Day 3
Disembark and board our return flight back to the UK via Oslo.
Day 4
For the next six days, your voyage of exploration will take you to some of Svalbard’s innumerable bays and islands. Of course, it’s all weather-dependent, but normally our stops will include Ny- Å lesund, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement, as well as former whaling stations and walrus colonies. We’ll also sail north along the rim of the pack ice to spot polar bears in their natural environment. During the short summer, the local wildlife, such as reindeer and arctic foxes, are busy feeding their young for the polar winter to come. The birdlife is truly magnificent – watch out for Arctic terns, fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots, amongst the 80 recorded species found here.
The Ocean Atlantic’s fleet of sturdy Zodiac dinghies will allow us frequent shore landings and mini-cruises in the fjords to marvel at the vast glacial landscapes. At all times, the aim of the captain and expedition leader is to include as many shore landings and Zodiac excursions as possible to get the best views of the wildlife at close quarters.
In the evenings, you can look forward to informative lectures and presentations on all aspects of Arctic geography, wildlife and history, led by the various expedition leaders on board. After a nightcap at the bar, why not step outside again and enjoy the incredible light of the midnight sun as it skims the horizon – a wonderful time of ‘day’!