Few places on Earth match Svalbard's raw, untouched beauty. Aboard one of our expedition yachts, you'll navigate between towering glaciers, spot walruses on rocky shores, and anchor in fjords where the midnight sun never sets. From 74° to 81° North, this is Arctic exploration at its most authentic — with only 2,000 inhabitants and 3,600 polar bears, the wilderness truly reigns.
Our Svalbard expeditions depart from Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost settlement with a regular airport. From here we sail north through Isfjorden, past the abandoned Russian mining town of Pyramiden, and into the vast wilderness beyond.
The wildlife encounters are extraordinary. Polar bears patrol the sea ice and shoreline, while walruses haul out on rocky beaches in groups of dozens. Bearded seals rest on ice floes, Arctic foxes hunt along the coast, and Svalbard reindeer — a uniquely small subspecies — graze on the sparse tundra vegetation.
The glaciers of Svalbard are among the most accessible in the Arctic. We anchor close to massive tidewater glaciers where you can hear the ice cracking and watch house-sized chunks calve into the sea. The geology tells a story spanning hundreds of millions of years, from tropical coral reefs to coal deposits from ancient swamp forests.
Sailing in Svalbard requires experienced crews and proper equipment. Our yachts carry all necessary safety gear including polar bear protection, satellite communication, and emergency supplies. The crew includes an armed guide for shore excursions — a legal requirement in Svalbard due to the polar bear population.