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Spitsbergen
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Sunday 31 July - Thursday 11 August 2005 (12 days)
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©Neil Arnold
A glacier front in Spitsbergen
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Spitsbergen, with its rugged mountains, fjords, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers, is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, and only 600 miles from the North Pole. In June the southern part of Spitsbergen becomes ice-free, but it is not until July that the whole of Spitsbergen opens up to ice-strengthened vessels. It is then that, with luck, we can visit the remote north and east coasts, with their abundance of arctic wildlife, including millions of Little Auks and other seabirds, whales, Polar Bears and Walruses. At this time of year, during the brief Arctic summer, Spitsbergen has constant daylight. The tundra responds with a rich array of flowers where Reindeer graze, while birds rush to raise their young before the Arctic winter sets in.
We begin the cruise at Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, with a population of over 3,000. The coasts are ice-free in the summer and colourful wild flowers, mosses and lichens abound. Here we can encounter the only two land birds - Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting - and may see our first Purple Sandpipers feeding along the shore, along with the ubiquitous Arctic Terns, Glaucous Gulls and blue-phase Fulmars. Depending on the ice conditions we will circumnavigate Spitsbergen clockwise or anti-clockwise, with the emphasis on locations in the east where Polar Bears abound. During these voyages we will encounter a lot of sea ice and have a chance to observe impressive calving glaciers at close quarters. Our timing of the trip will give us the best chance of cruising the Hinlopen Strait, between Spitsbergen and the isle of Nordaustlandet, and around the eastern isles of Barentsøya and Edgeøya, where we hope to encounter Walruses and several species of seal, including Bearded, Ringed and Harp Seals. Seabirds will be encountered frequently and will include Little Auks, Brünnich's and Common Guillemots as well as Black Guillemots, Puffins and Kittiwakes, all of which may be harassed by the ever-watchful Arctic and Pomarine Skuas. The large and rugged Hornsund Fjord has large glaciers and a rich marine wildlife. Edgeøya, with its hundreds of satellite islands has Walruses, Polar Bears, and Reindeer on its extensive tundra. In Tusenøyane we will see the well-preserved remains of 17th century whaling activities. This is still a superb area for whales, and on the cruise we hope to encounter several species including Humpback, Sperm and Minke Whales. In West Spitsbergen we will pass the tongues of the biggest glaciers, like the huge Negribreen, and the glacier of Kvalhovden dropping into the sea. In Diskobukta we visit a canyon with thousands of breeding Kittiwakes - Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears often roam this area. We'll visit the world's northernmost settlement, Ny Ålesund. Here Long-tailed Ducks breed on the village pools, along with Red-throated Divers and both Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese on the surrounding tundra, which also harbours breeding Arctic and Long-tailed Skuas. Svalbard Reindeer graze, and Arctic Foxes roam, and at this time of year the flowers can be superb. Grey Phalaropes in their stunning red breeding plumage can also be encountered along this coast along with King and Common Eiders. Beautiful Ivory Gulls and Sabine's Gulls can be found anywhere, and there is just a chance of seeing one of the few Ross's Gulls that summer here in their stunning pink breeding plumage. The cruise will be on the Professor Molchanov, an expedition cruise ship that spends much of its time in the Arctic and Antarctic, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Shore excursions will be made by Zodiac, and we'll be in the good and experienced hands of the Oceanwide guides. 'Professor Molchanov' The 'Professor Molchanov' is a modern and comfortable oceanographic research vessel, built in 1983 in Finland, and was designed as an ice-strengthened vessel, and is now under longterm contract by Oceanwide Expeditions. It has been converted for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising. The vessel measures 71.6 metres (236 feet) in length, 12.8 metres (42 feet) in breadth, and has a draft of ap-proximately 4.5 metres (15 feet), and a displacement of 2140 tonnes. Powered by two 1560 horsepower diesel engines, the vessel is capable of speeds of 14 knots. It has a good anti-roll system, a range of 70 days independent operation and is ISM certified. The vessel is strongly built of steel with an ice-strengthened hull, perfect for the polar seas. The 'Professor Molchanov' is manned by an enthusiastic Russian crew of around 20, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar navigation. All the international expedition leaders and lecturers are highly knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment.
Accommodation : Cabins as described above subject to availability. Itinerary: Day 1: We take an evening flight to Oslo where we stay overnight. Overnight Oslo Day 2: We fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen in the morning, arriving at lunchtime. We embark on the Professor Molchanov in the afternoon. Ten nights cruise on Professor Molchanov Day 12: We disembark at Longyearbyen in the morning, and fly in the afternoon to Oslo, where we connect with an evening return flight to the UK. Travel : Flights to and from Oslo can be arranged, either to London, or some regional airports - please enquire for details. Overnight accommodation in Oslo can also be arranged. Leaders: Neil Arnold and guides from Oceanwide Expeditions Numbers: The ship carries a maximum of 52 passengers. We send one leader for every 12 of our clients. |
Prices per person:
The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of return flights London/Longyearbyen, overnight accommodation in Oslo, the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage, leadership, taxes and port charges. The prices exclude travel insurance, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, and other personal expenses. Please note that flights from UK regional airports to Oslo may be available. Please enquire for details. This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays. |
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