Cruise trip to the SVALBARD islands with WWF GUIDE - Polar Periplus

NOTE: THE PRICE INDICATED IS PER PERSON IN THE QUADRUPLE CAB. FOR DOUBLE OR TRIPLE CAB, CONTACT THE ORGANIZER

Discovering the animals and environments of the Arctic, an extraordinary circumnavigation by ship of the archipelago and excursions on foot and by raft in the company of a biologist expert in vertebrate fauna.

We will sail through the fjords aboard a research ship, in the absolute silence of nature, interrupted only by the sound of the wind, the sea and the breaking ice and we will have the opportunity to observe a magnificent landscape capable of giving unique emotions, in the last inhabited land north of the planet.

Polar bears, walruses, 5 species of seals, 12 whales and dolphins and around 30 species of arctic birds: a dream frozen scenery . The Arctic as one imagines it.
The extension on the Norwegian mainland to Dovrefjell for the observation of the Musk Ox in the wild completes this extraordinary journey.


Highlights

• Observe the polar bear in its environment
• To the north, up to 600 miles from the geographic pole
• The northernmost inhabited archipelago in the world
• Walruses, bearded seals and belugas. 19 species of marine mammals
• The Arctic Fox and the Svalbard Reindeer, mammals adapted to the polar cold
• The Sperm Whale, Humpback Whales and the very rare Greenland Whale survived the 19th century massacre
• Arctic birdlife: 30 "extremist" bird species

PLAN

Day 1
Arrival in Longyearbyen and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
Longyearbyen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. In the early evening the ship sails from Isfjorden, possible sightings of cetaceans

Day 3 and Day 4
Depending on the climatic conditions, we will head towards the mouth of Liefdefjorden with a view of the 5 kilometer wall of the imposing Munich Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding point for thousands of kittiwake, and the base of the ice is a polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent navigation, an alternative route can be implemented along the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Day 5
Navigation to the Hinlopen Strait, excellent for Bearded Seals, Ringed Seals, Polar Bears and the Ivory Gull. We will sail among the ice floes with the Zodiacs and we will explore the cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich Urie. On the east side of the Hinlopen Strait we will attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, which is home to Reindeer, Footed Geese, Ivory Gulls and Walrus

Day 6
At 81 ° north, just 540km from the North Pole, towards the Seven Islands. Shore excursion to Phippsøya which is home to numerous groups of walruses. We will then try to find the pack-ice to admire the surrounding spectacle and we will go in search of Polar Bears and Ross's Seagull

Day 7
Sailing west, excellent chances for sighting polar bears and, with luck, the very rare and elusive Greenland whales. Approximately 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen, we will sail on the edge of the continental shelf, an optimal feeding area for fin whales during the summer for upwelling phenomena. At the mouth of Kongsfjorden, good chances of spotting minke whales.

Day 8
Walruses often show up in Forlandsundet. Alternatively, navigation in the fjord of St. Johns or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, with disembarkation in Alkhornet. An astonishing number of seabirds nest on these cliffs, while Arctic foxes roam for eggs and fallen chicks, and Svalbard reindeer graze in the sparse vegetation. Arrive in Longyearbyen at night.

Day 9
Flight to Oslo and return to Italy. If the flights do not allow the return to Italy during the day, overnight stay in Oslo (not included).


THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• Arctic ship cruise to Svalbard as per detailed program, accommodation in quadruple cabin. Possible accommodations in double or triple cabin, on request and with supplement.
• Full board treatment on the cruise ship (including tea and coffee snacks)
• Biologist escort for the entire duration of the trip
• All excursions by boat and on foot
• All ground transfers
• Medical insurance - baggage
• Overnight on the day of arrival in Longyearbyen

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Air flight and airport taxes
• All meals not mentioned or dinner on the first day in Longyearbean and any dinner on the last day in Oslo
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Tips and personal extras and in general what is not included in "Inclusive Services"

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THE SHIP:
The M / V “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Dutch Navy . The ship was used by the Navy until June 2004 and in 2009 was completely rebuilt as a passenger ship for 114 people .

M / V “Plancius” meets the criteria of the recent SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulation, is classified by Lloyd's Register in London and carries the Dutch flag.

She can accommodate 114 people in 53 cabins with private bathroom and shower . There are 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 double porthole cabins, 26 double window cabins and 2 deluxe double cabins, all (approximately 15 square meters) and 10 superior double cabins (approximately 21 square meters).

Inside the ship there is a restaurant and a reading room on deck 3, while on deck 5 there is a spacious observation room with bar and large windows , with the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views.

The ship also has large open spaces to admire the landscape and wildlife . M / V "Plancius" is equipped with 17 crew members, 19 hotel staff members (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward-barman and 11 stewards / cleaners), 8 members of the expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides) and 1 doctor.