Itinerary

Gather in the lounge for a presentation by your Specialist leaders on the trip overview. You will also be invited up to the bridge, where you will get a lesson on how to use binoculars and spot and identify wildlife, whether birds, geological rock formations.

We head to the east flank of Isfjorden, south of Scansbukta to watch reindeer eating lichen, which forms the main part of their diet in these barren lands.

Throughout your voyage, your Specialist leaders will keep a lookout for Ursus Maritimus, also known as the walrus. They usually gather in groups to feed or nap, so this is a great opportunity to take some photographs by zodiac. Your guides will take questions and share an in-depth presentation on the physiology, habitat and behaviour once you are back on M/S Polarfront.

Your Specialist leaders will be able to arrange land adventures and hikes, where possible. Please note this is always dependent on weather, tides and animal activity. Exploring on land is a fascinating way to witness the geology, flora and fauna of Svalbard and will give you a completely different perspective from the sea-based voyaging.

Around 60 per cent of Svalbard is covered in glaciers, which make for a truly awe-inspiring sight. Throughout this voyage you will have the opportunity to view the glaciers from a safe distance, with explanations about their history, formation, calving and plight from your Specialist leaders.

Subject to weather conditions, we hope to include a visit to Kongsfjorden to admire the sharp-peaked mountains named after the countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. We will also travel across fast ice to watch ring seals sunbathe, and if we are lucky enough, a polar bear hunting for its next meal. We find civilisation again at Ny Ålesund, originally a coal mining town and the site of two unconfirmed attempts to be the first to the north pole; it is now a rather surreal scientific community complete with its own gift shop.

There are currently around 22,000 polar bears left in the wild, in a total of 19 sub-populations. Global warming and climate change are their greatest threat.

The latest figures on the number of polar bears suggest that the Svalbard Archipelago is home to around 3,000 bears, a mere 13.6 per cent of the global population. This can make it tricky to sight polar bears, but our expedition takes advantage of the best seasons to do so. The month of May brings perfect conditions as the ice has not yet melted. Later in July, we can explore further north to cover more ground where the polar bears often concentrate to hunt for seals in the remaining icy areas.

Hornsund is the southern most major fjord system on the west coast of Spitsbergen, influenced by the gyre back-current that originates in the Arctic waters to the east, and is therefore colder and holds snow and sea-ice longer than the northern fjords. This makes it the perfect playground for not only ring seals, but whales. You may observe Beluga whales in their natural habitat, while on the northside at Burgerbukta, Blue, Minke and Humpback whales have made their presence known.

Andy Mann is an Emmy-nominated director, National Geographic photographer and marine conservationist whose imagery is helping tell the story of our rapidly changing planet.

Mann has worked on all seven continents, travelling the globe with world-class athletes and scientists in the name of documenting conservation and environmental change. As a lead storyteller and senior fellow for SeaLegacy and Only One, he works with students and classrooms around the world to inspire the next generation of ocean ambassadors.

Hadleigh Measham has spent nearly 15 years exploring the polar regions, completing over 150 expeditions across West Antarctica, Svalbard, East Greenland, the Russian Arctic, and Canada.

Originally from Beaconsfield, England, he spends most of his time aboard ice strengthened vessels and icebreakers or working in remote field camps. A passionate diver, skier, mountaineer, and mountain biker, he once led dives with beluga whales in Arctic Canada. He also lectures on polar fauna, ice ecology, and history, with a deep interest in Arctic anthropology. When home, he explores his artistic side, painting large canvases inspired by his polar adventures.

Born in Santiago, Chile, Anaïs Afrika is a photographer and adventurer with a deep connection to the outdoors. Raised among mountains, she finds inspiration in hiking, diving, and exploring remote landscapes. With Chilean and Polish heritage, she brings a global perspective to her work, capturing the raw beauty of nature.

Since 2019, Afrika has documented Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, and the Sub-Antarctic Islands, guiding expeditions and teaching photography. Passionate about pristine environments, Afrika seeks new challenges, always in pursuit of the next breathtaking shot that tells the story of our planet's wildest places.