06 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026 (11 days)
USD8,695 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Rockjumper Tour Leader TBC
Tour Price (Per person): USD8,695 (GBP6,564 * EUR7,552 * AUD12,254)
Pricing notes : *prices are estimated and dates may change*
Join us in June for the Spitsbergen - Explorer, a once-in-a-lifetime 9-night birding and wildlife cruise through the breathtaking Svalbard archipelago. Starting in Longyearbyen, we set sail on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, venturing into a land of Polar Bears, Belugas, Walruses, and Reindeer. Marvel at the stunning Arctic scenery, from snow-capped mountains and towering glaciers to flower-studded tundra and vast skies filled with Ivory Gulls and Snow Buntings. This high Arctic journey promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and spectacular views in one of the most pristine parts of our planet.
Ivory Gull, chances for Ross’ Gull, King Eider, numerous alcids, Snow Bunting.
Polar Bear, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Bearded & Ringed Seal, Humpback, Narwhal, Beluga, Bowhead (Greenland), Northern Minke & Fin Whale, Svalbard Reindeer.
Explore diverse habitats including coastal and pelagic waters, towering glaciers, polar tundra, pack ice, and nesting cliffs.
Experience a cold, Arctic climate with temperatures often below freezing, complemented by the pristine, clear air of the high Arctic.
Dependent on ship capacity with expedition leaders.
This expedition maintains a moderate pace, with a mix of leisurely cruising, informative onboard lectures, and active shore excursions for wildlife viewing and photography.
Stay in comfortable cabins aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, providing modern amenities and cozy quarters.
Historical town of Longyearbyen, spectacular Arctic scenery, glaciers, nesting cliffs, whale graveyard, fjords
Capture stunning images of Polar Bears, Belugas, Walruses, and Reindeer amidst spectacular Arctic landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and nesting cliffs.
Paul brought in his wealth of experience. He worked well with Ashoka to make sure nothing was lost in translation. One member sustained an injury on day 1, probably because he declined the extra help offered on a slightly slippery walk. Paul and Ashoka took charge of the situation immediately, made sure the rest of the group was comfortable while getting help. It was incredible that the injured person managed to complete the trip with a walker. Ashoka is a highly experienced local guide. He went out of the way to accommodate our birding and non-birding (request to try local food) requests. Both Paul and Ashoka were always calm and very pleasant, paying individual attention to every person and ensured we had a memorable experience.
This was my third trip with Dušan and he, once again, orchestrated an outstanding experience. Not only is he a top notch bird guide, but he is also a superb tour leader who works tirelessly to make sure his clients have an enjoyable and trouble-free experience. Last, but not least, he is an interesting and friendly person: always willing to share his expertise and excited about learning from others. I truly hope that I have an opportunity to bird and travel with Dušan again.
What a great experience! Everything was as you told us in the pre-departure literature, so we were well-prepared. Rob was an excellent tour leader. His vast experience in conservation, core knowledge of birds and bird behavior, and his enthusiasm was generously shared with the group. He modeled proper trail behavior and made sure that everyone “saw the bird”. The local guides were top-notch and took good care of the group. I also learned so much from the better birders in the group. Highly recommended!
Both Andre and Uthai were remarkably tireless and effective in finding and identifying birds, including some of the most elusive species in Thailand. They also did a great job of organizing the logistics of the trip. Our meals were already prepared when we arrived at restaurants and all of the hotel arrangements were handled smoothly. We probably will not consider going on another standard Rockjumper trip. Birding steadily from dawn to after dark was a bit much, especially for 22 uninterrupted days. This pace is appropriate for most serious birders so I don’t fault the guides, but we plan to shift to a style of traveling in which we can set our own schedule. We might consider one of Rockjumper's relaxed tours, but we're not concerned about long hikes and muddy trails as long as the schedule allows for a little down time to read, reflect and recover.
Tour was wonderful. Loved everything. Very well organised and super localities. Anna is a superstar, she was invaluable