Svalbard Polar Bear Cruise

Experience the magic of the midnight sun, Arctic wildlife, and glacier-carved landscapes on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition through one of Earth's wildest and most remote frontiers. Departing from Longyearbyen — the world's northernmost settlement — aboard the expedition vessel M/V Hondius, you'll spend nine nights navigating the fjords and coastlines of West Spitsbergen. Daily Zodiac landings bring you face to face with polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and vast seabird colonies. Towering glaciers calve into turquoise waters. The sun never sets. This is the Arctic as few will ever see it.

📄Want the full picture? Download our brochure with the complete day-by-day itinerary, pricing, and trip details.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Walk Rating Key

Incline

Gentle — gain < 200 ft

Moderate — gain 200–1,000 ft

Steep — gain 1,000–2,000 ft

Terrain

🏙️ PavedAlmost entirely on pavement

🥾 TrailsWell-groomed trails, few obstacles

⛰️ RuggedRocky, rooted paths, or soft sand

Day 1

Arrive Longyearbyen, Norway

▾

Upon arrival into Longyearbyen, arrange your own transfer from the airport to our nearby hotel. An airport shuttle corresponds with all arrivals and stops at every hotel (about 110 NOK or $11 USD, payable in kroner or by credit card). Once settled in, consider a stroll around this former mining town — the world's northernmost settlement with a population over 1,000. The parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. No events are planned today other than a short welcome meeting at our hotel this evening. Several restaurants, pubs, and bars are available for meals on your own.

Day 2

Longyearbyen · Embark M/V Hondius

▾

After an included breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a final morning and afternoon exploring Longyearbyen. In the late afternoon, we gather our belongings and transfer to the dock where we board the M/V Hondius — the world's first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel, custom built for expedition cruising — and meet our outstanding crew and expedition team. In the evening, we enjoy dinner on board as the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 3

Krossfjorden · Ny Ålesund · Arctic Research Settlement

▾

NOTE: Days 3–10 are true expedition days — day-to-day activities may vary based on weather, pack ice, wildlife, and other conditions. Heading north along the west coast, we may arrive by morning in Krossfjorden with views of dramatic glacier fronts. In the afternoon, sail to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost permanent settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world's most northerly railway — you can still see its tracks — Ny Ålesund is now a thriving research center. Nearby is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. Visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships Norge (1926) and Italia (1928).

Day 4

Liefdefjorden · Monaco Glacier

▾

Weather permitting, sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of the precipitous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. We may also land at Texas Bar to explore on foot. Another possibility is the mouth of Wijdefjorden with tundra landscape and the glacier front of Nordbreen on either side.

Day 5

Seven Islands · 80° North · Edge of the Pack Ice

▾

The northernmost point of the voyage may take us north of Nordaustlandet to Chermsideøya and Phippsøya in the Seven Islands, reaching 80° north — just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, and the ship may park among the pack ice for wildlife observation. Alternatively, we may visit Sorgfjord for a chance to find walruses near the graves of 17th-century whalers at Eolusneset, with a nature walk that can bring us close to families of ptarmigans.

Day 6

Hinlopen Strait · Alkefjellet Bird Cliffs

▾

Sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded and ringed seals as well as polar bears — with the possibility of spotting blue whales at the entrance. After cruising among the ice floes of Lomfjord in the Zodiacs, view the spectacular bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with their thousands of Brünnich's guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we may attempt a landing in Palanderbukta where reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses are likely sights. Alternatively, visit the polar desert of Nordaustlandet at Torrelneset, next to the world's third-largest ice cap.

Day 7

Storfjorden · Barentsøya & Edgeøya

▾

Sail through Heleysundet between West Spitsbergen and Barentsøya, arriving in scenery of nearby glaciers like Negribreen. Later we may land at the mouth of the valley Skjolddalen on West Spitsbergen, four kilometers from an Ivory Gull colony. A landing at Diskobukta on Edgeøya, near a canyon with a large kittiwake colony, is also an option. Other landings near mighty glacier fronts at Kvalhovden are also possible.

Day 8

Hornsund · Land of the Pointed Mountains

▾

Cruise the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." Fourteen sizable glaciers are in this area, with opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. We may land in Samarinvaagen and Birgerbukta for a long walk ashore.

Day 9

Bell Sund · Beluga Whales & Whaling History

▾

Explore Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. Ocean currents make this area slightly warmer, producing relatively lush vegetation. At Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, piles of beluga skeletons from 19th-century whale slaughter offer a haunting reminder of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction and there is a good chance of encountering a pod. While cruising the side fjords, explore tundra where reindeer feed and rock slopes where little auks breed near Vaarsolbukta.

Day 10

Final Expedition Day · Western Spitsbergen · Return to Isfjorden

▾

Our final full day of expedition cruising along the west coast of Spitsbergen. The expedition team will select the best opportunities for Zodiac excursions and shore walks based on conditions, wildlife sightings, and ice. Enjoy final opportunities for Arctic walks amidst surreal northern landscapes that few humans have trod. As we make our way back toward Isfjorden and Longyearbyen, take in the midnight sun and reflect on an unforgettable Arctic journey. Farewell gathering on board this evening.

Day 11

Disembark Longyearbyen · Depart Norway

▾

Disembark the M/V Hondius at Longyearbyen this morning and catch flights home at the close of an unforgettable Arctic adventure.

Take this itinerary with you.

Download the full brochure with day-by-day details, pricing, and what's included.

What's Included

Included

1 night Longyearbyen hotel
9 nights aboard M/V Hondius
all meals during cruise
all Zodiac excursions
expedition guides
waterproof boots on loan
lectures and educational program. Based on double cabin occupancy.

Not Included

International airfare to/from Longyearbyen
travel insurance (required)
single cabin supplement
alcoholic beverages
personal expenses
gratuities

Svalbard Polar Bear Cruise Is Currently Sold Out

Use the waitlist form in the sidebar to be notified if a spot opens up.

Questions? Call 360.260.9393 · Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific

Enhance Your Trip

Make your adventure even richer with these optional additions. Pre-nights and activities can be added at any time — before booking, during registration, or later via your trip advisor.

Single Supplement — Hotel Night

Single room supplement for the July 5 hotel night in Longyearbyen. Ship cabin upgrades priced separately.

$190

Available to add during registration or by calling 360.260.9393.

Before You Book

To register, a non-refundable $2,000 deposit is required to hold your spot. If you've already pre-registered for this tour ($200), all that is required is an additional $1,800 to lock in your place. Deposits are non-refundable after this time.

Modified Payment & Cancellation Policies for Svalbard

Because of the high demand for cruising through the Arctic and the short supply of the more attractive small ship experiences, cruise companies are somewhat aggressive in their cancellation policies. Normal WAI cancellation policies (see the General Tour Conditions) are therefore superseded by those of the ship.

We will use the following tour payment schedule that synchronizes with non-refundable payments due the ship. All payments received from travelers are therefore non-refundable after the due date.

November 1, 2025: $2,000
January 1, 2026: $2,250
March 1, 2026: $2,250
Final Payment – April 1, 2026: $1,975 + any upgrades purchased

Once a tour has a viable number of participants, an “Adventure Advice” email will be sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.

The M/V Hondius is a purpose-built polar expedition vessel — ice-strengthened, maneuverable, and designed for small-group Arctic and Antarctic voyages. It carries approximately 170 passengers with comfortable en-suite cabins, a lecture hall, dining room, observation lounge, and outdoor decks for wildlife watching. This is an expedition cruise, not a luxury liner — the focus is on getting you close to Arctic wildlife and landscapes, not on poolside entertainment.

Airfare is generally not included in the tour price. The starting point for each tour is the arrival airport or first hotel. We recommend booking your own flights so you can use your preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or travel credit. When air travel is necessary within an itinerary (such as inter-island flights in the Azores), it is usually included in the tour price. We recommend contacting Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. Detailed arrival and departure airport information is provided on each tour page and in your registration materials.

Svalbard has more polar bears than people — roughly 3,000 bears to 2,500 human residents. Sighting rates on summer expeditions are very high, but wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. The expedition team uses decades of Arctic experience to navigate to the best locations. Beyond polar bears, expect walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, and extraordinary seabird colonies. Whales (beluga, minke, and occasionally blue) are also commonly spotted.

Once paid, your registration deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due before departure — your tour page has the specific dates — and is non-refundable after the due date. We'll send you a reminder a week or two before each deadline so nothing sneaks up on you. If a tour doesn't reach the minimum number of participants needed to run, WAI may cancel the departure — and if that happens, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid. It's rare, but we want you to know where you stand. See our General Tour Conditions for complete cancellation and refund details.

July is Svalbard's warmest month, with temperatures typically ranging from 37-45°F (3-7°C) — cold by most standards, but manageable with proper layering. Wind chill on Zodiac excursions and open decks makes it feel colder. The ship provides expedition-grade waterproof outer layers for shore landings. Pack thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, warm gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and waterproof boots (or use the ship's supply). The reward: 24-hour daylight and landscapes unlike anything on Earth.

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from unforeseen circumstances before departure or during your adventure. We recommend a policy covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. Be aware that some policies contain time-sensitive provisions — benefits like coverage of pre-existing conditions may only be available if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of booking. Airfare is generally not covered by tour travel insurance. Using SquareMouth.com is a good way to compare pricing. Other options include Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travel Insured International. WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by credit card companies — verify coverage types and limits before relying on them.

Shore landings are by Zodiac inflatable boats, operated by the expedition team. Landings are weather- and ice-dependent — the team decides each morning based on conditions, so no two voyages follow exactly the same route. On shore, you'll walk on Arctic tundra, rocky beaches, and glacial terrain in small groups with armed guides (polar bear safety protocol). Walks are typically 1-3 km on uneven ground. Mobility and the ability to step in and out of Zodiacs safely is required — this is not a physically demanding trip, but it requires reasonable agility.

