Getting to Svalbard
Your journey to the Norwegian Arctic is a big part of the adventure. With this helpful guide, you can embark on your trip with confidence.
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Six reasons to book a Svalbard Adventure
- An undisputed mecca for sighting Arctic wildlife – polar bears, walrus, arctic fox and reindeer – and millions of migratory birds
- The most accessible region of the High Arctic, Svalbard’s mountainous stronghold offers the best of The Arctic in microcosm
- Experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun, and the glittering otherworldliness of the pack ice – Narnia made real
- Cruise past breathtaking landscapes, from snow-clad mountains rising from the sea to magnificent fjords and calving glaciers
- Immerse yourself in the archipelago's rich history, from the pioneering days of whaling and trapping, to the race for the North Pole
- For keen walkers, photographers and kayakers, Svalbard offers one of the world’s most spellbinding backdrops to pursue your passion
Swoop says
Whether you’re a birder or botanist, a photographer or trekker, a historian or hedonist – Svalbard’s astonishing multifacetedness is the ultimate Arctic crowd pleaser.
Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist
Our most popular Svalbard voyages
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
- 11 Days
- $8,036
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
- 11 or 12 Days
- $18,695
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
- 8 or 11 Days
- $4,200
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of three small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…
- 12 Days
- $9,290
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
- 11 Days
- $17,600
Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsøya, just 540 miles from the geographical North Pole. En route you'll experience calving glaciers and teeming colonies of seabirds, walrus and whales, all while keeping a sharp…
- 8 Days
- $4,450
Sail to Svalbard aboard a sleek, elegant and all-inclusive expedition vessel in serious comfort. Not to be confused with a cruise, this is definitely an expedition with daily landings and a serious emphasis on wildlife sightings and experiencing the real…
- 10 Days
- $10,997
Delivering a whopping 12 full days of exploration under the midnight sun, this voyage appeals to both wildlife enthusiasts keen to boost their chances of sighting Svalbard’s captivating fauna and the slow traveller who wants to get under the skin…
- 15 Days
- $23,495
What our customers think of Svalbard Cruises
Highlights of Svalbard
World-class wildlife watching
Svalbard is a living Arctic sanctuary, where wildlife thrives against a backdrop of ice and rugged landscapes. Polar bears roam the ice edge, walrus haul out on remote shores and reindeer and Arctic foxes traverse the tundra.
Beneath the waves, while whale numbers are still recovering, minke, beluga, and fin whales in particular are regularly sighted, while the occasional blue whale makes a majestic appearance.
In summer the skies come alive as millions of migratory birds arrive to nest, making Svalbard a true birding paradise.
Sublime landscapes
Gliding along Svalbard’s wild coastline feels like entering a silent world sculpted by ice and time. Towering, snow-capped mountains even in summer rise dramatically from the sea in serried rows, their jagged peaks mirrored in glassy waters.
With over 60% of the archipelago cloaked in permanent ice, glaciers dominate the landscape, thundering as they calve into iceberg-strewn channels. Further north, the world transforms into an ethereal expanse of pack ice – a delicate crust of frozen sea – a magical never-never land.
A zodiac cruises beside Monaco glacier
Midnight sun
Experience the magic of Svalbard’s midnight sun, where summer reveals a world bathed in daylight 24 hours a day and the sun never sets. This surreal phenomenon might playfully shift your sense of time, but it quickly becomes exhilarating, opening the door to extended days for exploration.
With constant daylight, the opportunities for wildlife sightings – when they are at their most active during the summer months – and taking in your extraordinary surroundings at all times of day, are endless.
View of the pack ice
Swoop says
In over 20 years of polar travel, very few moments come anywhere close to the excitement of landing on the pack ice and being the most northerly ship on the planet at 82 degrees north.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
The Pack Ice
To be found off Svalbard’s north coast in summer, the pack ice stretches out to the horizon as a seemingly endless dazzling crust of pristine otherworldliness, broken only by narrow leads of dark, icy water. The silence is profound, punctuated only by the occasional groan of shifting ice.
These frozen expanses are also well-known hunting grounds for hungry polar bear in search of ringed seal, and a day or two in the pack ice regularly features on many voyage itineraries.
