Aurora Borealis & Whales in Spitsbergen

Description

Join the Noorderlicht to Spitsbergen and explore the magnificent Whales, Northern Lights, Iceberg and Polar bears. A journey through the cultural history and heritage of Spitsbergen, we explore the Isfjorden in search of history, bears, whales and the Aurora Borealis.

NB 3rd September 2022 cruise is only 7 days

Trip Name

Aurora Borealis & Whales in Spitsbergen

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Schooner Yacht Length: 46 metres Passenger Capacity: 20 (in 10 cabins) Built: 1910 / Rerigged and refitted: 1991 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. Ice class: The Noorderlicht has no ice class. She was anchored year around near Flensburg (Germany). Due to heavy ice conditions in the winter time, the bow of the Noorderlicht was strengthened. The vessel is not an ice breaker but has a strengthened bow.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Our sailing ship Noorderlicht will be waiting for you at the so-called ‘floating pier' where you can embark from 16:00. The ship sets course towards Gipsvika Bay where it will anchor for the night.

Day 2 - Day 2: Visit the mysterious ghost town of Pyramiden

We will execute the first zodiac landing in Gipsvika. After the landing, we will sail deeper into the Isfjord towards the Russian settlement of Pyramiden.

Day 3 - Day 3: Gems of nature: Nordenskiöldbreen & Skansbukta

In the morning we will make a tour make through the ghost town where you will notice that the communist style is still present. We continue the journey towards the glacier Nordenskiöldbreen, one of the largest glaciers in the Isfjord. In the evening we will arrive in beautiful Skansbukta where we will look for a safe anchorage for the night in the sheltered bay.

Day 4 - Day 4: Past historic Kapp Thorsden towards Trygghamna

In the morning we plan a landing at Skansbukta. While we set course in the direction of Trygghamna we sail past Kapp Thorsden. In the evening we will drop anchor in the sheltered bay of Trygghamna

Day 5 - Day 5: Visit to bird cliff Alkhornet & a Soviet style town: Barentsburg

After breakfast we will visit Trygghamna. Depending on the availability of a berth in the port of Barentsburg, we will sail towards the Russian mining settlement after a hot lunch.

Day 6 - Day 6: Colesbukta – Borebukta

In the morning we hope to make a landing in Colesbukta. we will spend the rest of the day sailing to Borebukta. We will try to get as close to the northwestern end as possible to get a look at the steep glacier front of the Borebreen. We then continue to the west side of the bay, close to the Nansenbreen, where we will anchor for the night.

Day 7 - Day 7: Sailing towards Longyearbyen

In the morning we will organize a final landing at Cape Bohemanflya. We will spend the rest of the day sailing back to Longyearbyen.

Day 8 - Day 8: Goodbye Noorderlicht

After a hearty breakfast, you are kindly requested to disembark by 09:00.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Polar Bears Whales Aurora Borealis Mountains