Every WAI walk uses a two-part rating: a number (1–3) for incline and a letter (A–C) for terrain. Here’s what they look like:

1 — Gentle (gain < 200 ft)

2 — Moderate (gain 200–1,000 ft)

3 — Steep (gain 1,000–2,000 ft)

🏙️ PavedA — Paved (almost entirely on pavement)

🥾 TrailsB — Trails (well-groomed trails, few obstacles)

⛰️ RuggedC — Rugged (rocky, rooted paths, or soft sand)

Quick Reference

	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Gentle	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Moderate	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Steep	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged

Each tour page also has a Tour Pace rating (1–5) and a Walk Challenge rating (1–5) that summarize the overall difficulty. Use these to compare tours at a glance — then check the day-by-day itinerary for the full picture.

You'll receive a detailed packing list and final email packet about 2-3 weeks before departure, including hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule. Key items for every WAI tour: well broken-in walking shoes (not new ones), layers for variable weather, a lightweight waterproof rain jacket, a small daypack for daily walks, sunscreen, and a hat. For international tours, check your tour page for destination-specific recommendations. Comfortable, modest clothing works for most group dinners — WAI tours are relaxed, not formal.

Most days begin with a group breakfast, followed by a morning walk or cultural visit. Midday includes a lunch stop — sometimes included, sometimes on your own at a local restaurant. Afternoons blend walking with sightseeing, and evenings are usually free with periodic group dinners. You'll never feel rushed, and there's always time to rest, explore on your own, or sit in a café and watch the world go by. Your guides will share a detailed daily schedule before the trip so you'll know exactly what to expect.

You don't need to be an athlete. WAI tours range from gentle strolls through city streets to more adventurous walks on hills and trails — and most walking days offer a shorter or easier alternative so you can choose your level. If you enjoy walking regularly and can handle a couple of miles at a comfortable pace, you'll find tours that fit. More experienced walkers will find plenty to challenge them too. The best preparation is to walk regularly in the weeks before your trip, gradually building up distance. Every tour page shows walk-by-walk ratings so you can see exactly what's involved — and if you're unsure, give us a call. We love helping people find the right fit.

WAI groups are small by design — every group is kept intentionally small so you're never just a face in the crowd. Two WAI guides accompany every trip (plus local national guides on international tours), which means more personal attention, better access to local experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that turns fellow travelers into lasting friends. Check your tour page for specific group size details.

Absolutely — and you won't be alone for long. Many of our travelers come solo and quickly find themselves part of the group. We offer a roommate matching service at no extra charge, or you can book a single room for a supplement (amount varies by tour). Solo travelers consistently tell us that the community feel of a WAI trip is one of the best parts.

Meal inclusions vary by tour — check your specific tour page for details. Most tours include daily breakfast, several group dinners, and select lunches. On free-meal days, your guides will recommend local restaurants that match the group's tastes and budget. Group dinners are a highlight — they're often at locally owned restaurants where the food tells a story about the place you're visiting.

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners. Our objective is to capture the essence of a destination by weaving together its culture, history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions into a walking-centric adventure. Think of it as a fully planned trip where each day is thoughtfully designed — not a self-guided hike, not a resort stay, but an immersive journey with a small group led by experienced WAI guides.

After you register, we'll send you an Adventure Advice email with everything you need to plan your trip — recommended flights, arrival airports, timing tips, and important steps to take before departure. One big thing: please don't buy your flights until you've seen this email. It'll save you headaches and help you find the best options. Closer to departure, you'll get a final packet with hotel details, a list of your fellow travelers, and a day-by-day schedule.

If a tour departure doesn't reach the minimum enrollment needed to run, WAI reserves the right to cancel it. If that happens, registered participants receive a 100% refund of all payments made to WAI. Most tours reach minimum enrollment well in advance, and cancellations are rare — but we want you to know we stand behind our commitment if it ever happens. In cases where supplier non-refundable deposits limit what WAI can recover, we'll do our best to apply unrecovered amounts as credit toward a future tour.

Our approach to wellness on tour encourages travelers to: focus on health before the tour so you start healthy; pace yourself while on tour, as travel is inherently stimulating and can mask energy drain; stay hydrated and rested, especially on long-haul travel days and at altitude; and speak up if you're not feeling well — our guides are trained to help and would rather know early. We travel in small groups where everyone looks out for each other, and our guides carry first aid supplies and know local medical resources at every stop. Read our full Wellness on Tour Policy for details.

Svalbard Polar Bear Cruise

Tour Pace

Walk Challenge

Svalbard Polar Bear Cruise

Day-by-Day Itinerary

What's Included

Included

Not Included

Svalbard Polar Bear Cruise Is Currently Sold Out

Enhance Your Trip

Before You Book

Modified Payment & Cancellation Policies for Svalbard

You Might Also Love

Svalbard Polar Bear Cruise Is Sold Out