Expedition svalbard aboard M/S BALTO
Explore Svalbard aboard an intimate
12-guest expedition ship
Journey into the wild reaches of the Svalbard archipelago aboard M/S Balto, an elegant expedition ship carrying just 12 guests.
This small-group voyage is designed for travellers who want to spend as much time as possible outside, exploring by Zodiac, on foot and, for those who choose the optional kayak program, from the seat of a sea kayak.
Late summer brings excellent opportunities to venture into the more seldom-visited eastern reaches of the archipelago. The sea ice has retreated, snow-free areas allow for longer walks and the midnight sun sits low on the horizon, casting a warm light across glaciers, mountain peaks and Arctic tundra.
Small ship, big Arctic adventure
M/S Balto will be our comfortable floating base camp, but the focus of this expedition is firmly on the wilderness beyond the ship.
We aim to head out once or twice each day, exploring calm fjords, glacier fronts, wildlife-rich coastlines and remote tundra. Activities may include Zodiac cruises, shore landings, gentle walks, active hikes and sea kayaking.
With no more than 12 guests, outings feel personal and unhurried. There is space to stop, observe and make the most of the conditions, whether that means launching the kayaks on a calm morning, extending a walk across the tundra or lingering to watch wildlife from a respectful distance.
Optional kayak program
For experienced paddlers, sea kayaking offers an extraordinary way to experience Svalbard’s immense landscapes.
We hope to paddle once or twice a day when conditions allow, with most outings lasting between two and a half and four hours. We may glide beneath towering mountains, follow sculpted coastlines, explore sheltered fjords or land on remote shores for a walk across the Arctic tundra.
The emphasis is not on covering the greatest distance. Instead, we will seek out the most beautiful and interesting stretches of coastline and paddle them at the best possible time. A calm dawn might prompt an early launch, while a serene evening could see us paddling after dinner.
The optional kayak program includes:
- A place on all suitable kayak outings
- Use of a drysuit
- Kayak, paddle and associated equipment
- The services of a professional polar sea kayak guide
The kayak program is intended for active paddlers with previous sea kayaking experience. Please contact our team to discuss your experience and suitability for the voyage.
Grade
Dates
11–22 August
Cost
Final price depends on the cabin selected.
IncludES
- One night’s hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen, twin share
- Group dinner in Longyearbyen on Day 1
- Breakfast in Longyearbyen on Day 2
- Transfer from the hotel to M/S Balto
- Ten nights’ accommodation aboard M/S Balto
- All meals aboard the ship
- Regular shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Expedition guide services
- Port taxes and charges imposed by government authorities
- Full carbon offset
Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Single supplements, except where a single cabin has been booked
- Lunch on Day 2
- Visa, passport and vaccination costs
- Airport departure taxes, if applicable
- Accommodation and meals not included in the itinerary
- Optional excursions not included in the voyage itinerary
- Medical expenses
- Personal travel insurance, including emergency evacuation cover
- Laundry
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Drinks from the bar and other items of a personal nature
- Phone and internet charges
- Alcohol
- Gratuities for the ship’s crew and service personnel
- Optional kayaking unless the kayak program supplement has been paid
Day 1:
Arrive in Longyearbyen
Make your way to the group hotel before meeting your guide and fellow travellers for a trip briefing and dinner.
Day 2:
Explore Longyearbyen and embark M/S Balto
Spend the day exploring Longyearbyen before boarding M/S Balto in the late afternoon and sailing into Isfjorden.
Days 3–11:
Explore Svalbard
Day 12:
Disembark in Longyearbyen
Trip Enquiry
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