Svalbard in Spring: Arctic Wildlife, Light and Ice
See Svalbard the way few ever have—in spring. The archipelago will be covered in snow, surrounded by sea ice, and bathed in astonishing light. Stunningly beautiful vistas of snow and ice will be bathed in near-perfect light as the spring sun rises higher in the Arctic sky each day. Scan the icescapes for emerging bears, seals and other wildlife. Walk on a frozen sea, conditions permitting.
Highlights
Be among the few travelers to sail the region at this time of year, exploring aboard the supremely comfortable National Geographic Resolution, whose polar-class capabilities allow her to navigate these icy waters
Experience pristine snow and ice conditions during the early season in Svalbard
Survey the wilderness and ice of Svalbard to see Arctic wildlife, including polar bears in their natural habitat, plus reindeer, arctic foxes, fur seals and rookeries teeming with thousands of birds
Capture the astonishing springtime light with our expert photographers on hand to provide instruction
Responsible Exploration in Svalbard
To protect the Svalbard archipelago, in January 2025, new regulations were enacted to change the way visitors experience and interact with this fragile environment.
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Itinerary
Expedition
Starts atLongyearbyen, NorwayEnds atLongyearbyen, Norway
Day 1
Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the day exploring this vibrant city at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon to make final arrangements before your charter flight the following day.
Day 1
Oslo, NorwayArrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the day exploring this vibrant city at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon to make final arrangements before your charter flight the following day.
Day 2
Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark ShipThis day has a recommended group flight.
Depart Oslo on the recommended flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival, explore this northern outpost and research center, including the expansive views of the icy fjord and surrounding mountain ranges. Embark your base of exploration and set out on expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark ShipThis day has a recommended group flight.
Depart Oslo on the recommended flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival, explore this northern outpost and research center, including the expansive views of the icy fjord and surrounding mountain ranges. Embark your base of exploration and set out on expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8
Svalbard
By design, your travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory, and your exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. The main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—your movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as your naturalists search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and the experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. You'll Zodiac cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing, and you will have the rare opportunity to witness it; chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding you to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-8
SvalbardBy design, your travel in the archipelago is truly exploratory, and your exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. The main focus will be to explore and absorb the stunning early-season ice and dynamic landscapes each day under near-ideal light for photography. Like the icons of this icy realm—the walrus and the polar bear—your movements will be in reaction to the frozen seas and the shifting currents as your naturalists search for the creatures who thrive in this wintry wilderness. The polar bears will be returning to the spring ice floes where the seals are pupping, and the experienced staff will be on constant lookout for wildlife sightings. You'll Zodiac cruise among the small ice floes and icebergs and maybe even set foot on the frozen ocean (only possible in the early season). The Arctic light at this time of year is exceptional and ever-changing, and you will have the rare opportunity to witness it; chase the light with a National Geographic photography expert guiding you to assist in capturing the best photographs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Longyearbyen / Disembark Ship / OsloThis day has a recommended group flight.
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Join the recommended group flight to Oslo; transfers to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel with dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Longyearbyen / Disembark Ship / OsloThis day has a recommended group flight.
Disembark in Longyearbyen for one more taste of civilization in this northern frontier. Join the recommended group flight to Oslo; transfers to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, overnight at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel with dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Oslo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10
OsloAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Video
Explore with National Geographic Experts - Arctic Svalbard: Through the Lens with Nick Cobbing
- Aug 2024
"I think what makes Svalbard an inspiring place for a photographer is its diversity,” says National Geography Photography Expert Nick Cobbing who has captured the region’s glacier-sculpted landscapes, dazzling light, and abundant wildlife since 2005. In this episode of Explore with National Geographic Experts, see how Cobbing helps travelers photograph Svalbard so they can go home with unforgettable memories of this spectacular destination.
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Special Offers
SUITE EXCLUSIVES
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
BRINGING THE KIDS
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS