The most optimistic highlight of the year in the Arctic is the rise of the sun and the recession of the Arctic Sea Ice. You can see this taking place in full force in the early Arctic Spring.

There is a true sea change taking place during this period with a lovely combination of Midnight Sun yet Winter Wonderland feel to Spitsbergen. Passage to the North may sometimes still hindered by sea ice, but from our start point in Longyearbyen the Gulf Stream will be forging a warm water way through. The mountain landscapes of Spitsbergen are also changing fast, from an almost uniform snow white to black where rocky mountains emerge from within.

Although males are ever present, female polar bears and cubs begin to emerge from winter denning sites around May. In order to stay camouflaged, Arctic foxes will still be mostly white, as will the large Ptarmigan - the only land bound species of bird resident in Svalbard. These will both moult and darken as the summer progresses.

When we set sail amongst the mountains of Spitsbergen, we would anticipate huge numbers of migratory birds flying overhead. The parting of the ice provides access to food beneath the sea surface for many, whilst others like the skuas focus their feeding attention on eggs and newborn chicks of other species. Arctic Terns, fresh from Antarctica, will protect their eggs as keenly from skuas as they will from Arctic foxes, polar bears and humans, so be prepared to duck your head as they swoop over.

Walruses haul out in the West coast of Spitsbergen, so you can hope to see these in noisy groups, as well as alone on a bed of drifting ice. Svalbard reindeer, who remain here year round are scattered across this area too.

Of landscapes, the mountainous fjord of Hornsund in southern Spitsbergen is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Svalbard archipelago. Here we can find one of many large glaciers flowing slowly into the Arctic Ocean, breaking up into ice islands or calving in explosive fashion.

Early summer can be good for spotting whales. Species you should be looking out for include minke whales, humpbacks, fin whales and even blue whales.

Your base throughout the voyage will be a 3 masted brigantine reminiscent of the kind of ship Arctic explorers in the late Eighteenth Century might have used to explore this polar wilderness. This beautiful ship carries 33 passengers in sixteen en suite cabins along with two guides and zodiacs. Sailing takes place when wind and sea conditions allow and you may participate in sailing the vessel if you wish, or simply relax and enjoy the activity. It is always possible to find your own peace and place from which to absorb the sheer drama and scale of this Arctic wilderness.

These 8 day voyages provide an affordable and exciting opportunity to experience dramatic seasonal changes in the High Arctic, with the possibility of spotting a broad range of wildlife, birdlife and marine life species.

Hike & Sail Voyages

There will usually be two different walking groups onboard which you can choose to join each day: an easier group (usually along the shore or to a viewpoint) and a challenging group (higher peaks and longer walks). Walks will vary in length, difficulty, distance and elevation climbed - so there will always be a walk to suit your ability and interest. Most walks will be half-day walks (2-3 hours), returning to the ship for lunch - though there may be some full-day walks offered with a packed lunch, where you may be dropped off at your start point and collected around the coast at your end point.
 
There will also be the opportunity for snowshoeing for walking on deep and slushy snow. Snowshoes are very easy to use and will be provided free of charge onboard.