West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge
Our Svalbard expedition departs from the far northern settlement of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen in the famed Svalbard archipelago. We explore the island’s northwestern coast, home to dramatic mountain scenery, tidewater glaciers and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.
On this Arctic wildlife cruise, we also venture to the jumbled edge of the north-polar ice cap in search of polar bears stalking their prey. Here, at the dynamic boundary between implacable ice and bountiful sea, the wildlife cruise presents the rare opportunity to experience raw nature and incredible events hardly ever seen. Whether it’s a calving iceberg, an incomparable sunrise or the otherworldly hush of a land where man is an infrequent visitor, a Svalbard cruise is one that you’ll remember — and savor — for a lifetime.
Poseidon Expeditions specializes in cruise trips to the polar regions. Our goal is to take you to places few people will ever see and provide you with a unique perspective on the majestic beauty of this region — all while you enjoy personalized service in comfortable accommodations. Our experienced expedition guides and the rest of our staff ensure that your Arctic trip exceeds all your expectations.
Contact us to get a quote for this amazing adventure.
Why travel with Poseidon Expeditions?
Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading operators of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Since 1999, we’ve offered voyages that combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being, along with educational enrichment.
Why travel with us?
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
During our voyage we'll encounter a wealth of wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales and seals in one of the High Arctic's most pristine environments. Additionally, we'll discover a variety of local plant life and striking geological formations throughout the archipelago.
Svalbard boasts one of the Arctic’s highest concentrations of polar bears. They are the world’s largest land carnivores and have become a symbol of the imperiled Arctic wilderness. This is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears in their natural habitat, hunting on pack ice.
The Arctic is rich with historical sites that served as bases for renowned expeditions to the North Pole. Svalbard hosts Ny Ålesund, once a mining town, now a hub for international Arctic research. At Bell Island, Cape Flora and Cape Tegetthoff, you can tread the paths of explorers like Fridtjof Nansen, Frederick Jackson and Julius von Payer.
Itineraries
Svalbard Travel Guide
Everything you wanted to know about Svalbard and more: useful travel tips, polar bear safety procedures and human endeavor at the northern realms of our planet. Learn about the glaciers and landscapes of Svalbard and the ways you can actively explore this pristine polar wilderness. The guidebook is complete with a detailed wildlife account and a packing checklist.
Departures
| itinerary | dates | days | activities | special offers | rates from |
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West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge West Svalbard |
07 Jun - 16 Jun 2025 | 10 |
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30% OFF BLACK FRIDAY |
US$ 7 277 per person |
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West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge West Svalbard |
26 Jul - 03 Aug 2026 | 9 |
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Through the Viewfinder
Activities
PHOTOGRAPHY
Svalbard is the ultimate destination for photographers interested in capturing incredible images of Arctic animals and scenery. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside an experienced expert.
From polar bears to blue whales, Svalbard boasts a range of wildlife not found in other parts of the Arctic. Snowcapped mountains and blue glaciers provide a dramatic background for portraits of these charismatic Arctic creatures.
With a full itinerary of spellbinding destinations and daylight around the clock, your photo opportunities are seemingly endless. Our expert photographer will be there to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.
SEA KAYAK CLUB
The islands and fjords of Svalbard closely guard some of the world’s most magical and unique paddling opportunities. Join us for unscripted kayaking adventures as we explore remote waters that very few paddlers have experienced before.
This pristine Arctic wilderness rewards kayakers with spectacular scenery, unique marine animals, and a range of incredible paddling locations. Svalbard also offers the possibility of kayaking in the vicinity of tidewater glaciers and icebergs.
The protected and picturesque waters of the archipelago offer some of the best paddling adventures in the Arctic. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then do not miss your chance to participate in this exciting optional activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Svalbard is the name for the entire Norwegian archipelago, while Spitsbergen is its largest island.
You can take a plane from mainland Norway to Longyearbyen (the capital of Svalbard), or, for intrepid explorers, there are small ship cruises embarking from southern ports (e.g. Edinburgh). There are many ways to visit, but trips aboard expedition ships are the best way to reach Svalbard’s most remote spots. What are the best things to see in Svalbard? Svalbard is famous for its beautiful landscapes and scenic islands, such as Bear Island (the archipelago’s southernmost island) and Kvitøya (in the north). See calving glaciers and polar bears, especially around the polar ice cap (with a little bit of luck you may see a polar bear hunting for seals). Other iconic wildlife include Arctic foxes, the Svalbard reindeer and birds such as Arctic terns and Northern fulmars (you can spot them at Bird Mountain).