Travelling to Svalbard means exploring the northernmost European territory accessible to a non-professional expedition. Sailing these latitudes on a motor-sailer is a unique experience, offering a more personal encounter with the polar environment.
Fjords, glaciers and abundant wildlife – polar bears, walruses and migratory birds… – await visitors during the few months of the polar summer.
Our Arctic trips are suitable for anyone with basic fitness – able, for example, to walk for a couple of hours in the mountains. The trip is not physically demanding, but it is important to know what to expect. There are no paths in Spitsbergen, and every outing is different.
Wildlife in the Arctic
The population of polar bears in Spitsbergen is considerable, and the chances of seeing several on the route are high. We rarely go on a trip without encountering at least a couple. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, however, and should not become the sole aim of a trip with so many other attractions.
There is a very good chance of seeing several polar bears.
Alongside bears, encounters with other mammals are common: walruses floating on ice or gathered in colonies ashore, Arctic foxes, caribou and beluga whales. Birdwatchers will find a paradise of migratory species spending the summer at these latitudes, which we can approach as closely as they allow. Discovering their cliffside nests is unforgettable.
Cruises aboard classic sailing boats
Sailing at these Norwegian latitudes aboard a classic sailing boat offers a more personal experience than an expedition cruise, and a more participatory way to discover Arctic landscapes and wildlife.
Sailing in the Arctic. UA unique experience: sailing the Arctic aboard a classic sailing ship equipped for polar waters.
Guide and crew
The captain, a professional sailor, is in charge of the ship. Under the captain’s command, two sailors and a cook handle daily tasks on board.
The expedition is led by an excellent guide specialising in polar regions. English is spoken on board.
Participatory trip
A daily task is to hoist the boats aboard after excursions, which takes between 5 and 6 people. Crew numbers are limited, and this is not a cruise offering extensive hospitality services. For example, passengers usually help clear the table after meals; the crew takes care of the other tasks.
Shore excursions
Landings are usually made once or twice a day by inflatable boat, each lasting around three hours. With few passengers, everyone can disembark together and relatively quickly. An unexpected encounter with a bear or a group of walruses can therefore prompt a change of programme and an impromptu excursion to observe them.
Each morning, the tour leader explains the day’s planned excursions. All are guided, as you cannot wander alone on the island: the threat from bears is real, and safety rules must always be followed. Arctic travel | Photo: Oceanwide Exp.
During free time on board, fascinating talks are organised on wildlife and polar exploration.
Important information about the navigation programme: The boat has sails, which will be used when conditions permit: open sea, deep water, suitable winds and enough time. The captain decides when and where to use sails or engine. The crew operates the sails, and passengers must follow safety rules. The average cruising speed of s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is approximately 6.5 knots.
Arctic Expedition Cruises
Located just over 500 miles from the North Pole, the Svalbard Islands become accessible in summer. We sail along the edge of the pack ice, attempting to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, with good opportunities to see polar bears.
The expedition cruises allow you to discover the nature and wildlife of these islands, with a magnificent programme of tours guided by specialists and a good level of comfort on board. Icebergs, glaciers and good polar bear observation opportunities.
- Ships carrying between 100 and 150 passengers.
- A comfortable trip with a high level of hospitality services.
- More ambitious routes.
Expedition cruise vs. Sailboat
| Aspect | Expedition cruises | Spitsbergen by sailing boat |
|---|---|---|
| Boat | Expedition ships (Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius) | Classic sailboat (Rembrandt van Rijn) |
| Capacity | 90 to 170 passengers | Maximum 33 passengers |
| Duration | 8 or 10 days (depending on the date) | 8 or 11 days (8 in May, 11 in June/July) |
| Departure | June, July and August 2026 | May, June and July 2026 |
| Main Route | Spitsbergen Circumnavigation | Focus on the North of Spitsbergen. Coastal navigation |
| Base price | €4,100 (8 days, quadruple cabin) | 3,600 € (8 days, triple cabin) |
| Comfort level | High. Cabins with private bathroom, internet and TV | Basic/authentic. More rustic sailing experience |
| Activities | Landings, lectures and wildlife watching | Zodiac landings, talks and possible sailing under sail |
| Special activities | Kayaking, snowshoeing and camping (optional, not included) | May Departures: Alpine skiing and mountain trekking |
| Language on Board | English (a minimum level is essential) | English (a minimum level is essential) |
| Difficulty | Low. Accessible to almost everyone | Moderate to high. Greater agility is required. |
Next trips to the Arctic
Arctic✔️ Departures 1, 29 MAY | 5, 25 Jun | 5 Jul 2026
✔️ Price from 3600€
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Other trips to the Arctic
✔️ Departures 26 JUN | 3, 11, 20, 28 Jul | 14 Aug 2026
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