To the Edge of the North #03

The price includes:
accommodation in a 2/3-bed cabin
cruise on a fully equipped expedition yacht
yacht navigation and the care of an experienced captain
yacht insurance and search and rescue insurance
individual participant’s insurance against personal accidents, costs of medical treatment and luggage
contributions to the Tourist Guarantee Fund and the Tourist Assistance Fund
port fees and yacht fuel
sailing knowledge training

The common contribution includes:
food and drinks for the participants
administrative fees
the cost of firearms transport and rental

Additionally we provide:
assistance in finding the most favourable flight options
advice on preparing for the trip

The price does not include:
transport to and from the cruise
additional expenses ashore, such as shopping or restaurants
additional personal fees in ports

Payment schedule:
20% – at the time of booking
40% – 5 months before the beginning of the trip
40% – 3 months before the beginning of the trip
If any of the dates falls later than three months before the trip starts, the payment should be made at the time of booking or three months before the trip starts.

Embarkation starts at 4 p.m.
We settle into the yacht, have dinner, and undergo initial safety training to prepare for the departure. Then, taking advantage of the 24-hour polar day, we set off for Longyearbyen. We visit its key sights, go on a short trek in search of reindeer, which can be found among charming cottages. We conclude the day in one of several atmospheric pubs, enjoying specialties from the northernmost brewery in the world.

We start our journey in Isfjorden and head east, keeping an eye out for whales that frequent these waters. The landscape transforms as Longyearbyen fades into the distance behind us, and in front of us panoramas of mountains and fjords ended in glaciers unfold.
Leaving Isfjorden behind, we sail through the Forlandsundet strait to the North. Along the way, we stop at Poolepynten or Sarstangen with walrus colonies. We do zodiac landing and observe these magnificent creatures up close. Then we continue northward. En route, we pause at „our” spots, trying our luck at fishing, and if successful, perhaps for the first time in our lives, we’ll taste freshly caught cod straight from the sea.

Next, we sail further towards Magdalenefjorden. The mountains become higher, the views – more and more beautiful, wild, and stark. There should be more and more puffins around, nesting nearby. The entrance to the fjord forms a breathtaking gateway formed by the surrounding high mountains. We anchor in Trinityhamna bay and embark on a trek to the Gullybreen glacier. We approach its face closely, touch it, and from the atmospheric beach, we try to observe the calving process, during which massive blocks of ice break off with a roar and crash into the sea, creating fantastic fountains.

After the rest, we continue sailing towards the Pole to the most north-western part of the Svalbard archipelago. It is the kingdom of the polar bear, which we may encounter earlier, but also appears here. We traverse fjords, coves, circumnavigate islands, and approach another fantastic glacier – Smeerenburgbreen. If conditions allow, we lower the zodiac into the water and try to approach the glacier as closely as possible to witness its colossal dimensions. Beautiful photos are guaranteed. We circumnavigate Danskøya island in search of polar bears, which are fond of this place. Walruses should be basking on the nearby cape.

The next item on the agenda is heavily dependent on weather and ice conditions. Therefore, we present it as an option that we aim to fulfill.
Near Danskøya lies a small bay called Virgohamna, from which Salomon August Andrée set off by balloon to conquer the North Pole. We also depart from here heading north, leaving the islands of north-western Svalbard behind. Quite quickly, we sail beyond popular electronic sea charts and turn east. On our right, there is the northern tip of Spitsbergen, and on our left, an expanse hiding the North Pole and ice fields. Ahead of us lies about 40 nautical miles of sailing towards the Moffen Island. There, we plan to cross the 80th parallel North, giving participants of the trip a chance to belong to a small group of people worldwide who have achieved this. Near the Moffen Island, we observe a walrus colony and check if they once pay us a visit next to the yacht again.

Next, we head to Woodfjorden and to what we believe is one of the most beautiful glaciers in Svalbard: Monacobreen. The views are spectacular, with the glacier’s front towering at 60 meters high and often calving large ice blocks into the sea. The fjord fills with ice, and how far we can navigate depends on its density. We also want to stop at the iconic Texas Bar, where we plan to anchor. Here, we aim to make a landing and visit the welcoming trapper’s hut, which, behind doors locked against polar bears, holds northern treasures and secrets. The atmosphere is inviting, and we plan to spend more time here, relaxing a bit after the journey’s hardships.

If the weather prevents us from following this route, we’ll attempt to sail closer to the 80th parallel in the western part of Svalbard, or use the time to explore the north-western islands of Svalbard

After a rest, we set sail towards one of the most beautiful and interesting fjords in Svalbard – Kongsfjorden. Ahead of us there is about 120 nautical miles of sailing, the first part of which again leads through the Arctic Ocean, and the second part near the shores of the Svalbard islands. We seize every opportunity to spot a polar bear, the King of the North. Our next destination is Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost settlement in the world located in Kongsfjorden. In this charming and atmospheric place we stay longer to experience life at the edge of the world more deeply. It was from here that Amundsen set off on his successful conquest of the North Pole. We explore the settlement and embark on a several-hour trek in the area, visiting a seal colony and encountering grazing reindeer.

We return to the yacht and explore Kongsfjorden – a large and spectacular glacier Kronebreen, the bird sanctuary Ossian Sarsfjellet Krone, and Ny-London, where remnants of a marble mine can be found. If time allows, we sail to Krossfjorden.

Then, we head south again to reach Longyearbyen by evening. The route, as always, offers a possibility of encountering wildlife, especially whales. Along the way, we are guaranteed unforgettable views.
In Longyearbyen, we plan to go together to a cozy restaurant for dinner to celebrate our northern successes and cherish our company. We hope that after so many shared experiences on our journey north, relationships will form among us that go beyond casual acquaintances. That’s what it’s like in the North: people come together and lose their indifference towards each other.

After breakfast, we pack up and leave the yacht at 10 a.m. Luggage can remain on board, and we can use the remaining time to explore Longyearbyen, visit the interesting Svalbard Museum, or shop for souvenirs. This day is time for final walks, farewells and the journey back home.