SVALBARD WILDLIFE SAFARI
The Polar Archipelago
Trip Highlights
Explore the epic glacial landscapes of Svalbard and the icy edge of the Arctic Ocean.
Wake up each day in Europe’s largest wilderness and search for elusive wildlife, guided by expert naturalists and guides.
Join an intimate group of just 12 passengers as you discover the wild coasts of the Svalbard Archipelago.
What do you get when you travel with ATE?
Real Exploration.
True Connection.
Space to Find Yourself.
Check out what our guests say:
Traveling in a Polar Wilderness
A journey to the Svalbard Archipelago is unlike any other. This is high Arctic wilderness—raw, remote, and ruled by the polar bear, the largest land predator on Earth.
But bears aren’t the only ones who call these icy coastlines home. Out here, the cliffs erupt with life as migratory birds arrive by the thousands. Walrus haul out on the beaches in great, blubbery clusters. And with a bit of luck, you might spot the towering spout of a whale—part of Svalbard’s slowly recovering population.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed in a place this wild, but here’s what you can count on when you travel with Arctic Tern Expeditions:
A sturdy expedition vessel built for polar waters, with warm and comfortable accommodations
Guides who know Svalbard inside and out—and care deeply about sharing it responsibly
Safe, well-managed operations both at sea and ashore
A clear focus on giving you the best possible chance to view Arctic wildlife
A small group setting that prioritizes flexibility, conversation, and personal attention
“There it was, the land under 80 degrees, a land of stern magnificence, where icebergs rear up almost to the very mountaintops, and mountain rises above mountain; there it was, inviolate, alive to the raucous voice of millions of birds, the continuous staccato bark of foxes, the castanet click as the hoofs of great herds of deer fell in a swinging trot; there it was, surrounded by waters whose surface was slashed and sprayed by schools of walrus and whales that had swum there before ever man was born.”
Why Should You Choose a Small Ship?
Imagine waking up to the sound of sea ice gently thumping the hull of your ship. You step outside, coffee in hand, and take in the stillness of the Arctic Ocean. The only sounds are the distant calls of seabirds and the soft creak of shifting ice. That quiet moment—where it feels like the world belongs to you—is something you don’t find on a crowded cruise. You find it on a small ship, and it’s what defines every journey with Arctic Tern Expeditions.
Our Ships
R/V Kinfish
M/V Polarfront
Arctic Tern Expeditions Trips
Available Dates
30% Single Occupancy Supplement
| Ship | Date | Trip Length (Days) | Prices from (USD) | Booking | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polarfront | May 23-June 1, 2026 | 10 | 15,800 | Inquire Here | Spaces Available |
| Polarfront | June 1-10, 2026 | 10 | 15,800 | Inquire Here | Spaces Available |
| Kinfish | August 24 - September 2, 2027 | 10 | 12,995 | Inquire Here | Reserved |
| Kinfish | September 2-11, 2027 | 10 | 12,995 | Inquire Here | Reserved |
What is included:
Onboard cabin, including daily turndown service
Meals and snacks prepared by onboard chef
Shore excursions with Zodiac landing craft
Passionate expedition leaders and guides
Tailor-made educational content
Not Included:
Flights to and from Longyearbyen
Hotels in Longyearbyen
Travel insurance (including medical evacuation insurance)
Personal onboard expenses (alcoholic beverages)
Gratuities to the expedition guides and crew
Trip Itinerary
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Fly into Longyearbyen, Svalbard (LYR) direct from Oslo or Tromso. We recommend flying in at least one day before the start date of your expedition.
Take this wonderful opportunity to explore Longyearbyen. Participate in optional excursions with local vendors or take in the the world’s most northerly town at your own pace.
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[First listed day of the expedition]
Meet at the Radisson Blu hotel in Longyearbyen at 16:00 for the initial expedition welcome. We will then join your expedition vessel via an arranged shuttle to meet your captain and crew onboard. In the evening, sail through Isfjord, an area known for its spectacular mountain scenery, in search of towering glacier fronts and the abundant wildlife that thrives here in the polar summer.
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Your ship will explore the icy peaks and polar deserts of of Svalbard - using your vessel as a platform for exploration. You will be greeted by an archipelago that offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. A voyage with Arctic Tern Expeditions leads you from a verdant arctic tundra to desolate polar deserts, to the sweeping polar ice that covers huge swaths of the archipelago. You will have the chance to truly discover this wild place and spend your time immersing in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
Keep in mind that the ice, weather, and wildlife conditions can vary widely from year to year in Svalbard. Upon evaluating the conditions at the beginning of your trip, the expedition team onboard along with the captain will make decisions about the best locations for the expedition to spend time. Finding and viewing the stunning wildlife of Svalbard is always our priority, but we plan to make the most of opportunities to hike, highlight the vibrant polar vegetation, and bring to life the intriguing human history of Svalbard - a mecca for famous Arctic explorers.
You may encounter polar bears at any point in this journey, curious whale pods feeding in these rich polar seas, and walruses lounging on the shores. There is no telling what you may find from day to day as you explore the rich coastlines of Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, and beyond. Arctic Tern Expeditions maintains a crucial flexibility in the scope of its operations, allowing you to make the very best of each opportunity to see and experience the wild beauty of Svalbard.
The ship is a wonderful platform in of itself, and may allow for opportunities for exceptional photography from the spacious outer decks. All the while, your guides and crew will be on the constant lookout for intriguing wildlife and you will have the opportunity to venture out on Zodiac excursions and shore landings.
Finish the day’s adventures in the well-appointed accommodations of the your ship, and enjoy delicious, hot meals catered by the ship’s chef in the land of the midnight sun.
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[Last listed day of the expedition]
You will bid farewell to your expedition team and ship’s crew in the morning and disembark in Longyearbyen. Transfer to the airport in time for your international flight going home or on to your next adventure.
Sample 10-day Expedition Route