Svalbard Wildlife Safari with Phil Hunter

Meet Phil and the team, board MV Villa and set sail from Longyearbyen.

Northwest Spitsbergen

Embark with Arctic Tern Expeditions on a captivating voyage Spitsbergen's northwest corner at the edge of the Arctic Ocean. This is an area where history melds with the stark beauty of the Arctic wilderness. This exploration, set against the dramatic landscapes of Danskøya, Smeerenburg, Fairhaven, and Bjørnfjorden, invites adventurers to tread lightly on the edge of the world, where the past whispers amongst the ice.

In the vicinity of Danskøya, tales of daring attempts to reach the North Pole linger in the Arctic air, with the island serving as a poignant backdrop to stories of exploration and ambition. The remnants of these quests, including those of notable expeditions like S. A. Andrée's, offer a glimpse into the relentless human spirit and the allure of the unknown.

As the journey unfolds, the historical footprint of Smeerenburg comes into view, an area once teeming with the activity of 17th-century whalers. The remains of this era, from blubber ovens to scattered relics, stand as silent testaments to a bygone era of Arctic endeavor, set against a natural sanctuary for polar wildlife.

Navigating towards Fairhaven reveals a serene landscape, a natural harbor that has provided shelter through the ages for those braving these northern waters. The tranquility of this bay contrasts with the grandeur of Bjørnfjorden, where glaciers loom and wildlife thrives, offering scenes of untouched Arctic beauty. These regions, marked by their profound natural wonders, are reminiscent of the earth's raw power and the delicate balance of life in extreme conditions.

The Ice Edge, Arctic Ocean

Embark on a remarkable journey to the edge of the pack ice in the Arctic Ocean, a voyage that promises to be a defining moment of any adventurer's exploration of the Svalbard archipelago. This expedition is designed for those who are drawn to the mysteries of the Arctic, eager to witness the dynamic interplay between sea, ice, and wildlife in one of the planet's most remote and untouched frontiers.

As we navigate northward from the rugged coasts of Svalbard, the ocean gradually transforms, revealing a landscape dictated by the movements of ice. The transition from open water to the dense, drifting expanses of pack ice is a spectacle in itself, showcasing the Arctic's ever-changing nature. This boundary between ice and ocean is a critical habitat for a variety of Arctic wildlife, offering unparalleled opportunities for observation and photography.

Upon reaching the pack ice, the expedition takes on a new dimension. Here, in the silent expanse of the Arctic Ocean, time seems to stand still. The vastness of the ice, stretching endlessly toward the horizon, offers a profound sense of isolation and tranquility. It's in this pristine environment that we may encounter some of the Arctic's most iconic inhabitants. Polar bears, masters of the ice realm, can sometimes seen roaming the pack ice in search of seals. The patience and keen eyes of our guests might also be rewarded with sightings of seals lounging on ice floes or elusive whales patrolling the ice edge.

Birdlife thrives in this frozen landscape as well, with species such as Northern fulmars, Little auks, and the majestic Ivory gull are often spotted against the stark white backdrop. These birds, adapted to the harsh Arctic environment, add a lively contrast to the ice's tranquility and provide fascinating subjects for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

This journey to the pack ice above Svalbard is not just an expedition; it's an immersion into the Arctic's heart, where the forces of nature dictate the rhythm of life. As we respectfully navigate this fragile environment, the importance of conservation and the need to protect these untouched areas becomes ever more apparent. Arctic Tern Expeditions is committed to offering our guests a deeper understanding of the Arctic's ecological significance and the challenges it faces in a changing world.

Join us on this extraordinary voyage to the edge of the pack ice, where the vastness of the Arctic Ocean unfolds in a display of sublime beauty, and the spirit of exploration leads us to the ends of the Earth.

Raudfjord

Explore the area of Raudfjord, a notable fjord on the northern coast of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. This journey offers a closer look at the stark, yet stunning, Arctic environment, characterized by its rugged landscapes and diverse geological features.

Raudfjord, renowned for its deep and almost entirely enclosed bay, is flanked by high mountains and notable glaciers, including those spilling into Hamiltonbukta, an area known for its striking glacial fronts. The scenery here is a vivid display of the Arctic's dynamic ice formations, providing an excellent opportunity for understanding glacial processes and the effects of climate change in polar regions.

A visit to Alicehamna, located on the western side of Raudfjord, offers a different perspective on the area's natural beauty. This site is favored for its relatively sheltered position and serves as an ideal starting point for hikes that explore the surrounding tundra and mountain landscapes. The terrain here varies from gentle slopes to more challenging rocky outcrops, offering both leisurely walks and more strenuous hikes that reward adventurers with panoramic views of the fjord and its imposing glacier backdrop.

The geological features of Raudfjord are a highlight for many visitors, showcasing a variety of rock formations that tell the story of the Earth's past. The fjord's cliffs and valleys are home to a rich array of Arctic flora and fauna, providing insights into the resilience of life in extreme conditions. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts may also find opportunities to observe species adapted to this harsh environment, including seabirds nesting on the cliffs and the occasional polar bear roaming the ice.

Kongsford and Krossfjord

After our first night of sailing the MV Villa will likely operate on the western coast of Spitsbergen. Here, the majestic fjords of Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden reveal not just the Arctic's raw beauty but also a rich tapestry of historical intrigue. These waterways, with the imposing backdrop of the Kongsbreen Glacier and its formidable ice formations, serve as gateways to a landscape steeped in both natural wonder and the echoes of human ambition. The area is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including puffins and guillemots that nest along the steep cliffs, and Arctic foxes and seals that are often spotted amidst the drifting icebergs in serene bays.

At the heart of this historic landscape is Ny-Ålesund, situated on the shores of Kongsfjorden. This site, once central to Svalbard's coal mining efforts, has evolved from its industrial roots to embody the spirit of Arctic exploration and scientific inquiry. It stands as a testament to the area's exploration legacy, notably serving as a base for polar expeditions led by figures such as Roald Amundsen. Today, it thrives as a global research community, yet it retains the adventurous spirit of its past. Another remarkable historical site is Ny London, located in Kongsfjorden, which tells the story of early 20th-century marble mining endeavors. Though these operations were short-lived, the remnants of Ny London offer a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by those who sought to harness the Arctic's resources.

Exploring Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden, with their dynamic ice conditions, provides a unique synthesis of stunning natural landscapes and poignant historical sites. Zodiac excursions allow for intimate encounters with the region's glaciers, wildlife, and historical remnants, offering a comprehensive insight into the enduring allure and complexity of this extraordinary Arctic environment.

Isfjord

The Northern Isfjord area is punctuated by notable glaciers such as Nordenskiöldbreen, a vast and active glacier front that serves as a stunning example of the Arctic's dynamic ice environments. The sight of ice calving from the glacier into the fjord is a powerful reminder of nature's constant evolution and the raw beauty of the polar regions.

This region is also home to the North Isfjord National Park, an expansive protected area established to preserve the diverse ecosystems and historical sites found here. The park encompasses several notable fjords, including Sassenfjorden and Tempelfjorden, each offering its own unique landscapes and opportunities for discovery. Tempelfjorden, in particular, is famous for its view of the striking Temple Mountain (Tempelfjellet) and the frozen embrace between sea ice and the snout of Tunabreen glacier during the winter months.

Human history in Northern Isfjord is as compelling as its natural history, with remnants of past activities scattered throughout the landscape. From early 20th-century mining operations in areas like Pyramiden, now a ghost town that offers a haunting glimpse into the past, to the historical trapping cabins that dot the landscape, evidence of human resilience and adaptation to the harsh Arctic environment abounds.

Wildlife in Northern Isfjord is abundant, with the area serving as a habitat for a wide range of Arctic species. Polar bears are occasionally spotted along the coastlines and near glacier fronts, where they hunt for seals. The fjords and surrounding areas are also a haven for Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and numerous seabird species, including puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots, which nest on the steep cliffs overlooking the water.

Longyearbyen

As your Arctic adventure with Arctic Tern Expeditions concludes, we ensure a seamless disembarkation in Longyearbyen by 0800. This timing is carefully chosen to provide ample opportunity for you to catch afternoon flights from Longyearbyen Airport (LYR).

To ease your transition, we arrange and cover the cost of transportation from the ship to the airport or to local hotels for those extending their stay in Svalbard.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for choosing to explore with us and wish you a smooth journey onward. May the memories of your Arctic expedition continue to inspire and enrich your life long after you've stepped off the ship. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon.