Scotland, Norway, Spitsbergen

Across the Arctic Circle – islands and fjords

14-day voyage ~ 9-10 days kayaking ~ Grade: Moderate +

From the Orkney and Shetland islands in northern Scotland, to the convoluted and rugged Norwegian west coast and onto the realm of the polar bear, the dramatic scenery of these archipelagos and fjords offer countless paddling opportunities.

Stepping into history, we’ll visit some of Scotland’s World Heritage Neolithic sites before retracing the route of the Vikings northwards. In kayaks we’ll explore caves and sea stacks, and occasionally stroll along cliff tops carpeted with wildflowers. We’ll paddle beneath towering cliffs of some of the world’s largest seabird colonies teeming with gannets, fulmars, arctic terns and puffins. After passing charming fishing villages tucked deep in Norway’s fjords we’ll set sail for Bear Island with its wild coastline and prolific birdlife. Reaching Spitsbergen we’ll keep eyes peeled for reindeer, arctic fox and with luck, the lord of the north, the polar bear. We finish at the outpost town of Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen.

This kayaking adventure takes place aboard our polar mother-ship Polar Pioneer, home to our fleet of sturdy plastic kayaks.