Not Only a Frozen Wilderness, Spitsbergen is a Place of Precarious Beauty and a Stronghold of Endangered Arctic Wildlife
Exploring Svalbard via small ship cruising offers an intimate and versatile way to experience its unique Arctic environment. Cruises navigate through icy waters, providing unmatched access to remote areas like the wildlife-rich Moffen Island and the dramatic glaciers of North West Spitsbergen National Park. Stops in culturally distinct settlements such as Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, and Ny-Ålesund add a human dimension to the adventure, revealing the area's rich history and diverse heritage. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, these cruises offer opportunities to spot polar bears, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitats, with the added benefit of expert guides enhancing the experience. Small ship cruising in Svalbard is a way to closely connect with the Arctic's natural beauty and stark landscapes, making it a must-do for those seeking an authentic polar adventure.
Svalbard / Spitsbergen - what's the difference?
Svalbard is the name of the archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, which includes the island of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the group.
Svalbard Highlights
Benefits of Booking with Wild Earth Travel
Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years of experience creating, leading, and voyaging on expeditions around the globe.
• We Are Travellers. We've led small ship cruises to some of the world's most remote and fascinating places – and we love sharing our knowledge with you!
• Unbiased Advice. Our recommendations are based on personal experience, helping us match you with the small ship and itinerary that best suit your needs.
• Widest Choice. We offer over 2,000 itineraries on more than 250 small ships, and there are few vessels or destinations we haven’t experienced first-hand.
• Pay in Your Currency. Choose to pay in AUD, NZD, USD, EUR or GBP – aligned with the ship operator’s currency to avoid extra fees. As a trusted Australasian company, we provide a secure and tailored booking process.
• Personalised Service. From packing lists to pre- and post-cruise transfers and accommodation, we ensure you’re fully prepared. Some voyages also offer optional add-on activities.
• The Arctic region is vast. From hiking and kayaking, to wildlife spotting and visiting remote communities, this diverse landscape is a wonderland for adventurers, but what kind of adventure are you looking for? With a firsthand experience cruising the Arctic, we will find the right trip for you!
Featured Svalbard Cruises
Below is a selection of the expedition cruises we offer to Svalbard/Spitsbergen. Our collection ranges from 10 to 23 days, and from adventure and expedition to luxury-style ships.
Arctic / Spitsbergen
Circumnavigating Spitsbergen | In the Realm of the Polar Bear 11 Day Expedition
To talk us through the highlights of this icy realm, we chat to Arctic cruise specialist, Grands Espaces, who offer unique and intimate exploration of both Greenland and the Svalbard Archipelago.