Holidays
Realm of the Polar Bear

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2 reviews

Holidays

Realm of the Polar Bear

Arctic, Svalbard, Norway

2 reviews

Available Departures: Jun

8 days from

US$5,700

without flights

View Dates & Prices

Polar

Guided Group

LEISURELY

Fantastic one week Polar Cruise expedition holiday to Svalbard

Trip Code: PRP

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Section:

Realm of the Polar Bear

Name: Realm of the Polar Bear
Brand: KE Adventure Travel
Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)

Highlights

Fantastic zodiac and shore excursions around Spitsbergen
Spectacular wildlife viewing including Polar Bears and Whales around Svalbard
Expert team of expedition polar leaders onboard
Travel on the Expedition, one of the best polar cruise ships

At a Glance

Group Size 1 to 128
7 days Arctic Cruise
Zodiac boat trips
Join In Longyearbyen

Accommodation & Meals

All meals included
7 nights Expedition

Overview

This exciting 8-day cruise to the Arctic waters of the Svalbard archipelago is a once in a life time opportunity to see polar bears and other arctic wildlife in their natural habitat while cruising along some of the most remote coastlines in the world. Our home for this incredible holiday is the very comfortable Expedition, a recently refitted and refurbished vessel, uniquely equipped to meet the demands of cruising in polar regions. We board the boat in the world's most northerly town of Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen. From here we explore up and down the west coast of the island investigating the its many fjords and bays. From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region's plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of nonstop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife we will explore Svalbard not only by ship but also up close from small Zodiac boats and on foot.

Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land which is only accessible for just a couple months of the year. Each day of our cruise there are presentations and informative talks from the expert expedition staff on the wildlife, history and environment of the area and these are followed up with excursions in the Zodiacs guided by the expedition staff. There are also opportunities for exploration on foot in the company of polar experts. Outfitted as a cruise ship, the Expedition provides an excellent base for polar exploration. With dining areas, presentation rooms, good sized cabins, and viewing decks, we will have plenty of space and entertainment whilst onboard. After our 8 day cruise through the Arctic waters of Svalbard, we dock at Longyearbyen and disembark with some very special memories.

Is this holiday for you?

This is principally a touring, sightseeing and wildlife viewing holiday, with minimal exertion required. If you choose to go ashore, you will need to make the transfers from the ship to a Zodiac and onto land. Short walks on the island of Spitsbergen are optional and weather dependent. You should also consider that some of the classes of accommodation involve the use of bunk-beds. Whilst on deck or during excursions, you need to be prepared for cold temperatures. The itinerary remains flexible, according to the variability of the weather and sea conditions and the locations of wildlife, particularly of polar bears. On certain departures you can book kayaking, experience is essential for these kayaking excursions. All equipment is provided. Early booking is essential. Cabin upgrades are also available.

Please see our online Polar Guide for the differences between our departures, ships and more Polar information.

Why KE?

KE's very own Chloë has travelled on this fantastic holiday - get in touch with the KE office to chat through the trip.

No surprise costs.
All zodiac excursions, landings and all meals on board are included in the price

KE Expert

Chloe Johnson, Product Manager

Read Bio

Chloe Johnson

Product Manager

About Chloe:

Chloë was born and bred in Keswick, so a love of being out on the hills was instilled at an early age. Her first trip with KE was volcano trekking in Sicily and since then has summited Mont Blanc, travelled to Nepal, Morocco, India, Turkey and Thailand. She has even travelled up to Svalbard to see Polar Bears!

Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Day 1

Arrive Longyearbyen, and embark the MS Expedition Ship. Airport transfers are provided.

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This is the land of the midnight sun with 24 hour daylight from mid-April to mid-August. Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town, and is the largest settlement on Svalbard. Originally a whaling station, coal mining was the main occupation of the inhabitants of Longyearbyen from 1906 until the early 1990’s. Today tourism and Arctic wildlife conservation are the principal industries and there is a very friendly and international feel to the town. It has a bank, post office, hospital, public library, cafes/restaurants, tourist information, a swimming pool, climbing wall, leisure centre, three pubs, three hotels, one cinema (open on Sundays) and one night club. The transfer to the MS Expedition is in the afternoon. Once aboard we have time to settle in to our cabin before we gather together in the lounge for an initial briefing from the Expedition leader and are introduced to members of the expedition staff.

Accommodation

Expedition

Meals

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Day 2

Wildlife viewing and exploring around Spitsbergen.

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Each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Distances are relatively short in the Archipelago and as there are no ocean crossings, the seas are normally calm. Svalbard is one of the few places on the planet that offers such a wealth and diversity of natural and cultural history sites. During these six days we will visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea around us. We can also attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

Accommodation

Expedition

Meals

B L D

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Day 3

Wildlife viewing and exploring around Spitsbergen.

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We will spend time steaming through the ice in search of polar bears hunting seals. Ivory gulls will be a highlight for the birders, while we keep a constant lookout for walrus hauled out on ice floes or on sandy beaches. Ice permitting, we will visit spectacular cliffs filled with thousands of murres (guillemots), as well as kittiwakes and glaucous gulls. A little auk colony will also be on our agenda. Our shore stops will be highlighted with flowers nearing, or at the peak of, their bloom. At one or more of our stops, we hope to see Svalbard’s unique subspecies of reindeer. They are much smaller than their southern relatives, but still carry impressive antlers. We also have the possibility of Arctic foxes. This is also a land of history: from whaling to reaching for the pole, to trapping, coal mining and war and we will visit some of these historic sites.

Accommodation

Expedition

Meals

B L D

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Day 4

Wildlife viewing and exploring around Spitsbergen.

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We may cruise in Zodiacs along the edge of the ice viewing seals or walrus and entering small fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in close beneath spectacular seabird cliffs. We will have opportunities to walk on shore and to observe and photograph the Arctic flora and fauna. As we are in the land of the polar bear, the expedition staff will carry rifles and flare guns on shore for our protection.

Accommodation

Expedition

Meals

B L D

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Day 5

Wildlife viewing and exploring around Spitsbergen.

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During the cruise the crew will receive regular reports on the locations of various birds and mammals particularly polar bears and we may change or even interrupt the day’s planned activity to steam away or a sighting. By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

Accommodation

Expedition

Meals

B L D

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Day 6

Wildlife viewing and exploring around Spitsbergen.

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Early-season voyages often provide the greatest opportunity to see large ice floes in the Arctic pack ice, which usually means excellent wildlife viewing. Later in the season, the group can cover more territory, which may allow the chance to explore the entire archipelago. This can lead into the less explored regions of Nordaustlandet and Kvitoya, or the continental edges where large whales are attracted by nutrient rich upwellings.

Accommodation

Expedition

Meals

B L D

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Day 7

Wildlife viewing and exploring around Spitsbergen.

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Another full day exploring and finding the wildlife as we make our return journey to Longyearbyen. The evening of our last full day of adventure the expedition ship is anchored off Longyearbyen.

Accommodation

Expedition

Meals

B L D

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Day 8

Disembark at Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen Airport transfers are provided.

Show Details

We disembark the M/S Expedition in the morning and transfer back to the group hotel. You should ensure that you have your passport and flight tickets with you as your luggage will be taken directly to the airport. KE Land Only package services end with a transfer to the airport.

Meals

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The Route

Airport

Point

Boat

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

Expert Expedition staff
Single timed airport transfers on arrival and departure days
All meals whilst on the Expedition
All Zodiac cruises on Svalbard with expert leaders
Waterproof boots supplied (different sizes available)
Lecture and guidance programs during the expedition

What's not Included

Travel insurance
Tips for staff
Longyearbyen airport transfers (except for single timed transfer)
Cost of optional kayaking (must be booked in advance - very limited spaces)
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

You will meet at the group hotel in Longyearbyen from where you are transferred to the ship at 4pm on day 1 of the land only itinerary.

Complimentary airport transfers to the group hotel are provided if you are arriving on Day 1 or have booked pre-night accommodation as part of your package through KE Adventure Travel. We recommend that you book an extra night in Longyearbyen prior to departure in case of flight delays. The very latest that you should arrive in Longyearbyen Airport is at 2pm on day 1 of the land only itinerary.

Otherwise the airport shuttle bus, which meets all flights, will drop off at all hotels. The fare is approximately 60 NOK and tickets can be purchased on board.

You need to bring your luggage to the 'group hotel' luggage store between 9am and 12 midday on the day you set sail. This is available for all passengers already in Longyearbyen. A representative of the MS Expedition will be available to check in your bag which will be transferred to the ship.

It is important that you keep your passport with you and you should dress for changeable weather. You will be reunited with your luggage when you reach your cabin. The passenger transfer from the group hotel to the ship will depart at 4pm.

At the end of the trip (the last day of the land only itinerary) Longyearbyen Airport transfers are provided for everyone scheduled to depart on that day.

Clients MUST provide the KE office with full details of their flights. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Meal Plan

All meals whilst on board the M/S Expedition are included.

Food & Water

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

Onboard the ship a diverse range of international dishes is available. Meals are prepared and catered by professional chefs and all meals are included in the trip price. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available with plenty of options for vegetarians. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice (please advise us at time of booking). Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub or the lounge.

Special Diets

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide for special diets. Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your meals with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

Accommodation

During this trip the group will spend 7 nights on board the fantastic Expedition Polar Cruise Ship.

The Expedition has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. Amenities include:

All cabins with private en suite and outside view,
Library,
Medical clinic with licensed doctor,
Lounge area,
Dining Room - serving international cuisine and large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting,
BBQ area,
Forward deck viewing platforms,
Gym,
Gift shop,
Laundry service (for a small additional charge),
Wi-Fi - not guaranteed (for an additional charge),

Accommodation on board is based on a triple cabin with porthole. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with other single clients of the same sex. Cabin upgrades to twins and cabins with larger windows are possible (depending on availablity) on the Expedition. Single cabins are also available for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights (before or arrive) in Longyearbyen are available for a supplementary cost.

Group Leader & Support Staff

A carefully chosen team will lead your voyage. The MS Expedition ships boast an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The Expedition Staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.

Altitude

This holiday does not involve any significant ascent to altitude and we would not expect any altitude issues with this trip.

Spending Money

It is not practical to set a recommended amount for personal spending money on a holiday like this. All meals while on board and the daily Zodiac excursions, are included in the trip price. The main extra spend on board will be on drinks and this will vary greatly from person to person. On board ship, bar bills can be put on a tab and paid at the end of the cruise by credit or debit card or in cash US dollars. You will also need some money for any meals taken in Longyearbyen and for tips. As a guide, we recommend you allow $10 - 15 per day for tips to your crew and expedition staff. It is possible to withdraw cash in Norwegian Kroner from ATM’s in Longyearbyen, but we recommend that you bring a minimum of US$200 in cash for emergency situations where you are unable to withdraw money from ATMs. On board all prices are in $ USD.

Guidance on Tipping

Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to the staff who have assisted you on your expedition. Tips do not form any part of the wages of the staff but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. Normally tips are collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff. The Officers in charge of the ship choose not to participate in the tipping pool. As a guide, we recommend that each group member contributes around $70-110 to these tips.

Baggage Allowance

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Luggage with wheels is useful for this holiday. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline (the baggage limit on the domestic flight between Oslo and Longyearbyen is 23kg). Please note that you should be able to carry your own luggage.

Group Size & Holiday Status

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Group Members

As this holiday is run with G Adventures, the minimum age is 10 yrs (anyone under 18 must be travelling with a parent or guardian).

The holiday will be conducted in English. Generally on these trips there will be a mix of nationalities but it is not possible to guarantee this.

Passport & Visas

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates (see Health & Vaccinations below), and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check the FCDO for the latest advice for each country visited before travel.

Health & Vaccinations

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Severe Allergies

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Currency

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

When on the ship everything is priced is US$. If you are paying in cash you will need US$, if you are paying by card your bank will use their exchange rate.

Preparing for your Holiday

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on an active holiday getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. Although this is principally a cruise holiday you will have the opportunity for walks on Spitzbergen and a basic level of fitness is required to get in and out of the Zodiacs.

Climate

Svalbard’s location within the Arctic circle is the biggest factor on climate but temperatures especially around the coast are moderated by the influence of the warm North Atlantic Current which keeps the waters navigable for most of the year and average summer temperatures at around 4 to 6°C. However, on deck with a sea breeze, the wind chill can bring the real feel temperature below freezing. Precipitation is frequent, but falls in small quantities, typically less than 400 millimetres in western Spitsbergen.

Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Books

Spitsbergen. Andreas Umbreit – Bradt Guides
The Arctic, A Guide to Coastal Wildlife. Tony Soper
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic. E.C. Pielou
Flora of Svalbard. Olaf I Ronning
Birds and Mammals of Svalbard. Norsk Polarinstitutt
Ice Bears and Kotick. Ranulph Fiennes
Arctic Dreams. Barry Lopez
Polar Bear. Ian Stirling

Maps

Spitsbergen Explorer Ocean Explorer 1:1,100.000

The Svalbard archipelago, at 1:1,000,000 approx. on a tourist map with extensive additional information. On one side is a map of the whole Svalbard group showing settlements and various topographic features. The reverse side has biographies of 27 polar explorers plus colour photos and descriptions of several species of fauna and flora.

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Explore International

This holiday is part of our Explore International range. Participants on these trips can book through KE or through one of our international partners. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get your holiday up and running quickly. Led by an English-speaking guide, the cosmopolitan nature of these groups can be an important part of the experience!

Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Dress on board is informal. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton.

You must bring the following items:

Casual shoes / Trainers or similar for onboard
Rubber boots (Wellington boots)*
Walking shoes*
Socks (Warm, high wool or similar socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet)
Waterproof jacket
Trekking trousers
Waterproof trousers
Thermal baselayer - leggings
Underwear
Baselayer shirts
Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper/sweater
Sunhat
Warm hat
Scarf and/or buff
Sunglasses
Gloves or mittens (Thin polypropylene gloves under warm and waterproof gloves is a good combination)
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 Litre x1 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Selection of dry bags (to keep rucksack contents dry)
Small daypack
Warm jacket (down)
Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, and plasters. Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea

The following items are optional:

Warm Ski pants
Shorts
Spare gloves
Travel clothes
Camera (in a dry bag)
Binoculars
Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Seasickness remedy
Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes

*Rubber boots / Wellington boots - Complimentary waterproof boots are supplied for the following sizes:

Men’s USA size 8-14 / UK size 7 to 13½ / Europe 41 to 48½
Women’s USA size 3 to 9 / UK size 1 to 6½ / Europe 33 to 40

If you have different feet sizes to these you should bring your own rubber boots. These should be rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knee with a strong, ridged non-skid sole.

Kayak Excursion (pre-booking essential) - If you choose the optional Kayak Excursion please ensure you have enough layers with you to keep you warm. You will need thermal underwear and vest (note that cotton is not acceptable), polypropylene/ pile (polar fleece) trousers and non bulky jacket, a fleece or tight knit wool cap (X2), a neck tube or balaclava, mid weight fleece gloves. You should also take dry bags for personal gear/camera. You will be supplied with: Kokatat Supernova Paddling suits, paddles, floatation vest, spray skirt, neoprene pogies (paddling mittens) and neoprene booties. You will be required to have with you thermal layers suitable for temperatures ranging between -5ºC (23ºF) to +7ºC (45ºF)

Extensions

Arctic Sea Kayak Excursion

1 Day

Going eye to eye with an inquisitive whale is a rare and special moment that will carve itself into your memory. Kayaking isn't just an outdoor adventure, it's an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. You'll venture out to sheltered bays and areas known for calmer waters and take part in group kayaking trips led by our experienced and skilled leaders. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment!

Kayaking excursions are dependent on weather but kayakers can expect around 4 trips per cruise. Previous kayaking experience is strongly recommended. You do not need to know how to roll a kayak or do a self-rescue. Professional guides will be onboard to help you with new skills or to offer coaching to improve your paddling performance.

It is essential to book early for this experience - you can not book this once on board and places are very limited.

Extension Code: SKAY

Extension Itinerary

Day 1

Show Details

We will endeavour to provide our kayaking activities as often as the ship's schedule, weather and ice conditions permit. Paddling excursions will typically last for one to two hours, with the possibility of an extended trip depending on the ship's scheduling and the weather and ice conditions. The purpose of our kayak excursions is to enjoy the scenery, wildlife and the sounds.

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Whats Included

Prijon Excursion Tandem Kayaks
Kokatat Supernova Paddling Suits
Paddles Neoprene pogies (paddling mittens)
Safety floatation vests
Spray skirts
Neoprene booties

What's Not Included

Additional non-specialist clothing for paddling (gloves and socks etc) - see kit list

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 from 2 reviews

Realm of the polar bear ★★★★★

The arctic is a hostile (though beautiful) environment- that is why it is uninhabited and uninhabitable. The first duty of the expedition team is to keep us safe - with meticulous planning and attention to detail. Then they gave us an adventure. Cutting through the melting pack ice was mesmerising and seeing the polar bear in his natural realm at close quarters - with his fresh bearded seal kill on an ice floe - well I run out of vocabulary. Characters in the expedition team like John and David added more insight and joy into this sublime and unforgettable experience. My only advice for future travelers is don't risk a cock-up at Oslo airport and miss the boat - get to Longyearbyen a day or 2 early and enjoy the anticipation.

By David from Belper | 09 July 2017

Arctic beauty ★★★★

Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Polar Bears in natural habitat- stunning scenery. The bird cliff nesting grounds are stunning and travelling in june we were fortunate to see many of the flowers in bloom. Loved going through the sea ice in the ship. Glad I brought good binoculars though- absolutely essential as many of sitings of bears were several km away. There was more emphasis on the history of the area than I had expected and personally i would have enjoyed more lectures about in particular the ge ology of the area and glaciers. Ship was comfortable, food good and lovely people travelling from all parts of the world. I shared a cabin with a stranger- worked well and we will remain in contact. I added on my own extra night in Svalbard with kayaking and hiking and would recommend this for anyone that likes to be active (but do take care to make sure you have adequate fitness for proposed activities…)

By Elizabeth from Brighton | 23 June 2016

4.5 out of 5 from 2 reviews

Realm of the polar bear

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

By David from Belper | 09 July 2017

Arctic beauty

★ ★ ★ ★

By Elizabeth from Brighton | 23 June 2016

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Polar Ship Expedition

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

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2026

Fri 19 Jun Fri 26 Jun

US$5,700 per Adult per Adult

US$1,150

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More Information

Realm of the Polar Bear
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: PRP /01/26/
This trip departs the UK on Thu 18 Jun returning to the UK on Fri 26 Jun

This trip begins on Fri 19 Jun and ends on Fri 26 Jun
This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,150
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Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Longyearbyen. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Longyearbyen Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to 'Joining Arrangements and Transfers' for further details.

Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.

Flight Inclusive Information

The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London (Heathrow) to Longyearbyen airport with Scandinavian Airlines via Oslo. Outbound flights will depart from the UK at lunchtime, arriving in the afternoon of the following day (day 1 of the itinerary), this requires an overnight in Norway (Oslo) which is included in the flight inclusive price. Return flights will depart Longyearbyen after lunch of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the UK in the same evening. Due to flight schedules, on certain departures it is also required to overnight in Oslo on the return. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request. Please note that the Oslo Hotel will be based at the airport. If you want to stay at an alternative hotel in the city, then these arrangements must be made by yourself. Please let our staff know when booking.

Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. To avoid paying flight supplements, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please note that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Note that if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection.

The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London Heathrow to Longyearbyen airport with SAS via Oslo. Outbound flights will depart from the UK in the evening arriving in the morning of the following day (Day 1 of the itinerary), this requires an overnight in Norway (Oslo) which is included in the flight inclusive price. Return flights will depart Longyearbyen after lunch of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the UK in the same evening. Due to flight schedules, on certain departures it is also required to overnight in Oslo on the return. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request. Please note that the Oslo hotel will be based at the airport. If you want to stay at an alternative hotel in the city, then these arrangements must be made independently. Please let our staff know when booking.

Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. To avoid paying flight supplements, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please note that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Note that if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection.

Final Balance

Full payment for all Polar Cruises is 19 weeks prior to departure. Early booking is recommended as flights fill early and cabin choice can be more limited nearer to departure.

Medical Form

Please note that for all our Polar Cruises you are required to complete a confidential medical form. This will be sent to you with your booking confirmation.

Upgrade Price per person and cabins

Our base price for this holiday includes accommodation in a quad cabin with porthole. It is possible to upgrade to cabins with triple or twin berth twin with porthole, or twin with window or to a superior/suite with double bed. If you are travelling on your own you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Please contact the office for further details on upgrade prices. All cabins and have private en-suite bathrooms.

G Adventures Cabin Types

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

Realm of the Polar Bear

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1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Realm of the Polar Bear

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Chloe Johnson

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Spitsbergen Explorer Ocean Explorer 1:1,100.000

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Arctic Sea Kayak Excursion

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Arctic Sea Kayak Excursion

1 Day

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Realm of the polar bear

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DATES & PRICES

2026

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Land Only Information

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Final Balance

Medical Form

Upgrade Price per person and cabins

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

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