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Oslo
A mainland starting point before the recommended group flight north.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions · Svalbard
Svalbard: In Search of Iconic Arctic Wildlife
Sail beneath the midnight sun through fjords, sea ice and tundra, searching for polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes and immense seabird colonies.
Duration
10 days
From
Rates upon request
Region
Svalbard · Norway
Style
Polar Expedition
The Journey
An overview
Svalbard is a polar expedition in the truest sense: the map provides a framework, but sea ice and wildlife decide where the ship goes next. From Longyearbyen, National Geographic Endurance explores deep fjords, pack-ice edges, bird cliffs and tundra landscapes under the long Arctic light. The expedition team searches constantly for polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, whales and seabirds, while guests go ashore or off the ship by Zodiac, kayak and guided walks whenever conditions allow. No two departures follow exactly the same line — and that unpredictability is the point.
Wildlife searches for polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, whales and seabirds.
Zodiac cruising near ice and bird cliffs, plus kayaking and guided tundra walks when conditions permit.
The midnight sun and extraordinary photographic light.
National Geographic photography expertise and a multidisciplinary expedition team.
Best time
This specific expedition is offered in April, May and June, spanning the transition from spring ice to increasingly active Arctic summer wildlife.
Expedition style
Polar expedition ship with field activities organized in smaller groups; current listed departures are aboard National Geographic Endurance.
Pace
Active, exploratory and weather-dependent, with frequent changes based on wildlife and ice.
The expedition route
Follow the ice, not a timetable
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Longyearbyen
The Arctic gateway: a small settlement surrounded by mountains and glacial valleys.
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Fjords & Tundra
Landings and Zodiac outings can reveal reindeer, Arctic foxes, seabirds, geology and flowering tundra.
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Sea Ice
When conditions allow, the ship searches along ice edges where polar wildlife may be encountered.
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Bird Cliffs & Bays
Rock-wall rookeries and protected bays create opportunities for Zodiac cruising, kayaking and photography.
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Return South
Disembark in Longyearbyen and return to Oslo for onward travel. PUBLIC ROUTING RULE: do not promise a polar-bear sighting or specific fjord. The expedition route is determined by ice, weather, wildlife and the captain / expedition leader.
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The Expedition Experience
Built for active Arctic exploration The vessel, field team and equipment are designed to let guests move between ship, Zodiac, kayak and shore as conditions change.
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National Geographic Endurance
A high-ice-class expedition vessel designed for polar exploration and currently listed on this 10-day Svalbard program.
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Zodiac, Kayak & Tundra Walks
Multiple ways to explore from water level and on shore, always led according to local conditions and wildlife safety.
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Naturalists & Photography
Experts interpret Arctic wildlife, geology and history, while photography guidance helps guests work with the extraordinary polar light.
Included in your journey
- Accommodation aboard the expedition ship and included hotel nights as specified by the confirmed itinerary.
- Meals and standard onboard beverages included by the selected expedition program.
- Expedition activities such as Zodiac cruising, kayaking and guided walks when offered and conditions permit.
- Guidance from the expedition team, naturalists and photography experts.
- Included permits, port fees and site fees specified by the operator.
- Standard expedition amenities and basic Wi-Fi as specified by the confirmed departure.
Not included
- International airfare and any recommended group flights unless specifically stated as included in the confirmed booking.
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions or extra hotel nights not listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Crew gratuities where not included by the specific program.
- Spa treatments, laundry, premium personal purchases and other optional services.
- Travel protection, passports, visas and personal expenses.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960Make it your own
A voyage rewritten in your name
Add extra time in Oslo, Norway’s fjords or another Scandinavian city before or after the expedition.