Arctic Holidays

Add a little extra adventure to your arctic voyage by choosing to explore the Spitsbergen coastline aboard a sailing boat. There is no better way to explore the stunning Spitsbergen coastline than on a sailing holiday on the beautiful schooner The Noorderlicht. Built in the early years of 20th century, this two masted, 46m vessel has been re-rigged and re-fitted allowing you to sail impressively through Arctic waters.

Sailing is an incredibly peaceful and unobtrusive way of navigating in the arctic region. Imagine gliding silently past spectacular scenery and watching for whales and dolphins. Your voyage around Spitsbergen will combine both sailing and wildlife watching at sea, with memorable shore excursions. This voyage focuses on rewarding wildlife encounters, spectacular scenery and visits to historical and geological sites. Spitsbergen is home to a wide variety of Arctic wildlife; and we expect to spot walrus, polar bears, reindeer, ringed and bearded seals and huge bird colonies.

As you set sail it’s all hands on deck, so everyone gets a chance to help out with crewing the vessel and taking watch. No previous experience is needed, just a sense of adventure and a willingness to be part of a very special expedition.

These cruises are VERY popular and as group sizes do not exceed 20 passengers, it is strongly advisable to book early!

Further Information

Please select links from the left-hand panel for further information about the tour itinerary, prices and departure dates. Alternatively please contact our expert team who will be delighted to hear from you.

Phone: 01737 218800
Email: arctic@discovertheworld.co.uk

The Voyage

Search for wildlife as you sail through narrow straits and explore some of the smaller islands of the Svalbard archipelago, on your spectacular circular route around Spitsbergen. Your voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, following a course around the northern shore of the island before heading south through the stunning Hinlopen Strait.

Continue sailing along the east coast of Spitsbergen. Here encounters with ivory gulls, black guillemots, reindeer, polar bear and walrus are also possible. Arriving at Kapp Lee on the western shore of Edgeoya you can walk in the fertile valley of Rosenbergdalen, where reindeer are often observed. Visit Kong Ludvigoyane, a cluster of islands where walruses breed and encounters with polar bears are likely. Explore the stunning labyrinth of fjords at Hornsund in the south before returning to Longyearbyen via the Russian settlement of Barentsburg.

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Voyages » Spitsbergen » Sailing Around Spitsbergen