Expedition Sailing from Tromsø to Svalbard
- Vessel: Valiente
- Where: Norway/Svalbard
- Duration: 9 days
- Embark: Tromsø, Norway - 24 April 2023, 12:00
- Disembark: Longyearbyen, Svalbard - 2 May 2023, 10:00
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Sail from Tromsø to Svalbard via Bear island with expedition yacht Valiente.
Sail with expedition yacht Valiente as she takes guests on an Arctic adventure from the North coast of Norway, into the Barents Sea to the archipelago of Svalbard.
This voyage is perfect for those looking for new adventures to bucket list locations, embracing sustainable transport methods and experiencing life on the open water.
- Offshore expedition sailing
- 600 nautical miles
- Remote destinations
- Arctic circle
- Private cabins
- Wildlife watching
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
YOUR SAILING AREA
Expedition Sailing
On this trip you will have the opportunity to arrive at Svalbard in a way that few have done before you. With sailing as a means of transport, we get close to the natural forces over the Barents Sea, and we get close to nature and wildlife for the last days along the coast up to Longyearbyen. We will get winds in the sails, saltwater in our hair and experience lots along the way!
On this trip we cover a distance of about 600 nautical miles. The crossing of the Barents Sea is a wonderful experience, and we’ll sail through the bright polar night on our way to the goal; Svalbard. As we leave the mainland, we’ll only have the ocean in front of us until we arrive at Bjørnøya (translated: Bear Island), which is about halfway.
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When reaching the southernmost tip of Svalbard we’ll be greeted by the typical Svalbard nature with its iconic mountains, deep fjords and glaciers. We sail into one of the fjords of South-West Spitsbergen; Hornsund or Bellsund, where glaciers meet and crash into the sea. A spectacular sight. If time allows we also visit the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, before we arrive in Longyearbyen.
Sustainable Sailing
The Arctic is a vulnerable area under pressure from people and climate change. Valiente is committed to taking care of the environment as much as possible and we believe that small boats with few people and little pollution and waste are much less harmful to the environment, climate and local wildlife, than larger boats and cruise ships. We also try to gather garbage at the places we visit, instead of leaving something behind. On Svalbard we follow AECO’s guidelines for encounters with wildlife, beach cleaning, cultural heritage sites and for arctic operators. More about AECO’s guidelines can be read
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

LIFE ON BOARD VALIENTE
Your ticket price will include the skipper and first mate (co-skipper) 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.
Life on board a sailboat is social and pleasant, but for some it can be perceived as quite intimate and crowded, which one should be prepared for. On our trips everyone participates in the operation of the sailboat and everyone is considered crew. We would like to get to know you well and hope that you will get to know everyone else on the boat as soon as possible. It requires some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but the new acquaintances and completely raw nature experiences will take your focus as soon as you become comfortable with life at sea.
Accommodation on the boat is part of the fun. The accommodation is generally in shared cabins, some of which have a double bed and some of which have bunk beds. Figuring out who sleeps where can be a bit of a puzzle, but we do believe we’ve gotten quite good at it. Let us know if you have any special needs or reservations.
We have plenty of heating and good food on the boat, but not always abundance of fresh water. This means it will not be possible to shower every day, but more or less every other day we are either in a harbour with fresh water or we sail through a place where we can borrow showers or enjoy a sauna. A morning swim in the sea is free and is available all year round!
What’s included
- All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. soft/hot drinks)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Fishing equipment
- Use of the on board small sailing dinghy for extra practice!
What’s not included
- Alcohol
- Wetsuits
- Waterproofs > Guests can rent oilskins from us for 500NOK per trip, per person
- Swim towel
- 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
- Any meals ashore
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
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Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals and soft drinks are included. Guests work on a rotation basis to cook together onboard.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - please specify at time of enquiry
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What language is spoken onboard?
English/Norwegian
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
3x double cabins, 1x twin bunk cabin, 1 x quad bunk cabin
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
5
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Is there WIFI?
No
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
12v charging under sail, 220 EURO 2pin when connected to shore power/generator
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
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Are Waterproofs provided?
Guests can rent oilskins from us for 500NOK per trip, per person.
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
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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.
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Is bedding included?
Yes, all bedding and a towel is provided
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Tromsø, Norway
To: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.