Spitsbergen Isfjorden Kayak Expedition
8 days, 8 nights Longyearbyen - Isfjorden - Kapp Smith - Longyearbyen | During six days we visit a wide range of exciting destinations in the Isfjorden area. We decide the length of our paddle ourselves, and each day will be like a new expedition. In July/August 2009 we offer four departures of our popular Spitsbergen Isfjorden Kayak Expedition.
Isfjorden is the largest fjord in Spitsbergen, and the fjord expands 107 km into the land. Isfjorden has a vast number of smaller fjord arms, starting out in the west with Trygghamna ending Tempelfjorden in the east and Ekamnfjorden up north.
On this kayak expedition we focus on the northern parts of Isfjorden. Here there are less boats, and here we'll also paddle past huge glacial faces, with Sveabreen as the largest and most spectacular. The area is rich on birdlife, and also has an exciting flora and a fascinating history. Several places we can study cultural remains from both mining and exploration, as well as from hunting and trappers life.
We will start our kayak expedition on the northern side, in Yoldiabukta. Transport across the fjord will be by open and sturdy Polarcirkel boats. Please note that the route will be reversed on departure July 26th and August 9th. Our aim for the expedition is to reach Dicksonfjorden and Kapp Smith. From here we will be brought back to the civilization and Longyearbyen by Polarcirkel boat on Saturday afternoon.
Please note that the route and program may change due to weather and wind conditions. However, our Polarcirkel boats will pick us up wherever we decide to stop, and we have a free hand planning our legs and route.
| Departure | Sundays: July 18th, 25th, 2010 August 1st, 8th, 2010 |
| Price | $2,695 per person in double room $3,125 single room* Additional nights at Spitsbergen Guesthouse $100 per person in double room $125 single room *Single tent on request. |
| Included | Transfer to/from Spitsbergen Guesthouse at scheduled arrival and departure 2 nights in double room at Spitsbergen Guesthouse All meals except from lunch day 1 and 7 Non alcoholic beverages Tents with sleeping mats Shared equipment Kayaks / equipment for paddling In the camps: Accommodation in shared tent with sleeping mats Meals as described in the program |
| Not Included | International & domestic airfare Sleeping bag Personal clothing and equipment, Alcoholic beverages Beverages in Longyearbyen Personal travel insurance Lunch day 1 and 7 $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | All departures have Scandinavian and English speaking guide. Number of participants: Minimum is 4 persons and maximum is 10 persons per departure. |
| Tour Options | Additional nights in Longyearbyen |
Spitsbergen Kayak Equiment List
Spitsbergen Kayak Equipment List
Day 1 ARRIVAL LONGYEARBYEN (D) Sunday
09:35 SK4414 from Oslo, via Tromsø (arrival 11:45, departure 12:15), arrival LYR 13:55, transfer to Spitsbergen Guesthouse.
15:00 Time on your own.
17:00 Information meeting at Spitsbergen Guesthouse.
19:00 Dinner in Funktionærmessen Restaurant at Spitsbergen Hotel.
Day 2 YOLDIABUKT (B, L, D) Monday
07:00 Breakfast and check-out prior to 09:00.
09:00 Transfer from Spitsbergen Guesthouse to the Tour production where floating suits will be distributed.
09:30 Preparations and packing prior to departure.
10:00 Transport to Yoldiabukta by Polarcirkel boat. Yoldiabukta is sheltered towards weather and wind, and the location is perfect for going through safety procedures and do some training. Our first night will be spent at this place. The view is fantasic towards the Wahlenberg Glacier.
Day 3 START OF EXPEDITION (B, L, D) Tuesday
Today we start our expedition. And what a start. We plan to pass the Wahlenberg and Svea glaciers. This is of course done at a safe distance. We spend the day in this area, looking on the glacier fronts and all the small and big icebergs in the water. We camp on the north side of Svea glacier.
Day 4 - 5 ISFJORDEN (B, L, D) Wednesday - Thursday
From magnificent glacier landscapes, to the green and lush Ekmanfjorden. Here, in the inner parts of Isfjorden, we find both an exciting area for paddling, and also a wide range of possibilities for nice trekking tours on land.
Day 6 KAPP SMITH (B, L, D) Friday
From the inner part of Ekmannfjorden we round Kapp Wærn and head further on towards Kapp Smith. Across the fjord from Kapp Smith one of the few working trapper stations left on Spitsbergen today are situated.
Day 7 KAPP SMITH - LONGYEARBYEN (B, D) Saturday
The day is spent close to Kapp Smith, investigating the surroundings. The transport back to Longyearbyen will Arrive after lunch. Check in at Spitsbergen Guesthouse.
Dinner in Brasseri Nansen at Radisson BLU Polar Hotel Spitsbergen.
Day 8 DEPARTURE LONGYEARBYEN (B) Sunday
08:00 Breakfast is served at Stormessa until 11:00.
13:30 Time on your own.
14:45 Transfer from Spitsbergen Guesthouse to the airport.
SK4425 to Oslo, via Tromsø (arr. 16:20, dep. 17:10), arrival 19:00. Airport shuttle NOK 50,-.
How demanding is the tour? On this expedition previous paddling experience is an advantage. You must also be in a good physical condition (no back, neck or arm/wrist problems). Please be aware that the weather can change quickly, and that the sea might be relative rough due to the wind and waves. We use both single kayaks and steady double kayaks on this expedition. Our guides are experienced kayak paddlers, and will allow as much time as the group requires, making sure that all safety regulations are followed. If the weather is bad we are able to do trekking in the beautiful area surrounding the camps.
Participants must be prepared to join in on polar bear watch during the night (voluntarily)!
There are a limited number of single and double kayaks. Please note when max number of participants, the participants must switch to paddle single and double kayaks.