If you want to see and experience as much of the wild, raw and untouched Arctic nature as possible, you need to go on a boat trip or a combined cruise and fishing trip. Svalbard's unique wildlife is also best seen from a boat, and among the most popular activities you'll find walrus safari and whale safari. The Russian settlements is also reached by boat, both in summer and winter, and there are serveral touroperators offering day trips to both Barentsburg and Pyramiden.
From early spring until late November or early December, you have many options to depart the quayside in Longyearbyen by boat to explore beautiful Svalbard. Many different types of trips are available so you need to decide what really interests you. Does a short trip by rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to the spectacular bird cliffs tempt you or perhaps the world’s northernmost fjord cruise to Pyramiden - the ghost town in the High North - sounds exciting? There is no shortage of options. The menu often consists of large glacier termini, exciting Arctic wildlife and a tasty lunch straight from the barbecue. Travelling by express boat reduces the travel time to the Russian settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden and enables you to visit both places on the same day.
Unique wildlife on sea
Roy MangersnesSvalbard’s unique animal life is well worth experiencing. If you have dreamt of having a close-up encounter with a walrus or experiencing the world’s largest mammal - the majestic whale - then we recommend a walrus and whale safari during the Polar Summer. You can see, smell and photograph the walruses laying and rolling on the beach while enjoying the panoramic view from the boat.
If you visit in the autumn when the Midnight Sun season has ended, you can experience a Northern Lights cruise. Can you imagine a more magical way of experiencing the Northern Lights? The calm Polar Night allows you to gather impressions and find peace and tranquillity out at sea. Far removed from artificial light, you will be able to experience the majestic Northern Lights stronger than ever.
Video by Adam Bergsveen.