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Ort Elius - Guests

East Spitsbergen

Arctic Academy

This is a voyage, with a group of scientists on the ship, who will follow-up on the investigations which Dutch researchers began on Edgeoya in the 20th century. Academic voyage organized by the Dutch University of Groningen to the Island Edgeoya south of Spitsbergen. Voyage dedicated to science and research.



HIGHLIGHTS

  • Land at the rarely visited coast of South Spitsbergen between Sørkap and Isbukta and sailing by Stellingfjellet the biggest colony of Brünnichs Guillmots in Spitsbergen
  • Cruise north to Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeøya
  • Land at Blankodden on a beach littered with whale bones and tree trunks, which have drifted here from Siberia
  • Climb to the rim of a narrow gully which is inhabited by thousands of Kittiwake, together with Black Guillemot and piratical Glaucous Gull
  • Walk to some breeding places of Ivory Gulls in Agardhfjellet at about 400 m high
  • Land at Sundneset on the island of Barentsøya to visit an old trapper's hut and then take a brisk walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen Reindeer and Barnacle Goose

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person
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Rates are listed per person
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ITINERARY

Day 1: Largest town, biggest island

You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2: South Spitsbergen

Landings at the rarely visited coast of South Spitsbergen between Sørkap and Isbukta and sailing by Stellingfjellet the biggest colony of Brünnichs Guillmots in Spitsbergen.

Day 3: Wild West Side of Edgeøya

We cruise north to Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeøya. After a Zodiac cruise through the shallow bay, we land at Blankodden on a beach littered with whale bones and tree trunks, which have drifted here from Siberia. We can also climb to the rim of a narrow gully which is inhabited by thousands of Kittiwake, together with Black Guillemot and piratical Glaucous Gull. During the breeding season, the base of the cliffs is patrolled by Arctic Fox and Polar Bear, searching for young birds that have fallen from the nesting ledges. From there we walk to Kapp Lee.

Day 4: Ivory Gulls in Agardhfjellet

At the east side of West Spitsbergen (west side of Storfjorden) we will walk to some breeding places of Ivory Gulls in Agardhfjellet at about 400 m high. The valley leading to the outcrops with the nests is littered with fossils of Belemnites and Ammonites.

Day 5: Trapper’s history in Freemansundet

In Freemansundet we plan to land at Sundneset on the island of Barentsøya to visit an old trapper's hut and then take a brisk walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen Reindeer and Barnacle Goose. We also plan a zodiac cruise near the Freeman glacier and visit again a Kittiwake colony in a canyon.

Day 6: Long island excursion in Diskobukta

At Diskobukta we make a long inland excursion into the braided rivers, which are easily crossed this late in the season. At Caltex fjellet we will search for breeding places of Ivory Gulls and proceed into Smelledalen with some Pingo’s. Alternatively we land at Plurdalen, and area where 40 years ago extensive explorations for oil were carried out.

Day 7: Russian history in Habenichtbukta

At Habenichtbukta Russian Pomors built their hunting station in which they lived during quite some periods in the 18th and 19th centuries. We will land in the area and make also an inland excursion in an area with pond and lakes, populated by divers, ducks and geese.

Day 8: Walruses and whale skeletons

At Andrétangen we have a good opportunity to observe a herd of Walruses near an old trapper station. Some way inland near a lifted shore in a surf zone from thousands of year ago we find the skeletons of stranded whales from that time. In the afternoon we land at Kong Ludvigøyane or Tiholmane with again remains of the Pomor period.

Day 9: Spectacular Hornsund !

We start the day quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks. Hornsundtind rises to 1,431m, while Bautaen shows why early Dutch explorers gave the name ‘Spitsbergen’ - pointed mountains - to the island. There are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and very good chances of encounters with seals and Polar Bear. We may visit the Polish research station where the friendly staff will give us an insight into their research projects. Behind the station the mountains are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little Auk.

Day 10: There and back again

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded from this voyage
  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
  • Pre- and post- land arrangements.
  • Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen.
  • Passport and visa expenses.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
  • Zodiac Cruising & Shore Programs
  • Shore-based Walking

 

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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time