Our late summer early Autumn, South Spitsbergen Sailing Voyage provides the opportunity to experience some stunning scenery and wildlife, as well as the beginning of the great Arctic freeze as it begins to spread from the north.  By late September, ice flows are likely to have cut off access by sea to the northern sections of Spitsbergen.  As long summer days and 24 hour sunlight gives way to more regular night and day patterns, there are opportunities to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis. The ship's bell will be rung to make sure you don't miss the Northern Lights dancing across the cold night sky!

Areas such as Bellsund offer good opportunities to see wildlife, which in 2008 included polar bears, reindeer and Arctic fox; whilst in the water we were lucky enough to see elusive beluga and orcas.  Birdlife is quieter at this time of year, although we may see late leaving summer visitors such as the purple sandpiper and the all year round resident, the rock ptarmigan.

You will be accompanied throughout by an expert guide, skipper and crew and in the evenings you will be able to enjoy insights into fauna and flora seen by day.  There is also a comprehensive onboard library.  The vessel's warm indoors includes two spacious wood panelled salons of which the above deck pilot house provides excellent all round visibility of sea and landscapes.  The ship is centrally heated and provides comfortable twin bedded cabins, serving excellent food.

The temperatures are lower at this time of year than during our North and Around Spitsbergen voyages. Fresh snowfalls cover the tundra and show Spitsbergen in winter wonderland perfection. September is a wonderful time to enjoy these vast and empty Arctic spaces, with daily opportunities for walks.  Wind and schedules permitting, you will also have opportunities to help with the sailing as you move gracefully amongst fjords and mountains carved by glaciers which break into icebergs as they meet the sea.

For a detailed draft itinerary, please click HERE 

Voyage Dates 2009: 22nd - 29th Sep Price: £1,490 p/p twin sharing non private cabins. All prices are subject to exchange rate variations Single supplement: This supplement can be avoided if you are willing to share with someone of the same gender. Single occupancy price is 1.8 times the per person cabin price.  Included: Voyage as indicated in draft itinerary Group airport transfer to & from the vessel (when arriving/departing on recommended group flight) All meals, snacks, coffee and tea All shore excursions and zodiac activities Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff All miscellaneous services taxes and port charges throughout the programme Comprehensive pre-departure material Excluded: Airfares. Pre and post land arrangements. Transfers to and from the vessel (except when arriving/departing on recommended group flight). Cancellation and personal insurance. Passports and visas. Arrival and departure tax. Meals ashore. Baggage. Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry etc). Tips. Activity Level:  Low-Medium Flights:  We can arrange flights or we are happy for you to do this yourself.  Please contact us for advice.

 Photographs kindly provided by Charlotte Caffrey, Ralph Pannell, Troels Jacobsen, Jan Belgers, Michael Leach, Richard Escott and Rolf Stange

South Spitsbergen  -  Arctic Voyage  -  Expedition cruise  -  Carbon Climate Change Neutral  -  Svalbard - Tall Ship - Responsible Travel Sailing -  Sail Yacht Holiday    -  Noorderlicht  -  Polar Bear  -  Beluga  -  Arctic Fox