ATD 11-Around Spitsbergen & Hiking from 06 - 15 August 2012

Spitsbergen is an Arctic archipelago about 650 kilometres (400 miles) north of Norway. The archipelago ranges from Bear Island at 74° North to Rossøya at 81° North. It is by far the largest wilderness area of Europe; it covers an area of about 62,500 km², about the size of Ireland. About 60% of the land is glaciated. Since 1925 Norway has sovereignty over Spitsbergen according to the international Spitsbergen Treaty. The Norwegian name for the archipelago is Svalbard. The name Spitsbergen was given by the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz, who discovered the islands in 1596 during a mission to find a new sea route to the fabled land of Cathay, the Far East. The meaning of the name Spitsbergen in the Dutch language is "Jagged Peaks" because of the sharp pointed mountains that Barentsz met in the north-west of Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen, which has a population of about 3000 in 4 settlements, is still today virtually an unspoilt wilderness. Imagine a place the size of Ireland with only about 50 kilometres. (30 miles) of road.

Longyearbyen
The main settlement is Longyearbyen, which has approximately 2000 inhabitants and is one of the world's northernmost villages. Longyearbyen is a modern village with a wide range of facilities such as a supermarket, tourist shops, several pubs and hotels, a cinema, a swimming pool, a sports hall and a church. Longyearbyen even has its own university, the UNIS, that offers Arctic studies.

Ny-Ålesund
In the beautiful Kongsfjord the northernmost of the four settlements on Spitsbergen can be found. Ny-Ålesund even boasts being the northernmost settlement in the world at latitude 78° 55′ North. Originally a mining settlement it is now a privately owned village that sells services to scientists - it is a village for scientists, an Arctic laboratory. Ny-Ålesund is inhabited by a permanent population of approximately 35 persons. In summer up to 120 international scientists work here. Their research includes environmental studies, for instance climate change, geology, biology, oceanography, zoology and more.

Climate
Although Spitsbergen is close enough to the North Pole to become an Arctic freezer in winter, it has a remarkable mild climate. This is due to the Gulf Stream, a huge Atlantic surface current that delivers warm water to the Spitsbergen coast and moderates the climate. The average temperature on the west coast in summer is around 5°C (41°F), and in winter, -12°C (10°F). In general the temperatures on the east side are lower than on the west as the warm Gulf Stream does not reach the east coast that much. As Spitsbergen lies far within the Arctic circle, it experiences the midnight sun from April to August. At this time of year the sun is above the horizon for 24 hours a day!

 

For more general information about Sptsbergen see under Guest Review

ATD 11-Around Spitsbergen & Hiking from 06 - 15 August 2012

Day by day Itinerary

This special voyage is dedicated to an intense nature experience in remote areas. We will offer full-day hikes to explore the rarely visited interior of various islands, which has been seen by reindeer and polar bears rather than by man. We will also offer shorter excursions in the same areas.

Day 1 - Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.

Day 2 - Heading north along the west coast, we arrive by morning in Krossfjorden, where we take the Zodiacs for a cruise along the front of the 14th of July Glacier. On the green slopes near the glacier, a colourful variety of flowers bloom, while large numbers of Kittiwakes nest on the nearby cliffs. There is also a good chance of spotting Arctic Foxes, who patrol the base of the cliffs in case a chick falls from its nest, and Bearded Seals, who cruise this scenic fjord. In the afternoon we sail to Blomstrand to climb to the top of the island to obtain a splendid view across the strait where until a few years ago a glacier connected the island with the mainland.

Day 3 - In Bockfjord the long hikers will set off for a day’s hike to thewarm springs about 8 km inland and will walk along glaciers and a volcano in one of the warmest areas in Spitsbergen in the summer. The shorter walkers will explore the warm springs along the coast in the morning and a lagoon on the spectacular Red Sandstone of Woodfjord, which derives its name from the immense numbers of logs washed ashore. In the evening we sail to the Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjord.

Day 4 - We will visit Laagøya today, a low island with a big lagoon where a big herd of Walrus tends to congregate. Sabine’s Gulls nest on the island as well. We will reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, along with ivory gulls. We may sit for several hours in the pack ice, taking in our spectacular surroundings and seeing a polar bear or two, before we turn south again.

Day 5 - Hinlopen Strait separates the two largest islands of Svalbard, Spitsbergen and Nordaustland. In Palanderbukta, surrounded by glacier fronts, we will set foot on Nordaustland and explore this desert-like, yet beautiful environment. The hikers will follow Palanderdalen, an ice-free corridor between two major ice-caps of Nordaustland. After about 20 km of polar desert, Augustabukta is reached, where an ascent on the ice-cap is easy. On the tundra we usually see a lot of reindeer. Both landings, Augustabukta Palanderbukta and Augutabukta, will also be done without the long hike. Nearby on Torrellneset there is a large herd of walrus.

