Set sail on the North Spitsbergen: In Pursuit of the Bowhead Whale, a 9-night expedition from and back to Longyearbyen, where each day brings you closer to encountering bowhead whales, drifting pack ice, and the silent majesty of the high Arctic.
Your journey begins as the ship departs Longyearbyen, leaving behind the miner-town edges and venturing north into the starkly beautiful landscapes of Spitsbergen. From expansive fjords like Raudfjord to the jagged cliffs of Hamiltonbukta, you’ll see glaciers spilling into icy waters, seabird colonies dancing on cliff edges, and possibly your first polar bear patrol.
Heading northwest, the expedition pushes into the pack ice between 80°N and 76°N, an area where bowhead whales surface, walruses haul out, and seals loaf on drifting ice. The ice edge becomes your stage: ice floes, open leads, and the chance of spotting fin whales or northern bottlenose whales as the sea and sky meet in polar silence.
Glacier fronts like Monaco Glacier may greet the voyage, with its massive face rising from the water and seabirds fluttering at its base. Remote islands like Ytre Norskøya bring whispers of history—ancient whaling camps, Dutch lookouts, even ruins standing as testament to human endurance against Arctic extremes.
Wildlife takes center stage: bowhead whales with their ancient calls, polar bears prowling ice edges, walruses resting on cold shores, ivory gulls riding the skies, and seabirds filling every crag and cliff. Each moment promises something awe-inspiring.
Not sure if this is the polar adventure for you? Explore our Destination Arctic overview for guidance on best timings, route variations, what to expect on such voyages, pricing, and how we can help you shape your perfect Arctic expedition.
And why limit the experience? Extend your journey with pre- or post-voyage escapes through Mexico, Panama, or the legendary Cuba. Visit North South Journeys to turn this extraordinary voyage into a truly epic adventure.
