and by Nobile in the airship Italia before their flights to the North Pole in 1926 and 1928 respectively. Alkhornet • At the mouth of Isfjorden, the largest of all Spitsbergen's fjords, we may land at Alkhornet where seabirds nest on the cliffs and Arctic Foxes search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks. Also at the base of the cliffs, Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. Continue up Isfjorden to return to Longyearbyen. |
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Polar Pioneer |
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The Polar Pioneer is ideal for exploring the Svalbard region due to its strength and maneuverability. This 236-foot long, 2,140-ton ship can cruise at up to 12.5 knots, has an ice rating equivalent to Lloyd's 100 1A, and is fully equipped with excellent navigational and radio systems, as well as a passive stabilization system for rough weather. She was built in Finland in 1985 as a research vessel and for many years plied the treacherous waters of the USSR’s northern coast. In 2000, the ship was completely refurbished to serve as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The enthusiastic Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world. The Polar Pioneer accommodates 54 passengers, all in exterior cabins with a desk, small washbasin, storage and hanging space for clothes and equipment, and porthole or window. All twin and triple cabins have single beds. The mini suites have a separate small bedroom with double bed and a sofa bed in the main room as well as a TV and video player. The Captain’s Suite features a lounge area with table, a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofa bed in the main room, as well as a TV and video player, refrigerator, and large forward and port facing windows. The spacious bridge is always open to passengers and the decks are ideal for photography from the ship, as well as excellent places to watch for special wildlife. In the bar/lounge area, you can relax and also find a good collection of polar books. Enjoy entertaining lectures on the area’s flora, fauna, history and glaciology as well as photographic techniques. Meals prepared by an excellent European chef are served in a comfortable dining hall, keeping us warm and full of energy for the next wildlife encounter. Landings are made possible by a small fleet of Zodiacs with onboard motors. |
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note: deckplan for reference only - cabins not to scale. |
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All ship cabins must be shared, except by special arrangement. We will attempt to arrange a cabinmate for you if traveling alone - if we are unable to find a cabinmate there will be no single supplement charge. Selected cabins are available for guaranteed single occupancy at 1.9 times the cabin rate. Deposits & Payments: Expedition rates include: What's not included: Days: 13 Itinerary: Group Size: Expedition Team: Vidar Bakken (Ornithologist and Marine Ecologist) has worked extensively as a seabird scientist during his employment of 14 years at the Norwegian Polar Institute. At present, he is on the faculty at the University of Oslo and at the University Centre in Svalbard. Every year since 1986, he has made expeditions to the Arctic and has frequently guided and lectured on Svalbard voyages. He has written books on Arctic wildlife and brings an amazing knowledge of Svalbard to our voyage. Bjorn Frantzen (Naturalist, Ornithologist, and Arctic Ecologist) brings a great sense of humor and personality in addition to his in-depth knowledge of the Arctic. As leader of the Norwegian Polar Institute's office in Svalbard, former president of the Norwegian Ornithological Society, and current head of the Svalbard Nature Conservation Society in Svalbard, he has extensive experience. Bjørn has also worked with nature conservation in the Russian part of the Barents Region and as a monitor of the oil transportation from the Russian Arctic to Europe and the USA. An additional 3 Guides will be leading the group, plus Mark Grantham from GALAPAGOS TRAVEL escorting the group. This will be Mark's nineth Polar expedition sixth in the Arctic) where the combination of the surreal landscapes and incredible wildlife, coupled with the near limitless photographic opportunities of the midnight sun, keep drawing him back! Shipboard policies: Cancellations: Flights and Hotels: Depart from Longyearbyen on July 11 or later. An afternoon flight will give you time to explore the area, but if you prefer a morning flight, please check with us for early disembarkation arrangements. |
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Travel Insurance: Conditions: Expedition Log: Responsibility: |
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About Our: Trips | Yachts | Itineraries | Departure Dates and Prices | Guidebook |
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