Photographing a polar bear on the pack ice
History
Svalbard’s history is a gripping Arctic saga with many fascinating chapters. From Russian Pomor trappers who hunted walrus and fox centuries ago, to Dutch and British whalers. It was from Svalbard that explorers launched their bold expeditions in the race to be first to the North Pole. And at the beginning of the twentieth century, coal mining came to Svalbard.
Today, remnants of hunting camps, settlements, ships and mines continue to tell stories of survival, ambition and human ingenuity at the edge of the world.
Old whaler's hut on Svalbard
Planning your Svalbard trip
Svalbard Ship Guide
In the absence of hotels and infrastructure once you depart Longyearbyen, an expedition ship offers the best means to explore Svalbard's ragged coastline, while acting as both your…
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Svalbard Landing Sites
Expedition cruising is all about active exploration - trekking the arctic tundra, watching for wildlife, studying Svalbard’s history or sailing through sea ice, and accompanied …
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When to visit Svalbard
While Svalbard may be an almost year round destination, the changing weather, number of daylight hours, amount of ice and snow conditions through the year all have a marked effect …
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Swoop says
Daily scheduled flights via Oslo make Svalbard easier and cheaper to reach than almost any other Arctic region. For even easier and more seamless travel, many of our voyages include direct charter flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo, Helsinki or Paris.
Introductory Svalbard cruises
As the name suggests these shorter trips (7-10 days) offer an excellent introduction to Svalbard, with daily off-ship excursions and good opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Let the midnight sun guide the way as you sail north to Phippsøya, just 540 miles from the geographical North Pole. En route you'll experience calving glaciers and teeming colonies of seabirds, walrus and whales, all while keeping a sharp…
- 8 Days
- $4,450
Sail to Svalbard aboard a sleek, elegant and all-inclusive expedition vessel in serious comfort. Not to be confused with a cruise, this is definitely an expedition with daily landings and a serious emphasis on wildlife sightings and experiencing the real…
- 10 Days
- $10,997
For anyone keen to experience Svalbard’s rich Arctic wildlife and spectacular scenery while travelling comfortably, this is a good option. Travelling in the company of naturalists on board a modern state-of-the-art ship, equal attention is given to your experience both…
- 8 Days
- $11,038
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
- 8 or 11 Days
- $4,200
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard a choice of three truly exceptional small expedition ships. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about…
- 9 Days
- $6,990
Using the ship as your comfortable ‘basecamp’ and travelling slower to enable more time for exploring each location – on foot, by kayak and through the lens of your camera – this is an ideal trip for the active traveller seeking quality…
- 8 Days
- $4,450
For a stellar introduction to all Svalbard has to offer, travel on board a modern X-Bow ship with a maximum of just 130 guests while accompanied by one of the best expedition teams in the business. Complimentary charter flights and…
- 8 Days
- $13,895
May is springtime in Svalbard and for those travellers looking for pristine, fairytale snowy landscapes, icy fjords and a world – and wildlife – re-awakening after the long winter slumber, it’s a magical time. Travelling onboard a small ship with…
- 9 Days
- $6,490
For the Rolls-Royce of expeditionary cruising in Svalbard, travel with the original pioneers of polar exploration on this trip. Traversing Svalbard aboard one of the most advanced small expedition ships afloat and accompanied by your unparalleled onboard expedition team, expeditionary…
- 10 Days
- $14,420
Circumnavigate the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, cruising as far as 80° North to reach the edge of the pack ice. This voyage includes an impressive eight days of off-ship exploring, with ample opportunities to spot remarkable Arctic wildlife…
- 10 Days
- $7,895
Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…
- 8 Days
- $5,495
Guided by an experienced team who know the best places in Svalbard for wildlife encounters, make the most of each day’s local ice and weather conditions. Fully immerse yourself in this Arctic archipelago, exploring by zodiac and on foot. Optional…
- 8 Days
- -
If you’re looking for a good value introduction to Svalbard, travelling on a sturdy, older ship with bags of charm and history, this is a good option to consider. Spend six full days exploring and learning about Svalbard’s rich history…
- 8 Days
- $5,749
Guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience ,and travelling onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship, this short eight-day voyage is ideal for the Arctic traveller who is looking for…