Day 6 - The east coast of West-Spitsbergen is very rarely visited during the summer. We will sail along Negribreen one of the rare shelf-ice glaciers in the Arctic. At Teistpynten near Mohnbukta, all passengers will have the opportunity to have a stroll along the coast and on the tundra with many reindeer and with good views of again the front of the Negri-breen. Some of the Mesozoic sediment layers in this area are very rich in fossils such as ammonites and bivalves.  During mid-day, the ship repositions further south to Agardhfjell. Excursion opportunities include a 5 hours inland walk to a colony of ivory gulls.
 
- Alternatively we offer-
Sundneset at the south-eastern corner of Barentsøya with a lush tundra vegetation and often large numbers of reindeer. Following a river up to a waterfall, the hikers will cover about 17 km to enjoy splendid views.
Alternatively, a shorter landing at Sundneset, including highlights such as rich tundra, a waterfall and good chances for encounters with reindeer, will be supplemented with another excursion at Rindedalen on the south side of Barentsøya.

Day 7 - In Diskobukta, a good 20 km further southeast, we find a small canyon with a colony of Kittiwakes. Kapp Lee near the north-western corner of Edgeøya has been a focal point for hunting and scientific expeditions for centuries. Land uplift that followed the ice-age has left its traces in shape of ancient whalebones and driftwood far from the coast, having a respectable age of several 1000 years. The opportunity to hike from Diskobukta to Kapp Lee enables us to appreciate the whole coastline with plentiful driftwood, whalebones and potential wildlife surprises. Alternatively, it will be possible to land both at Diskobukta and Kapp Lee without a long hike.

Day 8 - The Hornsund at the west coast of Spitsbergen is surrounded by glaciers and mountains including the Hornsundtind (1.431 m) and the needle-shaped Bautaen. A day hike up to the mountain Ostragrodskyfjell in Brepollen, the innermost part of the Hornsund, will provide spectacular views of the glacier landscape, which can alternatively be explored by Zodiac. In the late afternoon, Burgerbukta on the northern side of the Hornsund will make clear why some think of the Hornsund as the most beautiful fjord of Spitsbergen.

Day 9 - Today we land on Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden. Here piles of Beluga skeletons (the Beluga is a small white whale), the remains of 19th century slaughter, are yet another reminder of the consequences of thoughtless exploitation. Fortunately, Belugas were not hunted to the edge of extinction and may still be seen locally. Indeed, there is a good chance that we will come across a pod. Cruising into Recherchefjorden during the afternoon we can explore an area of tundra at the head of the fjord where many Reindeer feed.

Day 10 - Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Oslo and home.

Trip Options

	Hiking	€ free of charge
	During designated hiking voyages we exceed our normal shore excursion walking program. In general we plan to offer 3 possibilities to become active ashore. There will be easy, moderate and more demanding walks available in the vicinity of the landing sites. There will be walks available to suit everyone’s capability. In the Antarctic we are planning on two hikes per day, each 2 - 3 hours long during morning and / or afternoon landings. In the Arctic we also offer several full day walks (5 – 7 hrs) with packed lunch. The final decision on those hiking options will be met by the Expedition Leader on the day of the excursion. We recommend bringing a proper pair of hiking boots and gaiters. Snowshoes will be provided (for hikers only) on board. Those will fit all boot sizes and can be used in combination with Oceanwide’s rubber boots. Hiking is free of charge; more details can be found in the activity manual and the day by day programs.

ATD 11-Around Spitsbergen & Hiking from 06 - 15 August 2012

The ice conditions will determine the sailing plan, either the North or around Spitsbergen itinerary
 

m/v Antarctic Dream M/v "
Antarctic Dream" is a Dutch built ice-reinforced vessel and served under the name Piloto Pardo for the Chilean Navy. The vessel was rebuilt as an unrestricted, worldwide passenger vessel and was completely refurbished in July 2005. M/v "Antarctic Dream" is registered in Panama. The vessel features a spacious dining room / observation lounge, bar, lecture room, fitness room plus sauna, boutique and passenger bridge. The vessel offers accommodation for 84 passengers in 42 twin cabins with private toilet and shower. 4 Suites, 16 Superior cabins and 20 twin private cabins have portholes or windows and either two separate lower beds or queen beds. 2 additional twin private cabins have no portholes / windows (inside cabins). All cabins have furthermore a desk, closed circuit TV, and inter-cabin phone service. Satellite email and phone service is available on the bridge. The vessel is manned by 18 well-trained Chilean crew members. The on board staff consists of 1 expedition leader, 4 guides / lecturers, 1 hotel manager, 1 barman, 1 doctor, 4 chefs and 7 waitresses / cabin cleaners. The Antarctic Dream's expeditions offer you the ideal introduction to Spitsbergen and Greenland. 

