ClickCeaseSvalbard Polar Bear Explorer - Small Ship Cruise - Natural World Safaris
  • Settings:
Polar Bear Explorer Contact a SpecialistScroll

Location
Svalbard

Polar Bear Explorer

Details
9 DAYS FROM 8395 PP

Best time to go
May - August

Kinfish At Ice Edge2
Menu

Svalbard Wildlife Safari 25/26

The Ultimate Svalbard Safari

Located in the remote northern reaches, midway between Norway and the North Pole, the glaciated Svalbard archipelago is a delightfully accessible part of the polar north, comprising a vast area of icebergs, fjords, snowy islands and unspoilt Arctic wilderness. Literally meaning ‘Cold Coast’, in Svalbard you will experience some of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the world, with white-capped mountains fronted by desolate tundra, glaciers glittering under a constant midnight sun and brilliant blue skies in the summer months. The ultimate in polar exploration, a Svalbard safari holiday offers something truly unique to the modern-day explorer.

Svalbard is a land that for much of the year is a harsh, frozen wilderness, but as spring and summer arrive and the ice begins to melt, the wildlife of the archipelago is joined by wildflowers and intrepid travellers. This expedition focuses on exploring Svalbard in search of Arctic flora and fauna.

At Natural World Safaris we pride ourselves on putting you in the right place at the right time to maximise your wildlife experience. We are unique in that we put the experience first. You can find out more about our excellent Ultimate Svalbard safari in this guide. Of course, we are here to answer any questions you may have along the way.

Svalbard Seal Chloe Brown
Plane Icon

Day 1 - Arrive Longyearbyen

Your Arctic adventure begins in this charming Norwegian town, where the pristine beauty of the Arctic sets the tone for an unforgettable journey. Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your cosy hotel, offering the perfect place to relax and settle in. Take some time to explore the town’s unique blend of Nordic culture and breathtaking natural scenery.

Note: All 2026 departures include a Pre-Night in Longyearbyen

Car Icon

Day 2 - Embark on the R/V Kinfish

Starting out from Longyearbyen today, you board your small ship and meet the crew, expert naturalist guide(s), and the rest of your small group that you will be exploring the Arctic with. This afternoon you set sail through the wilds of Svalbard.

Activity Icon

Days 3 - 9 - Exploring the Arctic

During your time aboard the ship, you will explore the Svalbard Archipelago in search of Arctic wildlife. The exact itinerary will depend upon the weather conditions, the density of the pack ice in the north, and wildlife opportunities. During your safari you can expect to visit iceberg filled fjords framed by breathtaking mountains; sail past towering cliffs populated by colossal seabird colonies; and see gigantic glaciers crashing into the icy seas. Spend time cruising through the ice for a chance to witness polar bears as they hunt for seals, which often hitch rides on the passing ice floes; look out also for colonies of walrus basking on the beaches; watch for whales in the icy seas; visit old whaling stations and research outposts, highlighting the region's ecological and cultural history; witness the unique light phenomena that is the Midnight Sun and if conditions permit, you may be able to circumnavigate Spitsbergen Island.




Plane Icon

Day 10 - Depart Longyearbyen

Your ship is likely to arrive into the harbour the night before you disembark to ensure you are in Longyearbyen ready for your onward flights. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner and your final night together. Wake for an early breakfast and then head back to the airport.

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...

An Example Itinerary

Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer Map

R/V Kinfish

Built in 1958, the R/V Kinfish has 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 R/V Kinfish to safely navigate the frozen waters and cope with the extreme conditions of the region. 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 R/V Kinfish.

Why Natural World Safaris?

Camera Icon

Specialist Leaders

Our specialist-led safaris give a unique twist on your safari experience. They are led by people, famous in their field, and sometime beyond, for their expertise, and amazing skills at sharing their knowledge.

Kinfish Icon

Small Ship Size

Thanks to the smaller size of the R/V Kinfish, we are able to enter some of the more untouched and inaccessible areas of Svalbard. Combined with smaller Zodiac boats, you can gain closer access to the area’s best natural attractions.

Binoculars Icon

Wealth of Experience

We work with some of the best guides in the business; from polar researchers to expert naturalists. All of our expedition leaders have been carefully selected for their experience, personality and in-depth wildlife knowledge.

Dates & Prices svalbard-polar-bear-explorer

Dates and Prices for svalbard-polar-bear-explorer
DatePassengersTrip LengthTrip StylePrices from
28th April - 5th May 20259 DaysSOLD OUT9500
5th - 13th May 2025129 Days7995
13th - 21st May 2025129 DaysSOLD OUT8395
21st - 29th May 2025129 DaysBen Hardman9895
28th May - 6th June 2025129 DaysSOLD OUT10745
6th - 14th June 2025129 Days8695
14th - 23rd June 20251210 Days9295
23rd June - 2nd July 20251210 DaysSteve Winter10895
2nd - 11th July 20251210 DaysSOLD OUT9395
11th - 21st July 20251211 DaysAndy Mann11395
21st - 31st July 202510 DaysSOLD OUT
3rd May - 11th May 2026129 DaysSpecialist Lead10225
10th May - 18th May 2026129 Days9125
17th May - 26th May 20261210 DaysSpecialist Lead10885
25th May - 3rd June 20261210 Days9895
2nd June - 11th June 20261210 DaysWomen Only Departure9895
10th June - 19th June 20261210 Days9895
18th June - 28th June 20261211 DaysSpecialist Lead11985
27th June - 7th July 20261211 Days10885
6th July - 16th July 20261211 Days10885
15th July - 26th July 20261212 DaysSpecialist Lead12535
25th July - 5th August 20261212 Days11435

Talk to a Polar Destination Specialist

Client Reviews

Rated 5/5 based on 12 customer reviews