South Spitsbergen - Aurora Borealis
8 days, 7 nights, S/V Noorderlicht, Longyearbyen – Longyearbyen | The 'Noorderlicht' was originally built in 1910 in Flensburg, Germany as a three-masted schooner. For most of her existence she served as a light-vessel on the Baltic. In 1991 the present owners purchased the hull and re-rigged and refitted her thoroughly, under the rules of "Register Holland".
The 'Noorderlicht' now has a well-balanced two-masted schooner rig and is capable of sailing the seven seas.
The qualified captains have a great experience of the oceans. Together with the rest of the crew, they will do everything possible to ensure that you have a wonderful and unforgettable journey.
| Departure | NOO17, October 22nd – October 29th, 2010 NOOXX, October 29TH - November 5th, 2010 |
| Price | $2,500 per person, Twin non private |
| Included | Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff On Spitsbergen voyages: Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen. On Northeast Greenland voyages: Transfer and baggage handling between ship in Akureyri and hotels in Reykjavik On Scoresby Sund voyages: Transfers and baggage handling between Keflavik airport / Reykjavik and ship in Akureyri. Transfers and baggage handling between ship in Keflavik and Keflavik airport. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program AECO fees and governmental taxes. Comprehensive pre-departure material |
| Not Included | Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights Pre- and post land arrangements Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen Passport and visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes Meals ashore Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended) Excess baggage charges All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges Customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided) |
| Please Note | Maximum of 14 participants on the s/v Noorderlicht. |
South Spitsbergen Map
World Travel Award 2009
Day 1 ARRIVAL LONGYEARBYEN After arriving in Longyearbyen, the 'capital' (actually the administrative centre) of Spitsbergen, you may wish to visit the Svalbard Museum which has an interesting collection on the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry and polar exploration. In the afternoon we sail, setting course for Alkhornet, a high cliff Below the cliffs we often see Arctic Foxes and Reindeer. We continue to Trygghamna to visit the remains of a 17th century English whaling station and an 18th century Russian Pomor station.
Day 2 - 5 VAN MIJENFJORD - VAN KEULENFJORD We leave Tryghamna early in the morning and sail to the north side of Bell Sund. Bell Sund is a fjord system with two major branches (Van Mijenfjord, Van Keulenfjord) and one smaller side bay (Recherchefjord). The geology is fascinating and has created amazing landscapes, such as the long, narrow island of Akseloya that blocks Van Mijenfjord almost completely. In Fridtjofhamna, the calving glacier Fridtjofbreen is surrounded by picturesque mountains. The rich wildlife of the area has attracted hunters throughout several centuries - we will walk in their footsteps and see remains of their huts, for example at Ahlstrandhalvoya. Recherchefjord is one of the places in Spitsbergen with the highest concentration of historical sites, dating back to 17th century whalers and the mining period of the early 20th century. The glacier Recherchebreen ends at a lagoon, likely to be frozen in October, with many smaller icebergs. Polar bears are likely to be present anywhere in the Bellsund area, and we will keep our eyes open to find them. We have also seen Belugas (White whales) in this area.
Day 6 BARENTSBURG We will pay a visit to Barentsburg, the only inhabited Russian settlement in Spitsbergen, or to Colesbukta, an abandoned Russian coal mining settlement.
Day 7 ISFJORD We sail into the inner reaches of the Isfjord system, where during nights with open sky we will experience temperatures of minus 10 degrees C, and new ice will be forming on the heads of the fjords.
Day 8 DEPARTURE LONGYEARBYEN Departure by scheduled flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo.
These October Spitsbergen voyages, at the onset of winter, are ideal for observing the splendid Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).