Spitsbergen
High Arctic and Total Solar Eclipse!
Friday 25 July - Tuesday 5 August 2008 (12 days)
A cruise to the true High Arctic, to witness its countless seabirds, its wildfowl and waders on their breeding grounds, and its whales, seals, Polar Bears and Walruses - and a chance to see a total eclipse of the sun!
© Gail Johnson/Nature Portfolio
A group goes exploring by zodiac
We've chosen one of the very best times of year to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen and explore this most accessible of high arctic regions which in 2008 just happens to coincide with a total eclipse of the sun. While possible ice conditions and the frequency of cloud make the chances of seeing the eclipse itself lower than we would like - less than 30% - we felt that this was a chance too good to miss, and have chartered a ship for the occasion!
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.
On the day of the eclipse we sail to the island of Kvitöya, off North-east Spitsbergen, which is at the southwestern edge of the Total Eclipse, with eclipse duration of a few seconds there. Whether we proceed from here depends on the ice conditions. The further northeast of Kvitöya we can sail, the longer we will be able to witness the Total Eclipse (to a maximum of just over two minutes). We should also emphasise that the chance of the sky being cloud-covered is pretty high - more than 70%.
This trip should therefore be looked on as primarily a Spitsbergen wildlife cruise, with the eclipse as a bonus. If seeing a total eclipse is a priority for you, please look for a tour that travels to a desert region to see it!
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.
We may 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. Ivory Gulls are regularly found around the bow of the ship as she pushes through ice. If we are lucky we may find the rare Sabines Gull on its breeding grounds on the island of Moffen, an area that can be approached by the ship, but where we are not allowed to land.
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 and Brünnich's Guillemots as well as Black Guillemots, a few Puffins and Kittiwakes, all of which may be harassed by the ever-watchful Arctic and Pomarine Skuas. At Diskobukta on the island of Edgeøya we may visit a canyon with thousands of breeding Kittiwakes Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears regularly roam around the base of the cliffs. If possible we will visit Tusenøyane, where we will see the well-preserved remains of 17th century whaling activities. We hope to encounter Minke and Beluga Whales in this area.
In West Spitsbergen lies the large and rugged Hornsund Fjord, which has imposing glaciers and a rich marine fauna. As a result it has huge breeding colonies of Little Auks, one of which is readily accessible. To stand almost within arms reach of groups of Little Auks, whilst thousands more fly to and from the colony all around you, is a truly thrilling arctic experience. We may also be able to visit a Polish research station in the area.
Prices per person:
Triple not en suite £ 3,845
£ 1,000 pp price reduction for Triple not en suite! £ 2,845
Twin not en suite £ 4,225 (as single £ 7,295)
£ 1,000 pp price reduction for Twin not en suite! £ 3,225
Twin en suite £ 4,595 (as single £ 7,995)
Superior Twin en suite £ 4,995
Twin Suite £ 5,395
Deposit: £ 750 per person
The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of return flights London/Longyearbyen*, overnight accommodation in Oslo, the cruise, meals from Day 1 evening to breakfast on the last day, 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.
*For a cost starting and finishing the tour in Oslo, please deduct £ 135 pp from the tour cost. Please note that flights from UK regional airports to Oslo may be available. Please enquire for details.
Please note that as this is a special charter, the full payment will be due 18 weeks before departure.
Leaders: Will include Jamie McMillan, Neil Arnold, Paul Harvey, and guides from Oceanwide Expeditions
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 well be in the experienced hands of the Oceanwide guides.
An expedition cruise is always exciting because of its unpredictability. Every decision made by the expedition leader is based on weather, sea ice, travelling times, and, of course, the appearance of wildlife especially Polar Bears!
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 approximately 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.
- The Professor Molchanov provides accommodation for 52 travellers in comfortable triple, twin and superior cabins, and suites.
- All cabins are outside, with a desk, windows or portholes and ample storage space.
- 9 twin and 2 triple cabins without bath have two lower berths and washbasins (triple cabins have an additional upper berth) and portholes. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on the same Deck 3.
- 12 cabins with private facilities are located on Decks 4 and 5 and have upper and lower berths. There are a few exceptions on Deck 4 where some of the cabins with private facilities have two lower berths.
- 2 superior cabins with private facilities located on Deck 5 have a double bed and a double sofa-bed and the large suite with private facilities on Deck 5 has a double sofa bed and a separate bedroom with a double bed.
Accommodation: Cabins as described above subject to availability.
Transport: Transport from the ship to shore is by Zodiac (rubber boat). Entry and exit from the Zodiac is assisted. Most landings are wet landings requiring the wearing of wellington boots.
Walking: At most landings there is a choice of walks varying from fairly energetic to quite slow, exploratory walks which enable passengers to look at plants, rocks, footprints, birds and mammals. The slow walks could be less than 1 km, longer walks could be several kms.
Itinerary:
Day 1: We take an evening flight to Oslo where we stay overnight, or, alternatively, depending on flight schedules, we may continue to Longyearbyen for an overnight stay there.
Overnight Oslo/Longyearbyen
Day 2: We fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen arriving either at lunchtime or in the early hours of the morning. 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.
Numbers: The ship carries a maximum of 52 passengers. We send one leader for every 14 of our clients.