Svalbard Circumnavigation
The goal of this Albatros Expeditions voyage is to circumnavigate Svalbard - the ultimate bucket-list adventure!
During this outstanding adventure we will enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this high Arctic voyage among whales, walruses, polar bears and millions of sea birds. We will explore northwest Spitzbergen, one of the largest protected areas in the Arctic, before we approach the polar bear's favorite summer residence. As we cruise to 80 degrees north, we will get as close as possible to the pack ice north of Svalbard - a constantly shifting wilderness of ice and sea which stretches to the North Pole and beyond. While the many amazing locations along the coasts of Svalbard’s islands are kept navigable by the warm Gulf Stream, how far north we reach, and the exact route of the voyage will depend on the whims of Mother Nature. This far north, everything is governed by the sea, wind and ice. Onboard Ocean Albatros you will experience areas of Svalbard not easily accessible by any other means of exploration as we carefully navigate around this breathtaking archipelago. We will next visit extraordinary locations in the eastern part of Svalbard such as Edgeøya and regions such as Bellsund and Hornsund in southern Svalbard.
During the short summer, wildlife such as reindeer, geese and Arctic foxes are is busy amassing energy for the icy polar winter. The cliffs shimmer with life as every surface is populated with countless birds - all sturggling to raise the new generation of Arctic sea birds before they are ready to leave their nests. The prolific bird life can be seen as Brunnich's guillemots, black guillemots and razorbills fishing in the wake of our ship. Onshore, the huge walrus enjoy the short Arctic summer as well as many whales and seals foraging along the edge of the pack ice and the coasts. In our fleet of Zodiac boats, we are able to view wildlife safely at close proximity. The Zodiacs allow us to have frequent shore landings and embark on exploratory mini cruises in the fjords and glacial landscapes. From historical sites, to glacier fronts, to remote lonely beaches, no area is off limits to us!