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Location
Svalbard

Polar Bear Explorer

Details
10 DAYS FROM 8095 PP

Best time to go
April - August

Sl Benjamin Hardman
Call us 01273 691642Contact us
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Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer

Explore the stunning Spitsbergen Archipelago aboard the M/V Kinfish; an intimate ship charters focusing on sightings of the amazing polar bear and other Arctic wildlife of Svalbard. You will sail north from Longyearbyen exploring the western coast of Spitsbergen in search of colonies of walrus as well as other resident marine mammals. Setting sail during the heart of the Arctic summer, the sea ice will be fragmented, sending ice floes along the eastern part of the Archipelago. Searching these principle hunting grounds for the polar bear, the M/V Kinfish provides an unique opportunity to observe this majestic creature. Read more about when to go to Svalbard.

What to expect from a small ship cruise to Svalbard?

Why book this trip?

Small Ship Size

Exploring the harsh, frozen north is ideally suited to expedition ships that have the necessary equipment to safely navigate the frozen waters and cope with the extreme conditions of the region. Thanks to the smaller size of the ships we use, they are able to enter some of the more untouched and inaccessible areas of Svalbard, and combined with their smaller Zodiac boats you can gain closer access to some of the area’s best natural attractions.

Incredible Wildlife

Whilst the polar bear is undoubtedly a highlight of any Svalbard wildlife safari, there is also a surprising myriad of other Arctic wildlife, despite the harsh cold weather. Arctic foxes, countless seals and piles of blubbery walruses; there is an extensive amount of wildlife to be encountered on your frozen adventure. Spot different types of whales such as humpbacks, minke, beluga and orcas, breaching from the water. Listen to the bewildering amount of nesting birds twittering from the cliffs and flying in clouds of shifting patterns; the atlantic puffin, arctic terns and guillemots.

Expedition & Specialist Leaders

We work with some of the best guides in the business; experts in the natural world who have spent years working, living or researching in their chosen destination. From polar researchers to expert naturalists, all of our expedition leaders have been carefully selected for their experience, personality and in-depth wildlife knowledge. Our specialist-led safaris give a unique twist on your safari experience, and are ideal for anyone with specific interests; be it photography or otherwise. They are led by people, famous in their field, and sometime beyond, for their expertise, and amazing skills at sharing their knowledge.

Whale Drawing
Thalia Svalbard

Thalia Patalong

Polar Specialist


Thalia Patalong

Polar Specialist


Possibly my most memorable experience was sitting on the bridge, binoculars and morning coffee in hand, scouting the fast ice for wildlife. Suddenly one of our guides shouted 'BEAR!' and we all spun around to see a fluffy white female in the distance. Next to me, I noticed one of the crew looking through his binoculars in the opposite direction. Asking what he was looking at he just pointed and replied 'the bear...' Raising my binoculars again I realised he was right - there wasn't just one, but TWO bears, walking straight towards each other! It felt like something straight out of of David Attenborough as we held our breath and waited for the meeting...

SVA Cl Svalbard Kinfish June Credit Alex Stead

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What to expect on a small ship cruise?

You will arrive in Longyearbyen ready to board your expedition ship in the afternoon and start your Arctic adventure. Meet your fellow passengers and sail through the spectacular icy fjords of the Svalbard Archipelago.

Your time aboard the M/V Kinfish will be spent exploring the Svalbard Archipelago in search of Arctic wildlife and frozen landscapes. The exact itinerary will depend upon the weather conditions, the density of the pack ice in the north and wildlife opportunities; as well as the chosen length of your trip. During your Arctic safari you can expect to visit ice-filled fjords framed by breath-taking snow-capped peaks, towering bird cliffs with colonies of seabirds numbering in their thousands and see gigantic glaciers crashing into the icy seas. Alongside stunning landscapes go in search of polar bears as they hunt for seals, seek out of walrus basking in the sun and spot whales breaching in the icy seas. On shore you may come across Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and, of course, the impressive Arctic flora.

On your last day, you will arrive back into Longyearbyen in the early morning and disembark and then time to say your final farewells and begin your journey home.

An Example Itinerary

Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer Map

Your Expedition Ship Choices

M/V Kinfish

Built in 1958, the M/V Kinfish has recently been transformed from a Norwegian research vessel to a classic passenger ship, ready to explore the icy waters of the Spitsbergen archipelago. The bridge has been fitted out with advanced safety equipment, allowing the M/V Kinfish to safely navigate the calm Svalbard waters. With room on board for just 12 passengers, the ship has an intimate atmosphere, and her small size allows her to access some of the smaller fjords and coves along the coastline. Kinfish has an expansive deck space spread across multiple levels, two spacious lounges, and a fantastic presentation room. Read more about M/V Kinfish.

M/V Polarfront

Built in Norway in 1976, Polarfront was originally used as a research vessel by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute - she used to take readings of CO2 in the atmosphere and measured the convergence of masses of polar and tropical air, hence the name Polarfront. She was recommissioned in 2017 to become an expedition ship, with a full interior refit in 2018. Small in size, Polarfront can easily weave its way through the fjords, uncovering well-kept secrets of the Far North not typically explored. Her design lends itself to navigating through the ice, while her previous life as a weather ship left her with an advanced stabilisation system; unusual in a ship of this size. Two Mark V Zodiacs on-board offer polar explorers versatility and space for off-ship excursions. Read more about M/V Polarfront.

Dates & Prices svalbard

Dates and Prices for svalbard
DateShipPassengersTrip LengthTrip StylePrices from
5th - 12th May 2024Kinfish128 DaysBenjamin Hardman9295
12th - 20th May 2024Kinfish129 DaysFinn Beales9995
20th - 28th May 2024Kinfish129 Days8395
28th May - 5th June 2024Kinfish129 DaysKarim Iliya9995
5th - 13th June 2024Kinfish129 Days8695
13th - 22nd June 2024Kinfish1210 DaysPie Aerts10895
22nd June - 1st July 2024Kinfish1210 Days9295
1st - 10th July 2024Kinfish1210 Days9295
10th - 20th July 2024Kinfish1211 Days9795
20th - 30th July 2024Kinfish1211 DaysSpecialist Leader11395
30th July - 9th August 2024Kinfish1211 Days9795

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Client Reviews

Rated 5/5 based on 12 customer reviews