06 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026 (11 days)
USD8,695 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Rockjumper Tour Leader TBC
Tour Price (Per person): USD8,695 (GBP6,666 * EUR7,696 * AUD12,443)
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.
Lev was the perfect guide- knowledgeable, professional, polite, reliable. And well-dressed for the occasion with his bird-themed T-shirts! Everything was well organized and went smooth.
I was very pleased with the birding. I saw all 29 endemics and a total of 42 life birds. The leaders are great at finding, luring in and identifying birds. I appreciated that the focus was very much on the birding. The food and accommodations were excellent and appropriate. I wonder if we should have spent our last night near the coast but am not sure how that would have affected our birding success.
Bobby, our guide, was a solid & knowledgeable leader. His demeanor tends to be quiet & reserved, which worked for this group but may not work with all group dynamics. The lodging for this trip was a bit more rustic than I expected. The local guides used on this trip were excellent & offered additional intel into sightings or hot spots to explore. The group got all endemics possible & overall was a very good trip.
Glen ran an excellent tour for northern India and the Assam extension. He knows his birds and keeps guests informed about sightings as well as distinguishing bird features. His calming influence during times of stress helps the support staff and guests. We loved his enthusiasm and energy.
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.