Our program is orientated to the viewing of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery of narrow waterways, glaciers and icebergs. The Captain and the expedition leader will assess conditions daily with the intention of maximizing your time ashore. This means taking full advantage of opportunities to land passengers with our zodiacs and making best use of the light of the long summer days. On board lectures are offered by geologists, historians, naturalists and expedition leaders. Join the captain and the rest of our 36 crew and staff members for an awe-inspiring journey of discovery and adventure.

Ice class:
The Antarctic Dream has a 1-inch thick steel ring which is 3 meters high surrounding the hull in the area closest to the ice. The frames have 300 mm of distance in between. The propeller has protection for working in ice. The vessel is not an icebreaker but can handle loose ice of about 300-500 mm in thickness. She was constructed under the following notation of Lloyd’s Register: + 100 A1 strengthened for navigation in ice.

Length: 83 metres (274 feet)
Breadth: 12 metres (39 feet)
Draft: 4,6 metres (15 feet)
Ice class: *100 A1
Displacement: -
Engines: Diesel-Electric
Speed: 10 - 12 knots
Passengers: 84

ATD 11-Around Spitsbergen & Hiking from 06 - 15 August 2012

The ice conditions will determine the sailing plan, either the North or around Spitsbergen itinerary

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EUR Rates 2012 per person in 1/2 Twin Room:

EUR 4.000 Twin private inside
EUR 4.600 Twin private Porthole
EUR 5.150 Superior 
EUR 5.700 Suite

Single occupancy:
All cabin types 1.7 times the share price

General Notes

Fares include:

• Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary, guided in English.
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
• On Spitsbergen voyages: Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
• AECO fees and governmental taxes.
• Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Not included:
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Note:
It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of EUR 18 per passenger per night, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SPITSBERGEN

Flora & Fauna
With its rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice-caps and glaciers, Spitsbergen is a true high-Arctic archipelago, and only 1000 kilometres (600 miles) from the North Pole. Spitsbergen is still today a virtually unspoilt wilderness with abundant wildlife. This wildlife was once a huge draw for whalers and trappers, but now discerning visitors are discovering the attractions of huge Arctic seabird colonies and the chance to enjoy and photograph species such as walrus, the indigenous Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic Fox and, of course, Polar Bear. Several whale species, such as the magnificent Beluga, Minke Whale and Fin Whale, are also found in the waters surrounding Spitsbergen.

The huge bird cliffs along the Spitsbergen coasts are a major attraction. Spitsbergen is a breeding ground for large numbers of guillemots such as the Brunnich\'s and the Black Guillemot. Other bird species such as Atlantic Puffin, Little Auk, Northern Fulmar and kittiwake can also be found on or around the cliffs, while the Arctic Tern, Ringed Plover, Purple Sandpiper and four species of skua prefer the tundra. On top of the list of many birders are the rarely seen, elusive gulls - Ivory, Sabine\'s and Ross\'s.

The west coast
The west coast of Spitsbergen, with its deep fjords and towering glaciers that calve with a thundering noise, its sharp mountains (1000+ meters, 3000+ feet) in the north and the south and its lush tundra full of flowers has a lot to offer to wildlife lovers and hikers. Due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream temperatures on the west coast are relatively high. Spitsbergen therefore has an Arctic flora and fauna. In the far north-east, where the Gulf Stream is much less strong, it is High Arctic. There is an amazing variety of plants, 164 species of flowering plants having been identified. The fauna is also abundant. Huge bird cliffs with tens of thousands of kittiwakes and guillemots, and lush tundra with Svalbard Reindeer and Arctic Foxes. The coastal seas are abundant with several seal species such as the Bearded and Ringed. In several areas walruses can be found, hauling out on ice-floes or on beaches. And Polar Bears are frequent visitors to the west coast.

The north-east coast
The north-east coast of Spitsbergen has a different topography to its west coast. Less sharp, more rounded hills, consisting of softer sediments. Without the warming effect of the Gulf Stream the glaciers and ice-caps have become considerably larger. The landscape is more barren and empty: this is the real High Arctic. Here the pack- ice keeps the adjacent seas in an icy grip for more than 6 months of the year. There is almost no lush tundra, often just barren rock. Yet, amazingly, there is still life here, sometimes even abundant life, due to the rich seas that provide food for birds and sea mammals. Elusive Arctic species such as Ivory gull, walrus, Polar Bear and Beluga can frequently be seen here. The south-east coast The south-east coast of Spitsbergen is rather mild compared to the north-east. Here you can find table-mountains with small ice-caps and green valleys full of reindeer. Whalebones thousands of years old litter the beaches, bird cliffs are crowded with birds and there are good chances of seeing walruses and Polar Bears. This area has been an important hunting ground for Russian and Norwegian trappers who went after walruses, Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears. Remains of their settlements and huts can be found here. 

