Sea kayak trip in Spitsbergen: Wildlife & Sea Ice

Embark on a Unique Sea Kayaking Expedition in Spitsbergen

Join Voyage Kayak for a sea kayaking adventure through the icy and wild landscapes of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. This eight-day expedition offers you total immersion in the Arctic, combining exploration of fjords, observation of polar wildlife, and special kayaking moments under the endless daylight of the Arctic summer.

The Hondius: Your Arctic Base Camp

Hondius is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for navigation in polar waters. This comfortable ship serves as a floating base, allowing you to fully enjoy the Arctic while providing all the necessary comforts after each day of exploration. Onboard, you’ll find cozy cabins, panoramic observation areas, and a dedicated team committed to making your experience truly unique.

On this Spitsbergen sea kayaking expedition, the experience is crafted to foster an intimate and friendly atmosphere. We’ll form a small group of kayakers aboard the vessel, ensuring a deep and personalized immersion in the Arctic landscapes.

Your Itinerary in Spitsbergen

Day 1: Longyearbyen – Start of the Adventure

Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, the vibrant hub of Spitsbergen, where history meets the remote beauty of the Arctic. Discover the unique atmosphere of this former mining town as you explore its landmarks, including the Svalbard Museum and the local church. In the evening, we set sail northward through Isfjorden, and with a little luck, you may spot your first minke whale of the expedition.

Days 2–7: Exploring the Wild North of Spitsbergen and the Pack Ice

Over the next several days, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of northern Spitsbergen, where each day reveals new wonders among fjords, pack ice, and Arctic wildlife. Here are some of the highlights we may encounter:

• Raudfjord
  Situated on Spitsbergen’s northern coast, Raudfjord is framed by towering glaciers and teeming with wildlife. This area is a prime habitat for seals, polar bears, and seabirds. We’ll aim to make landings at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya for a closer look at this pristine environment.
• Monaco Glacier
  If conditions allow, we’ll navigate into Liefdefjorden to approach the impressive Monaco Glacier, a stunning five-kilometer-long wall of ice. This location is a favorite feeding ground for thousands of kittiwakes and an active hunting area for polar bears.
• Hinlopen Strait and Bird Cliffs
  The Hinlopen Strait is rich in Arctic wildlife, with seals, polar bears, and occasionally blue whales inhabiting its icy waters. We’ll kayak among the ice floes, then visit the dramatic bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, home to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. If conditions are favorable, we’ll attempt a landing on Nordaustlandet to observe reindeer, pink-footed geese, and walruses.
• The Seven Islands
  At the northernmost point of our voyage, we’ll venture to the Seven Islands archipelago, just shy of the 80th parallel and only 870 km from the North Pole. This is one of the most remote and northern locations accessible, where you may experience the thrill of kayaking in the heart of the pack ice.
• The Continental Shelf
  On our way west, we’ll navigate the edge of the continental shelf, a nutrient-rich area that attracts feeding fin whales in the summer. This upwelling zone offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities of the trip, so keep your eyes peeled for these ocean giants.
• Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord, or Alkhornet
  Depending on conditions, we may explore Forlandsundet, a popular haul-out spot for walruses, or venture to St. Johns Fjord and Alkhornet. These areas are rich in Arctic wildlife, with seabirds nesting along cliffs, Arctic foxes foraging below, and reindeer grazing on the sparse vegetation.

Day 8: Return to Longyearbyen

Our journey concludes as we arrive back in Longyearbyen early in the morning. After an unforgettable adventure through Spitsbergen’s wild landscapes, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport to ensure a smooth and comfortable return journey

Why Choose a Sea Kayaking Expedition in Spitsbergen with Voyage Kayak?

Our sea kayaking expeditions in Spitsbergen are designed for Arctic nature lovers and passionate sea kayakers. In partnership with Oceanwide Expeditions, we provide professional guidance and a modern, comfortable vessel for navigating these extreme environments. With our expertise in sea kayaking and deep respect for Arctic wilderness, we offer you a rewarding, safe, and authentic experience that brings you closer to the pristine landscapes and unique wildlife of the Arctic.

Join us for an unforgettable polar adventure in the heart of Spitsbergen, where each paddle stroke draws you nearer to the wonders of the Arctic.