Noorderlicht Arctic sailing expedition in Svalbard

Operated by Masterskip / Swan Expeditions og Venturesail

The trips in the Arctic spring are one of the most beautiful and purest trips that sailing ship Noorderlicht makes. It is the best time to discover the polar region in its most Arctic form. The landscape is still pristine white and because there is often floating ice in the fjords, there is a great chance of spotting polar bears, seals & walruses. The bird populations that have taken shelter in warmer places in winter, the razorbills, kittiwakes, skuas and puffins are slowly making their way back to the Arctic and the first nesting seabirds can be seen. From the end of April in Svalbard we experience the midnight sun, which means that there are 24 hours of daylight. In the mornings and evenings, the light is phenomenal, making these trips extremely suitable for photography enthusiasts.

Voyage: Arctic Spring expedition on SV Noorderlicht
Route/port: Starts and ends in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Dates: Saturday 20 June – Friday 26 June 2026
Duration: 6 nights / 7 days

Price: For current prices and availability, please contact info@discoversvalbard.no.

Guest timing:
Guests can join the boat from 16:00 on Saturday 20 June.
Guests must disembark by 09:00 on Friday 26 June.

“In port night before – from 1700” means the boat is expected to be in Longyearbyen harbour from 17:00 the evening before, likely for preparation/turnaround. It does not necessarily mean guests can board then unless confirmed separately.

Price:

Price type	Original price	Converted to NOK	Rounded
Standard berth	€4,025	NOK 43,804	ca. NOK 43,800
Solo occupancy	€6,440	NOK 70,087	ca. NOK 70,100
Standard berth	£3,545	NOK 44,560	ca. NOK 44,600
Solo occupancy	£5,672	NOK 71,296	ca. NOK 71,300

Noorderlicht Svalbard Expedition Itinerary

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary is for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, and board sailing ship Noorderlicht from 16:00. After a welcome and safety briefing, the ship sails into Isfjorden towards Trygghamna, a sheltered Arctic bay.

Day 2: Trygghamna and Alkhornet

Go ashore by zodiac and explore historic whaling and Pomor hunting remains. Hike towards Alkhornet, a dramatic seabird cliff home to thousands of nesting birds, with chances to see reindeer, Arctic foxes and possibly polar bears.

Day 3: St. John Fjord and Forlandsundet

Sail north through the scenic Forlandsundet, between Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland. Depending on ice and weather, explore landing sites, glaciers and wildlife areas with chances to see seals and walruses.

Day 4: Kongsfjord and Krossfjord Glaciers

Wake up among the glaciers of Kongsfjord and Krossfjord, including the spectacular 14th July Glacier. Look for bearded seals, puffins, kittiwakes and black guillemots, with possible landings at Ny London or Ny-Ålesund.

Day 5: Walruses at Murraypynten

Sail south towards Murraypynten near Grimaldibukta, a known walrus area with panoramic views of Spitsbergen’s mountains and glaciers. Continue towards Isfjorden and anchor in Ymerbukta.

Day 6: Barentsburg

Explore Ymerbukta near the Esmarkbreen glacier before sailing to Barentsburg, Svalbard’s Russian mining settlement. Discover Soviet-era architecture, local history, the Pomor Museum and the world’s northernmost brewery.

Day 7: Colesbukta and Return to Longyearbyen

Make a final Arctic landing at Colesbukta, a former coal-shipping site connected to Grumantbyen. Weather permitting, sail back to Longyearbyen for a final evening on board Noorderlicht.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

After breakfast, disembark in Longyearbyen by 09:00, ending your Arctic sailing expedition through Spitsbergen.

Important note: This Svalbard expedition itinerary is flexible. The final route depends on ice, weather, wildlife, landing permissions and the expedition leader’s assessment.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary and practical travel information are available upon request.