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| Arctic Wildlife & Marine Life Sailing Voyage – North Spitsbergen | ||
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Mammal life in the Arctic reaches its peak late in the summer when in addition to adult and new born polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes and reindeer, we see the largest numbers of whales in Arctic waters. In addition to onboard wildlife guiding expertise, Aqua-Firma marine scientist, Charlotte Caffrey, will be amongst the guiding team - someone who not only knows life on the surface of the water, but can describe through first hand experience what lives beneath it. This wildlife and marine life sailing adventure to North Spitsbergen will be on a stunning three masted Tallship. Whilst from her you will be able to observe some stunning Arctic mountains, coastlines, glaciers and fjords, from the land you will be able to reflect back and admire this beautiful vessel, built in the style of ships which brought the first explorers in search of a route to the North Pole.
On the outside she has three observation decks. Her lowest deck is ideal for observing land mammals close to eye level. Her upper deck is higher above water, ideal for scanning and looking down onto marine life, much of which is best seen through water, as well as what emerges above it. There are also two zodiacs onboard to enable us to ride to the shore at every opportunity to explore in depth on land where we will make regular treks. Much of our time will be spent along the dramatic western coastline of Spitsbergen, with its towering cliffs and deep fjords. We find many glaciers here too and icebergs which break off as they crawl slowly out onto the continental shelf. Belugas are best seen along this coast and these are often the most commonly seen whale on our Arctic sailing voyages. These can often be seen in large pods swimming close to the shore. We will also be on the lookout for minke and fin whales, or even a lucky orca sighting. Walruses tend to live together, so we will go in search of haulout sites identified throughout the earlier summer season. Polar bear activity can be high in September, with mothers out on the ice teaching this year's newborns how to hunt and stocking up before the winter kicks in. There will be chances to see polar bears throughout the voyage, but we will aim for hunting grounds to the far north and northeast. A beached whale carcass can often provide the best opportunities to see polar bears, towards which we can quietly sail and watch the bears feeding.
Reindeer, which are shorter in Spitsbergen, can often best be seen on treks; whilst plentiful bearded and harbour seals are usually best seen at the edges of ice floes. Amongst historical sites we are likely to visit will be the research station at Ny Ålesund. This is where Amundsen set off to conquer the North Pole in an airship built by the Italian Umberto Nobile - a story you can learn more about in a dedicated museum in Longyearbyen. From here we will enter Konigsfjord, which is often said to be the most beautiful and picturesque fjord on Spitsbergen. As you sail through the iced waters to the end of the fjord, you reach a pair of immense glaciers which meet and share a calving ice front. As the boat slows to a halt, you are left to stare up at the towering wall of ice in a silence only punctuated by the deep rumbling from within the glaciers themselves. Throughout the voyage, your expert guides will always be on hand to offer their experience and knowledge of the Arctic, its wildlife and marine life, geology and history. Depending upon the wind, there are likely to be opportunities to help with the sails. Onboard, cabins are available in doubles and twins, all with en suite bathrooms, hot water and heating. There is a lovely lounge, eating and bar area, and plenty of locations on deck and in the pilot house from which to view your surroundings. Photographic opportunities on this voyage are likely to be superb. At this stage in September, you will benefit from long days as well as sun rises and sunsets. There will also be some chance of seeing the Northern Lights, although our later South Spitsbergen Voyages are usually better for that. To speak with a polar expert, or one of the guides on this voyage, please Contact Us. Photographs kindly provided by Ralph Pannell, David Slater, Jan de Groot, Charlotte Caffrey, Stuart Ward, Ben Garrod & Michelle Pink Tallship cruising - Classic sail yacht - barquentine - schooner Noorderlicht - oceanwide - Around Spitsbergen - South Spitsbergen - Antigua cruise - Icebreaker cruises - Greenland - Antarctica - South Georgia - Falkland Islands - Norway - Longyearbyen - Oslo - Lofoten Islands - Iceland |
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