Svalbard Tall Ship Explorer: Arctic Wildlife & Walking Adventure

Your Sailing Area

Svalbard, Norway

High in the Arctic circle sits the the world’s most northernmost town, sitting halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Svalbard is one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, often referred to as the “land of the midnight sun” when from mid-May to late September, the archipelago sits in 24hour daylight.

With more polar bears than people, this epic terrain is not for the faint-hearted but perfect for the adventure traveller. Ice covered fjords, colossal glaciers and soaring mountains really hit home how wild, rugged and fragile this beautiful landscape is.  Discovering Svalbard under sail with a tall ship is by far the best and most sustainable way to see the very best of this Arctic archipelago. Svalbard has strict tourism policies in place with travellers unable to leave the main town of Longyearbyen without a registered guide. Noorderlicht has been given special permission to sail and explore this magical landscape with a registered guide onboard meaning guests are in safe hands at all times.

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Below is a rough guide of what to expect based on previous voyages but please bear in mind that all itineraries are subject to the weather. As you board, the Captain will have a better idea with updated forecasts of what you can expect from your adventure sailing holiday in Svalbard.

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the largest inhabited settlement in Spitsbergen and the world’s most northerly inhabited town with more than 1000 inhabitants. Discover the fascinating history of the island as you join Noorderlicht on the ‘floating pier’.

Enjoy a welcome from the crew and captain, before a delicious first dinner on board while the ship sets course towards Trygghamna bay, where it will anchor for the night.

Day 2: Visit to seabird cliff Alkhornet

Head ashore to explore the whaling and hunting station off the Pomor in Trygghamna. From here you can hike to Alkhornet cliff, where some 10,000 pairs of different seabirds breed. The cliffs are composed of carbonate rock, which is more than a billion years old where the tundra at the bottom of the cliff receives nutrients from the sea birds and provides meadows for reindeer, nesting sites for geese and shelter for Arctic foxes and Polar Bears.

After lunch, the sails will be set and we will drop anchor for the night at Grimaldibukta

Day 3-10

Spend the next week sailing north-west across the islands. Exactly where Noorderlicht sails will depend on the weather conditions. Explore abandoned whaling towns ashore, enjoy picnics in the midnight sun and watch out for Arctic wildlife galore. There will be plenty of opportunity to explore ashore with glacier hikes and fjord exploration at the top of the list!

Day 11: Goodbye Noorderlicht

After a hearty breakfast, you can disembark by 09:00.

All voyages for Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner

Originally built in 1910, Noorderlicht has a colourful history and has spent much of her life sailing the Baltic Sea and exploring Svalbard. With various refits, hull extensions and rigging reconfigurations, she now sails as a graceful two-masted schooner, taking guests on sustainable adventure holidays in Svalbard.

With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, Noorderlicht offers guests whale watching and wildlife expeditions exploring the Arctic waters of Northern Norway & Svalbard. Her size and draft mean she can reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard so she is a great way to discover the hidden gems that this breathtaking part of the world has to offer.

Low impact and environmental travel go hand-in-hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to explore this part of the world is the best way to enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled nature.

In the early 90s, she was refitted to become a charter vessel, and so her accommodation below decks was given careful consideration. She has ten comfortable twin cabins that all share four bathrooms. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.

Deck plan

Life on board Noorderlicht

Sailing and exploring the wilderness of Svalbard with expedition vessel Noorderlicht is an experience of a life-time. Exploring this fascinating landscape from the comfort of your own tall ship is a bucket list holiday, perfect for the adventure traveller.

Noorderlicht has been sailing and exploring Svalbard for over 10 years so her crew are well versed in the nuances of this remote and wild location. On all Svalbard expeditions, not only is there a full crew but a qualified and verified guide is present at all times. Guests are not permitted to go ashore without the guide due to the risk of Polar bears and the harshness of the environment. The guide is permitted to carry a shotgun for the safety of the guests and crew. Guests will be briefed upon arrival but ultimately, the crew’s aim is to make this adventure a fun, awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience.

Sleeping and Relaxation

The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated giving an informal, cosy and nautical atmosphere below decks. There are spacious seating areas in the upper-and lower deck salon for all the passengers. There is a small board library available filled with informative lecture about the concerning area, but also some fine novels. Besides there is a small, cozy bar in the upper deck salon.

The sleeping area is situated at the lower deck in 10 twin cabins. All cabins have upper and lower berths, a built-in closet, a washbasin with cold and warm water and a mirror. In your cabin you will also find 220V power outlet to charge your electronics. Furthermore the ship has 5 toilets and 4 showers which are for common use.

The food

If we have learned anything from our years of experience on sailing ships, it is the importance of good and nutritious food on a ship! Although the Arctic area gives rise to limitations on the possibilities and supplies of the food onboard, our professional cook will prepare you excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day.

To Note…

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the final balance due 90days before departure.

Kit list

Noorderlicht has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack. We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers.

1) Dress in layers. In polar regions it is advised to use the 3-layer principle; a base layer, a warm mid layer, and a water repellent outer layer.

2) Don’t overdress. If it is too warm you start sweating which can cool you down too much.

3) Use natural materials such as wool. Avoid cotton. Synthetic fabrics designed for cold weather are also good.

4) Be careful with down, when it gets wet it loses all its insulation value. Primaloft or polar fleece are good options.

5) Wear loose layers. Insulation is basically pockets of hot air, so if you dress without room for those air pockets to fill with warm air it can be cold.  Only the base layer can be a snug fit, but make sure it is not hindering your blood flow. Avoid super tight shoes and socks.

6) Keep hands and feet dry. You usually lose a lot of heat via your extremities (hand and feet). Mittens are always warmer than gloves. Make sure there is a waterproof outer layer.

7) Wear a hat! A lot of lost body heat can come from your head. By making sure that your head is warm you will also notice a difference for the rest of your body.

Don’t forget the wind! Wind chill can make 0 degrees feel like -20. So make sure your outer layer is both wind and waterproof.

FOOTWEAR

• Rubber boots (VERY IMPORTANT) we request that you bring a pair of knee-high rubber boots. These boots will be used in virtually all shore landings. Pull-on rubber and completely waterproof boots of at least midcalf height with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is ESSENTIAL for landings. We often walk in water and on icy, slippery surfaces, so even standard snow boots, hiking boots, and low rubber boots are not satisfactory. 
• Sturdy hiking boots are optional. Most hike/landings will be done with the rubber boots. Occasionally people switch to hiking boots.
• Comfortable shoes are useful to wear around the ship.  

CLOTHES

• T-shirts to wear inside the vessel, as temperatures are comfortably warm 
• Warm pants or even ski pants, which can be worn over long underwear. Thick ski pants can be too warm for long hikes but are great on deck. 
• Waterproof trousers, such as Gore-Tex, to be worn over regular pants.  
• Thermal underwear of wool, silk or polypropylene 
• Sweaters or polar fleece jacket of medium weight. 
• Turtlenecks work well as extra layer.
• Mittens and gloves (and more than one pair), such as thin wool or polypropylene gloves that can be worn underneath your mittens 
• Woolen hat and scarf to protect your ears and neck 
• Warm socks that are tall and sturdy, layered over a thinner pair of silk, polypropylene, or wool socks. We prefer wool since it does not contain any odour. 
• Waterproof/windproof jacket (waterproof above all) with an attached hood that can be worn over your under layers with reasonable comfort 

ACCESSORIES

• Waterproof (or resistant) backpack with shoulder straps for keeping your hands free and your camera (and other gear) dry 
• Earplugs, in case you share your cabin with a snorer or the engine is on
• Sunglasses of good quality, as the glare from the water and surrounding snow/ice can be severe even when the sky is overcast 
• Binoculars for viewing all the beautiful landscapes and wildlife 
• Camera with plenty of memory cards or film 
• Head lamp for spring or autumn trips aboard Noorderlicht

How cold is it in Svalbard?

Temperatures vary from April through to September. Depending on the time of year you can expect lows of -30 and highs of +10. It is hard to predict but appropriate clothing is paramount.

What’s included

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Towels
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

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.

This voyage will not be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. We cannot cater for a vegan diet.

• Are there any added extras?

  There is an honesty bar for alcohol and soft drinks. You can pay your honesty tab by card but tips are left in cash.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6 x twin bunk cabins with shared bathrooms.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, each cabin has a deck hatch for light and ventilation. We recommend bringing an eye mask during the summer months for the midnight sun.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  4 shower rooms and an extra single toilet.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and towels are provided.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  Please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  Noorderlicht does not have laundry for guests unless you are taking part in the 16day circumnavigation, where you will be able to wash underwear/small items if needed.

• Is there heating on board?

  Most definitely! The generator runs continuously so the boat is fully heated.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch/English

• Is there Wi-Fi?

  There is no wifi on-board and there will be times when you are out of range when sailing in Svalbard. When you're in range to local towns, you should be able to pick up 4/5G so please make sure you have the appropriate data roaming set up on your mobile phone.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes. There are power points in all cabins. Please bring 2-pin European adaptors.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euro's

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes, life-jackets are provided and there are safety demonstrations once you board.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Noorderlicht is always at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  Noorderlicht does not have waterproofs for guests so please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  Noorderlicht does not have any water toys.

• 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 there an age limit?

  Yes. No children younger than 11. Above aged 16 is fine, but ages 11-16 we must check directly with the boat on a case by case basis.

Travel Planning

From: Longyearbyen Harbour

To: Longyearbyen Harbour

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

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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.