NEW ADVENTURE! World's first family-friendly polar bear safari in the Arctic

We're betting that no youngster will turn a nose up at wildlife watching, sea kayaking, tundra hikes and photography lessons. Seeing a polar bear in the wild will be a huge thrill for the entire family. Our hands-on, child-centric educational content is designed by professional outdoor educators and polar specialists, and is full of exciting activities like identifying animal tracks and scat.

As the largest of Norway's Svalbard Islands, Spitsbergen provides an ample playground for photographic wildlife in the Arctic Circle. That's why we've also included a resident professional wildlife photographer, who will lead photography workshops for point-and-shoot disposables or the latest digital camera.

Activities

Easy ship travel, optional walks and Zodiac rides, optional sea kayaking, photography workshops

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Unique 8-day family-friendly polar bear safari!
• Hands-on activities cater to the interests of children and parents alike
• 15% child discount, when you book online or by phone
• Stellar wildlife viewing from polar bears to reindeer!

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Longyearbyen, Norway End Location: Longyearbyen, Norway

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Board ship

  Arrive into Longyearbyen early in the morning, and explore this northern frontier town before embarking on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov ship. The expedition team will conduct an orientation briefing aboard the ship, so you'll learn the ins and outs of shipboard life.

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  Day 2 : Alkhornet and Poolepynten

  Awaken on the rugged coast of Alkhornet. Seabirds, arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer abound. At Poolepynten, you'll have your first encounter with walruses.

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  Day 3 : Smeerenburg, Fugelsangen and Moffen Island

  Visit Smeerenburg aka Blubber Town, a former whaling center. In the afternoon at Fuglesangen, participate in the first of many photography workshops.

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  Day 4 : Alkefjellet, Torellneset

  At Alkefjellet, we'll keep our eye peeled for potential polar bears sightings. In Torellneset, we'll spot walruses.

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  Day 5 : Monacobreen, Worsleyneset

  A visit to Monaco Glacier with our team's glacier specialist. In the afternoon, learn about the history of Svalbard—primarily home to Europeans intent on whaling, sealing, and mining.

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  Day 6 : Raudfjorden, Hamiltonbreen

  Hit the water in inflatable Zodiacs that are able to cruise to shore. Learn about animal behavior from our naturalist experts and hike to the summit of a hill for spectacular landscape photos.

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  Day 7 : 14th of July Glacier, Ny Alesund

  Visit the oddly-named "14th of July Glacier." Explore the tundra for vibrant wildflowers. Stop at Ny Alesund, a research community where scientists from 15 different countries study Arctic weather, biology, and glaciology. Mail a postcard from the most northerly post office in the world!

• Day 8 : Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

  Cruise disembarks at Longyearbyen. From here, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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  Akademik Sergey Vavilov

  Built in Finland in the late 1980s for the Russian Academy of Science, Akademik Sergey Vavilov's original mission was to perform sensitive hydro-acoustic ocean research. As such, she is exceptionally quick, quiet and stable.

  • Intimate viewing of Arctic wildlife, icebergs and more
  • Kayaking and camping options ramp up the adventure quotient
  • 2 fully enclosed lifeboats for safety in all conditions
  • Unmatched stability and superior speed means efficient time at sea
  • Onboard gym, two saunas and library allow you to relax between shore visits
  • Comfortable, friendly atmopshere: just 107 guests

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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