Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen on Ocean Nova

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

Seasons in Svalbard
Svalbard has a mild climate compared to other land areas on the same latitude. This is thanks to the Gulf Current. The average temperature in Longyearbyen in July is +6°C.

During winter thick ice and snow blanket the archipelago, but when warmer weather arrives, the ice loses its grip and the rugged coasts become possible to navigate by vessel. Millions of seabirds arrive to their traditional nesting sites, and the archipelago teems with life.

The beginning of the season (June, early July) is characterised by a lot of snow and a wonderful purity. It is still spring in the Arctic, polar bear cubs and seals can sometimes be seen on the ice of the fjords in front of the glaciers. The mighty pack ice is not far away. Summer arrives in the middle of the season (July). The ice loosens its grip around the islands and this makes it possible to get further east. Whales are more frequently seen in the waters and more and more snow-free areas become accessible for walks. Colourful flowers are in bloom.

Autumn arrives in Svalbard in August. The light is beginning to become gentle and soft and it is now that the snow-free landscape can be seen most clearly. After mid-August you may be able to see the Ivory Gull’s chicks, while some birds are preparing to migrate. The ice has pulled further away and it may be possible to get all the way around Spitsbergen. Groups of harp seals can be seen and close encounters with walrus females with cubs are not uncommon.

Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen on Ocean Nova itinerary:

Day 1- Longyearbyen

We arrive in Longyearbyen, embark our expedition ship in the afternoon and sail out through the spectacular Ice Fjord.

Day 2 - 10 - Svalbard

We are now in a part of the world where we are totally dependent on ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary depends on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. The goal is to make daily landings with our Zodiac craft - here are some examples of places we may visit: Northwest Svalbard In the scientific village of Ny Ålesund, Arctic terns nest by the main street. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. On the islands of Danskøya, Amsterdamøya and Ytre Norskøya we find remnants from the bustling activity during the 17th century whaling period. Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on Danskøya. Swedish balloonist Andrée made an attempt with hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started out with airship. The site is still littered with interesting remnants from these expeditions. Fantastic fjords Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore a few of them such as: Liefdefjorden, meaning "the fjord of love", is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and at its base we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest in the area and if lucky we see the rare king eider. In Krossfjorden we delight in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large numbers of kittiwakes and Brünnich`s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty - dominated by beautiful glaciers it is also a favourite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with life. Eastern Svalbard Venturing eastwards we skirt the shifting Arctic Ocean pack ice. It is a harsh and seldom experienced environment and one stands in awe of this majestic icescape. Chances of meeting polarbears increase as we sail among the ice floes. Hinlopen and Alkefjellet If the ice allows we may enter Hinlopen Strait. Here is Alkefjellet (Auk Mountain), a sheer, basaltic cliff, which is the home to some 200 000 Brünnich`s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay of Palanderbukta in Nordaustlandet. Nordaustlandet The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by an enormous ice cap and fascinates naturalists as well as historians. There are huge glacier fronts here, intersected by hundreds of melt-waterfalls. Even further east is Kvitøya (White Island). In very favourable ice and weather conditions, we may land on this ice-capped island where few people have set foot. Here Andrée and his men were found 33 years after their unsuccessful attempt to reach the North Pole with a hydrogen balloon. Barentsøya and Edgeøya These islands south of Nordaustlandet offer magnificent landscapes and vast tundra. Chances are good to encounter walrus, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer here. Southwest Svalbard The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks. This is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard`s polar bears.

Day 11 - Longyearbyen

Early morning we reach Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.

Ocean Nova

Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 73 meters
Beam: 11.0 m
Draft: 4.0 m
GRT: 2,118 tons
Speed: 11 knots
Ice Class: Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A)
Capacity: 84 (in twin & triple Cabins)
Registry: Bahamas

The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either two lower beds or upper and lower beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.

In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where PolarQuest’s on board specialists entertain and educate you with lectures on polar biology, history, geology and conservation. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good selection of polar books. On board there is a satellite phone, gym and medical doctor. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. The ship has North European officers and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship.