Spitsbergen - Explorer 2026

06 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026 (11 days)

USD8,695 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Price (Per person): USD8,695 (GBP6,636 * EUR7,586 * AUD12,566)

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.

Top Birds

Ivory Gull, chances for Ross’ Gull, King Eider, numerous alcids, Snow Bunting.

Top Mammals

Polar Bear, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Bearded & Ringed Seal, Humpback, Narwhal, Beluga, Bowhead (Greenland), Northern Minke & Fin Whale, Svalbard Reindeer.

Habitats Covered

Explore diverse habitats including coastal and pelagic waters, towering glaciers, polar tundra, pack ice, and nesting cliffs.

Expected Climate

Experience a cold, Arctic climate with temperatures often below freezing, complemented by the pristine, clear air of the high Arctic.

Max Group Size

Dependent on ship capacity with expedition leaders.

Tour Pace & Walking

This expedition maintains a moderate pace, with a mix of leisurely cruising, informative onboard lectures, and active shore excursions for wildlife viewing and photography.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable cabins aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, providing modern amenities and cozy quarters.

Other Attractions

Historical town of Longyearbyen, spectacular Arctic scenery, glaciers, nesting cliffs, whale graveyard, fjords

Photographic Opportunities

Capture stunning images of Polar Bears, Belugas, Walruses, and Reindeer amidst spectacular Arctic landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and nesting cliffs.

What our clients say about us

Stephan Lorenz
HL, Bolivia - Remote 2025

The trip was run superbly from start to finish. The logistics, despite some difficulties imposed by weather conditions and countrywide fuel shortages, were impeccable and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Stephan did a superb job in ensuring that we all saw as many of the species as possible. He is an accomplished guide and I enjoy traveling with him.

Stephan Lorenz
MN, China - Southeast in Winter 2026

SEChina in winter was sensational thanks to Stephan Lorenz who is a superb birder and guide, as well as being quite personable. He got us such quality birds and some that were quite unexpected. He answers questions and gives information freely. Most importantly If a bird was possible he got it for us. We were all elated with the tour. Jason the local guide was also excellent. I would think this tour will become very popular or should be.

Quinton Paul Josop
DB, Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game (Small Group) 2026

Another great tour. Between the leader, Paul Josop, and the local leader, Ashoka, it was a great team that got all the endemic and lots more. It was a fun trip and Paul handled the group dynamics very well. Fantastic trip!!

Glen Valentine
MW, Indonesia - Remote West Papuan Islands Cruise II 2025

This was a great tour and exceeded all my very high expectations. Having both Glen and Dušan as leaders was like having two olympians on your high school basketball team. As usual, the vehicles were too small for me, but Glen kindly allowed me to ride in the seat with the most legroom when possible. I have subsequently found out that I am definitely an outlier as far as client size is concerned. The tour was well planned, the schedule and guides flexible enough to work around complications, and the logistics aside from a glitch picking us up at the airport well executed.

Stuart Elsom
CS, Madagascar - Budget Birding 2025

Stu is a personable, helpful, and organized guide and was a pleasure to travel with. He was ready to help not only with finding and identifying birds, but also with little problems that popped up during our trip, as they so often do. Our local guide was likewise consistently friendly and helpful. My main concern is that on this trip, as on past Rockjumper trips, there doesn't seem to be any effort to vet the physical ability of potential group members, and as a result those of us who are prepared for the experience are held back by those who are physically not ready for it. I know that trips are rated on the website in regards to the level of exertion required, but this does not seem to help -- I have been on multiple tours with people who are not physically capable of maintaining a steady level of exertion while birding. This is not fair to those of us who are.

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