Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear | Sylvia Earle | iExpedition

Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear

  • Overview

    Focussing on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago, we slice through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. We keep our eyes peeled for the regal polar bears hunting on ice while guillemots nest in high cliffs away from the hungry jaws of arctic foxes. Stretch your legs on walks across tundra adorned and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters. 

    Expedition Highlights

    • Venture close to 80° north, searching for polar bears on pack ice

    • Discover the thrill of seeing walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic fox, guillemots and puffins

    • Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords

    • Enjoy tundra hikes amid stunningly beautiful scenery

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 132 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Oslo, Norway
    Disembarkation Point: Oslo, Norway
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo

      Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.

      The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

    • Day 2 - Fly to Longyearbyen, embarkation

      This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour.

      After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail.

      Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of our charter flight to Longyearbyen.

    • Day 3/7 - Spitsbergen

      The island of Spitsbergen is the largest in the Svalbard Archipelago and offers Arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options, based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and the possibility of encounters with wildlife.

      Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils, set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable will be encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. Your Expedition Team is just as keen as you are to find them – they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.

      If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come.

    • Day 8 - Disembark in Longyearbyen

      During the early morning we cruise back into Longyearbyen. Farewell your Expedition Team upon disembarkation and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Sea Kayaking

    One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery

    USD$ 618 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Return charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen
    - Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting)
    - One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1
    - Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information.
    - Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
    - One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
    - Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
    - Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
    - All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
    - Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
    - Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
    - All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
    - Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.

    Not included in your Expedition

    - All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
    - Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
    - Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
    - Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
    - Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
    - Airport arrival or departure taxes.
    - Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
    - International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary
  • Map
    Spitsbergen realm of the ice bear map
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Designed for rugged, remote areas

    Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Sylvia Earle is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.

    All images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

    Ulstein X-BOW® & Lounge: The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances*, and makes quicker transits through waves. It also helps reduce our fuel consumption by up to 60%^. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.*We do not claim that this will prevent or cure seasickness. ^Compared to Tier 1 engines.

    Swimming pool & wellness centre: In between landings, enjoy the heated saltwater open air swimming pool and jacuzzis on board the Sylvia Earle and watch the world go by, or experience our gym, sauna or enjoy a massage (additional cost) in the Wellness centre.

    Zodiac launching platforms: The Sylvia Earle ships carry many Zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. These platforms make boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer.

    Activity preparation area: A range of add-on adventure activities from kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, and the Greg Mortimer is designed to support these activities, making the transition from ship to sea or shore as smooth as possible. 

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 126
    Crew #: 62
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2021
    Length: 104m
    Width: 18
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 7400
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V 2 Round Plug
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
Sylvia Earle triple stateroom

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite - Porthole window - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 13,684pp
USD$ 10,948pp
sylvia earle cabin

Aurora Stateroom Superior

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite - French balcony - Desk area - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 14,934pp
USD$ 11,948pp
Sylvia Earle balcony stateroom

Balcony Stateroom Category C

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite - Private balcony - Full size window - Desk area - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 15,309pp
USD$ 12,248pp
Sylvia Earle balcony stateroom

Balcony Stateroom Category B

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite - Private balcony - Full size window - Desk area - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 16,184pp
USD$ 12,948pp
Sylvia Earle balcony stateroom

Balcony Stateroom Category A

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite - Private balcony - Full size window - Desk area - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 17,309pp
USD$ 13,848pp
Sylvia Earle balcony stateroom superior

Balcony Stateroom Superior

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible) - Private balcony - Full size window - Desk area - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 18,934pp
USD$ 15,148pp
Sylvia Earle junior suite cabin

Junior Suite

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite - Private balcony - Full size window - Separate lounge area - Desk area - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 22,559pp
USD$ 18,048pp
Sylvia Earle Captain's suite cabin

Captain's Suite

12 Jul 2027 - 19 Jul 2027
- Private en-suite - Private balcony - Full size window - Separate lounge area - Desk area - Closet space - Room-controlled thermostat - Room safe - 42" flat-screen TV - Mini bar
USD$ 25,746pp
USD$ 20,597pp