Sailing Svalbard Expedition to Sjuøyane
- Vessel: Valiente
- Where: Svalbard, Norway
- Duration: 10 days
- Embark: Longyearbyen, Svalbard - 19 July 2022, 12:00
- Disembark: Longyearbyen, Svalbard - 28 July 2022, 15:00
Sorry we’re full!
This voyage is fully crewed. Check out our voyage finder to see what else we have available.
Sorry you’ve missed the boat!
This voyage has now sailed. Check out our voyage finder to see what else we have available.
Join expedition vessel Valiente as she sails guests through the Arctic waters of Svalbard.
Sail all the way up to the polar ice edge of Svalbard and towards the Sjuøyane – the northernmost islands of Svalbard and Norway. Experiencing the atmosphere, tranquillity, and sounds along the ice edge is one of the coolest things you can do, and therefore the polar ice edge is the goal and focus of this expedition.
Along the way north, and later back south, you will spend several days along the northwest coast which offers us majestic fjords and mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and places rich in history and culture.
For this particular trip, the goal is to get all the way up to the ice edge and the Sjuøyane, which are the northernmost islands on Svalbard. How many of the seven Sjuøyane you reach will depend entirely on the ice and how far south it spreads. Most often, the ice edge is far enough north so that Valiente can reach all the islands, but some years that isn’t the case. However, it is just as exciting every year!
Arctic waters
The ice edge around the polar ice cap is in itself some of the most thriving and diverse environments up in the high-arctic. Here you’ll find a rich wildlife both above and below water. Did you know that the ice even hosts its own specially adapted algae species that grow on the underside of the sea-ice? The polar cod, with antifreeze in its veins, are also an important part of the ecosystem here, which are hunted by seals and whales. On this trip you will experience an abundance of sea birds, maybe even encounter the very rare and nearly threatened ivory gull. And of course also keeping a constant lookout for the queen of the arctic; the polar bear!
Along the northwestern coast Valiente will be far beyond the areas normally accessible from Longyearbyen, and you will get to experience something completely unique – so it doesn’t really matter if you have been to Svalbard many times before, or if this is your first time to the “land north of the northern wind”. On the way up the northwest coast, Valiente will sail past many fjords and glaciers; the most famous ones being Kongsfjorden, Krossfjorden, Lilliehöökfjorden, Magdalenafjorden, and Bockfjorden. Of the countless glaciers, the Kongsbreen, Lillehöökbreen and Monacobreen are the largest.
Land of the midnight sun
On Svalbard there is the midnight sun until mid-August, so it will be bright for 24 hours a day. You will have a great encounter with the beautiful and uninhabited Arctic landscape. Along the northwest coast there could also be quite some cod, which hopefully will bite and be useful in the kitchen, as we prepare delicious food underway. With the sailboat as our mobile base, we get close to nature and wildlife in a careful way, and we are flexible in terms of weather conditions and where we anchor and go ashore.
Life on board
You ticket price will include the skipper and first mate (co-skipper), as well as a dedicated Svalbard guide with extensive experience from Svalbard. The crew-members will work as guides and polar bear guards when we are ashore in the terrain. Along the way, sailing or on motor, Valiente will include all participants in the sailing. Generally, she sails at all times of the day, and everyone onboard will be running watches of 4 hours on and 8 hours off. When on anchor, there will be rotation shifts with one anchor guard awake, so that the rest can sleep.
An expedition to Svalbard is primarily an adventurous exploration, but also a great opportunity to learn about sailing and navigation, and not least the use of a boat as a starting point for explorations and experiences on shore.
Valiente
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff
Expedition boat Valiente is a 70 foot steel boat designed to withstand tough arctic conditions, but with comfort and high standards maintained along the way.
She sails very well with a simple rig and has a lot of space on deck for guests and crew. Valiente has ample space in the saloon and wheelhouse with 360degree views. Below decks there is a well equipped galley. The boat has five guest cabins, with the 3 doubles having an ensuite and shower.
Valiente is very well equipped for trips and expeditions including; RIB light boat, two folding kayaks, big tanks for both water and diesel, water-maker, generators, safety and rescue equipment and communication equipment.
She spends her summers sailing in Norway, Svalbard and offering expedition sailing adventures to Greenland, Iceland, Jan Mayen and the Faroe islands.
Deck plan

Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
FAQ
-
Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals and soft drinks are included. Guests work on a rotation basis to cook together onboard.
-
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
-
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - please specify at time of enquiry
-
What language is spoken onboard?
English/Norwegian
-
What are the sleeping arrangements?
3x double cabins, 1x twin bunk cabin, 1 x quad bunk cabin
-
How many toilet/showers does she have?
5
-
Is there WIFI?
No
-
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
12v charging under sail, 220 EURO 2pin when connected to shore power/generator
-
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
-
Are Waterproofs provided?
Guests can rent oilskins from us for 500NOK per trip, per person.
-
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
-
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
-
Is bedding included?
Yes, all bedding and a towel is provided
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
To: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
BY AIR:
Fly into Oslo or Tromsø to get a connecting flight to Svalbard. There are several flights a day into Longyearbyen airport from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. Your easiest route from the UK to Longyearbyen (LYR) Airport for Svalbard is from London Heathrow via Oslo with airline SAS.
Taxis and buses meet each incoming /outgoing flight, even the ones in the middle of the night and will stop at the marina on request, and the airport shuttle service stops at all hotels in the centre.
STAY IN SVALBARD:
There are plenty of places to stay in Svalbard. Try Gjesthuset 102, Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg or Funken Lodge.
Please note that you need a guide to travel anywhere outside the town of Longyearbyen due to the risk from polar bears.