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Frequently visited places

Frequently visited places on Spitsbergen's west coast are (from south to north):
(For more detailed information on our programmes, please see the itineraries section)
• Hornsund. An Antarctica-like fjord with jagged mountains and huge glacier fronts. Good chances of seeing Brunnich\'s Guillemot, Arctic Fox, Polar Bear and Beluga.

• The lush Bellsund with its evidence of ancient and modern whaling and hunting. Good chances of seeing Little Auk, reindeer, Polar Bear, Beluga and Minke Whale.

• Isfjord, with Longyearbyen and the Russian mining settlement Barentsburg, and its vast tundra and abundant reindeer population. Good chances of seeing Atlantic Puffin, geese, skua, Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic Fox, Beluga.

• The majestic Kongs and Kross Fjord, with the settlement of Ny-Ålesund and the Tre Kroner (typical pyramid shaped peaks, also called nunataks, that stick out of the ice-cap). Fjords with great hiking opportunities, evidence of daring mining adventures, beautiful glacier fronts and overcrowded bird cliffs. Good chances of seeing guillemot, kittiwake, skua, puffin, Ivory Gull, geese, Svalbard Reindeer and Arctic Fox.

• Magdalena Fjord, famous for the steep mountains that surround this frequently visited fjord. Good chances of seeing Little Auk, Ivory Gull, Bearded Seal and Polar Bear.

• Liefdefjord, a deep fjord in the far north-west. It is appropriately named after a Dutch whaling ship with the name \"Love\", as it has a remarkable red colour due to red sedimentary sandstones. Great scenery and large glacier fronts. Good chances of seeing lots of bird life, Bearded Seals, Polar Bear, Minke Whale and Beluga.

Frequently visited places on the north-east of Spitsbergen are:
(For more detailed information on our programmes, please see the itineraries section)
• Nordaustlandet (North-East Land) is the biggest island in the far north of Spitsbergen. Most of its surface is covered by a huge ice-cap. The ice-front of this ice-cap extends along the coast for about 150 kilometres. Nordaustlandet is completely uninhabited and is a nature reserve. In the coastal regions of Nordaustlandet and its adjoining islands there is a great deal of Arctic wildlife. Here you can experience the real High Arctic, but with good chances of seeing Ivory Gulls, Arctic Foxes, Bearded Seals, Ringed Seals, walruses, Polar Bears, Minke Whales and Belugas. 
 
• Sjuøyane (the Seven Islands) are located at latitude 80º 49\' North and are as far north as you can get in Europe. Here you are about a 1000 kilometres (600 miles) north of the famous Norwegian Nordkapp, which is often seen as the most northerly point of Europe. These rocky, barren islands do have a lot to offer besides having the real \"Nordkapp\". It is a wild place with amazing scenery and high chances of seeing walruses and Polar Bears.

• Hinlopen Strait. A beautiful sea strait between Nordaustlandet and the main island of Spitsbergen. For the Around-Spitsbergen Expeditions Hinlopen Strait is sometimes a bottleneck because of the pack-ice which can clog up in the strait. On the pack-ice and around the islands in the strait there are good chances of seeing Polar Bears, walruses and whales. Even the elusive Bowhead Whale is sometimes seen here.

Frequently visited places in the south-east of Spitsbergen are:
(For more detailed information on our programmes, please see the itineraries section)
• Barentsøya was named after the Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz. The island is situated south-east of the main island and is separated from it by a couple of narrow sounds, including the spectacular Heleysundet. About 100 kilometres (60 miles) to the east of Barentsøya are the Kong Karls Islands. These islands, which are closed of for visitors, are main denning areas for Polar Bears. The pack-ice delivers large numbers of bears from the Kong Karls Islands to Barentsøya and also to Edgeøya. That is why these islands are particularly good for spotting Polar Bears. Besides Polar Bears there are also good chances of seeing many bird species, as well as Arctic Foxes, reindeer and Belugas.

• Edgeøya is the third largest island of Spitsbergen. The large variety of landscapes makes Edgeøya very interesting place to visit. Canyons full of birds, thousands of years old whalebones on beeches, green tundra with herds of Svalbard Reindeer, remains of Russian settlements and beeches where walruses haul out. Good chances of seeing Arctic Foxes, Polar Bears, walruses, Belugas and Fin Whales.