- 8 Days
- $12,874
This immersive 10-day Svalbard voyage stands out as it's guided by Rinie van Meurs, renowned Arctic expedition leader with over 30 years of experience, and travels onboard a small, comfortable and very capable 12-guest ship. Travelling slowly, maximising time on…
- 10 Days
- $16,093
For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…
- 9 Days
- $6,282
Svalbard in-depth
These longer trips (11-14 days) not only improve your chances of wildlife sightings, but the later departures also offer the opportunity to do a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…
- 15 Days
- $12,471
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of three small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…
- 12 Days
- $9,290
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
- 11 or 12 Days
- $18,695
Delivering a whopping 12 full days of exploration under the midnight sun, this voyage appeals to both wildlife enthusiasts keen to boost their chances of sighting Svalbard’s captivating fauna and the slow traveller who wants to get under the skin…
- 15 Days
- $23,495
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
- 11 Days
- $8,036
If you’re looking for an in-depth Svalbard voyage to optimise wildlife encounters and provide a really immersive experience, while not wanting the budget to run away from you, this is a good option. What this cosy 128-guest ship may not…
- 11 Days
- $7,499
Travelling during the height of summer, the goal is to complete a full circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. But what really marks this voyage out is the rare inclusion of the remote and little-visited island of Kvitøya, renowned as a…
- 14 Days
- $11,995
Travelling during the height of summer under the ever present midnight sun, and with wildlife activity at its peak, this in-depth Svalbard voyage also offers the possibility of undertaking a circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, if ice and weather conditions allow. Maximum…
- 9-12 Days
- $8,295
This exclusive 13-day voyage is guided by renowned Arctic expert, Rinie van Meurs, who has over 30 years of experience. While travelling onboard a small, capable and cosy 12-guest ship, his deep knowledge and passion will bring the Arctic and…
- 13 Days
- $21,338
Set sail on this in-depth exploration of Svalbard aboard a state-of-the-art super yacht. No other trip combines such comfort with so many days exploring this Arctic archipelago. Wildlife sightings, and your chance of seeing polar bears, will be maximised by…
- 13 Days
- -
Combination trips: Svalbard and other regions
While Svalbard has more than enough appeal to keep you captivated, there are also some spectacular longer trips (14-24 days) which combine Svalbard with its near neighbours.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse wildlife-rich Svalbard via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra, then continue on to Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point.…
- 15 Days
- $10,831
Beginning in Svalbard before sailing west across the Greenland Sea and exploring Greenland’s long eastern coastline to finish in Iceland, this is an audacious Arctic journey of startling diversity and contrast. Spectacular landscapes, towering glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters all…
- 15 Days
- $22,295
This comprehensive Arctic triumvirate encompassing Svalbard, East Greenland and Iceland offers the best of the Arctic: some of the best wildlife viewing with spectacular scenery, unspoiled fjords, gigantic icebergs and Inuit communities. You may also be lucky enough to see…
- 14 Days
- $11,495
Beginning deep inside the High Arctic and finishing in subarctic Iceland, we like this voyage for its diversity, sense of journey and extended time exploring East Greenland. Zodiac cruising among towering icebergs, glimpsing the Northern Lights and tracking musk oxen…
- 20 Days
- $12,040
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
- 11 Days
- $17,600
Reach the top of the world in serious comfort onboard a state-of-the-art luxury, hybrid-powered icebreaker. Travel north through icebound waters and join the exclusive list of intrepid explorers who have visited the geographical North…
- 16 Days
- $36,840
Setting sail from Scotland, this iconic journey island hops its way northwards before bisecting the Arctic Circle and spending time exploring the captivating Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The little-visited islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen are a real treat,…
- 10 Days
- $2,800
Walrus hauled out on the ice
Bears exploring the sea ice
Stunning glacier face
Photographing the pack ice
Navigating through pack ice
Glacier calving at Svalbard
Guillemots at Alkefjellet
Reindeer at Svalbard
Walrus colony with kittiwakes
Curious foxes on Svalbard
View across the Arctic tundra
Kayaking on a mirror lake
Kayaking close to a glacier
Polar bear roaming on the snow
Walrus in Svalbard
Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
