Svalbard, Norway · Arctic
Svalbard – First Light
Five nights under the midnight sun at the top of the world.
Join the first sailing of the Arctic summer along the west and north-west coasts of Spitsbergen — tidewater glaciers, early-season ice in the fjords and 24-hour daylight from start to finish.
Expedition OverviewSvalbard – First Light is the first voyage of the Arctic summer: five nights exploring the west and north-west coasts of Spitsbergen, with winter ice possibly still lying in the fjords and the sun circling the sky around the clock.
Sailing from and returning to Longyearbyen, the northernmost town of any size on Earth, we cruise past tidewater glaciers and into Kongsfjorden, with a possible call at Ny-Ålesund, where Amundsen and Nobile's airship Norge set out for the North Pole in 1926. We trace the footsteps of the 17th-century whalers at Smeerenburg and Magdalenefjorden, then push along the north coast towards the Monaco Glacier, where early-season fast ice is polar bear country.
Wildlife may include walrus, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, seabird colonies and — seen only from the legally required distance — polar bear.
Our route is a plan, not a promise: the expedition team chooses each day's landings and cruising according to ice, weather, wildlife and permits.
THE FIRST SAILING OF THE ARCTIC SUMMER — 5 NIGHTS UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sail Spitsbergen's fjords at the start of the Arctic summer, when winter ice may still lie at the fjord heads
- Arctic wildlife that may include walrus, Arctic fox, reindeer and — from a respectful distance — polar bear
- A possible call at Ny-Ålesund and the airship mast of Amundsen's 1926 polar flight
- Glacier fronts and the fjords of the north coast, ice and weather permitting
- 24-hour daylight from start to finish — the midnight sun circling the sky around the clock
- Expert-guided Zodiac cruising and landings exploring Svalbard's whaling history, ecology and wildlife
ITINERARY
Embark in the afternoon at Longyearbyen, the northernmost town of any size on Earth, and meet the expedition team. We aim to sail in the evening down Isfjorden, the mountains still streaked with snow and the light showing no sign of fading.
We hope to wake among the tidewater glaciers of Kongsfjorden. A possible call at Ny-Ålesund, the international research village where Amundsen and Nobile's airship Norge set out for the North Pole in 1926, is weather dependent. Zodiac cruising along the glacier fronts may also be possible, with the chance of kittiwakes, bearded seals and eiders.
The northwest corner of Spitsbergen is where 17th-century Dutch and English whalers worked the beaches. Possible sites in this area include Smeerenburg and Magdalenefjorden, where whalers' graves and blubber ovens remain; landings at these protected heritage sites are permit dependent and numbers ashore may be limited. Walrus and little auk colonies are sometimes seen here.
Along the north coast, early-season fast ice may still lie at the heads of the fjords. Possible areas to explore include Raudfjorden and Liefdefjorden, where we may be able to cruise near the face of the Monaco Glacier. Polar bears hunt on this ice; any sighting is a matter of luck, and bears are only ever viewed from the legally required distance.
Working back south, possibly along Prins Karls Forland, a long mountain island where walrus sometimes haul out. A possible afternoon landing near the mouth of Isfjorden, such as Alkhornet, may offer seabird cliffs, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer, weather and site availability permitting.
We arrive back at Longyearbyen early in the morning. Disembark after breakfast.
Our route is a plan, not a promise: the expedition team chooses each day's landings and cruising according to ice, weather, wildlife and permits. All landings, Zodiac operations and routes depend on these conditions, on Svalbard's designated landing sites and on site-specific group limits within protected areas. Sites named above are possible options, not confirmed calls. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and all wildlife is viewed at the distances required by law (500 m from polar bears until 30 June; 150 m from walrus haul-outs). Final decisions rest with the Captain and Expedition Leader, in line with AECO guidelines and the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act.
No extra charges. Just extra adventure.
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![Zodiac cruising beside a Svalbard glacier front]()
Zodiac Cruising
Your daily connection to the shore. Cruise along glacier fronts, past seabird cliffs and through brash ice in the fjords, with the chance of walrus, seals and eiders. More landings, more flexibility and more time where it counts.
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![Snow-streaked Svalbard mountains above green tundra]()
Guided Landings & Walks
Step ashore onto tundra and shingle beaches with expert guides — for reindeer, Arctic fox, seabird cliffs and the remains of whaling stations. Gentle to moderate walks at a pace to suit you, with landings subject to ice, weather and permits.
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![A polar bear resting on a rock in Svalbard]()
Wildlife Watching
Walrus, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic fox, seabird colonies and, from the legally required distance, polar bear. Our guides know where to look — and how to keep both you and the wildlife safe. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
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![A red polar bear warning sign reading Gjelder hele Svalbard]()
Polar Bear Safety
Svalbard is polar bear country. Our guides carry protection, scout every landing site and brief you before each outing — so you can explore with confidence. Bears are only ever viewed from the legally required distance.
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![A mountain under a pink midnight-sun sky and the moon above Svalbard]()
Midnight Sun Photography
A talk from an expert expedition photographer, plus hands-on guidance on deck and during landings — with golden light that never really leaves. Suitable for all levels, from phones to pro cameras.
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![Colourful wooden houses below a snowy mountain in Longyearbyen, Svalbard]()
Whaling Heritage & History
From Longyearbyen's mining past to the whalers' graves and blubber ovens of the north-west and Amundsen's 1926 airship mast at Ny-Ålesund — our historians and guides bring the Arctic's human story to life. Heritage landings are permit dependent.
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![A guest practising yoga on the ship's deck]()
Morning Yoga
Gentle morning sessions to ease the body between days of exploration. Beginners welcome. Held indoors, or on deck when conditions allow.
No surprise charges when you board.
Everything here is included too.
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Your cabin.
Fully serviced cabins with daily housekeeping, fresh linen, and en-suite bathrooms.
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Every meal. Every day.
Three meals, all-day snacks, tea and coffee, and house beer/wine/soda during dinner hours.
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Adventure activities.
Zodiac cruises, guided landings and walks, talks, photography sessions and morning yoga — all included.
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Expert equipment.
Loaned muck boots and activity gear and a personal outer layer expedition parka for you to keep.
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Expert guides.
Expert-led shore excursions, daily lectures, and educational talks from naturalists, historians, and scientists.
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Hotel Expenses
Basic Wi-Fi and crew gratuities are already included in your cruise fare.
Secure your spot with a small deposit now.
Your Ship:
The Terra Nova Adventurer
Proven in the Polar Regions.
Designed for Exploration.
We carry an average of just 98.
More space. More expedition.
Guided by our experienced team in the Arctic.
The same passionate team, voyage after voyage. Naturalists, historians, and guides who have given their careers to the polar regions.
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![Ryan Hope-Inglis]()
Ryan Hope-Inglis
Expedition Leader
A veteran of more than 100 polar voyages. Ryan brings a wealth of enthusiasm, passion and experience to Terra Nova Expeditions.
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![Ida Olsson]()
Ida Olsson
Expedition Leader/Glaciologist
Ida has spent a decade living at 78° North in Svalbard. One of the last people to ski to the North Pole. When Ida says she knows the cold and remote, she means it personally.
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![David Baillie]()
David Baillie
Cinematographer & Guide
Dave is an award-winning Director of Photography capturing stories in some of the world’s most remote environments, with extensive experience in the polar regions and work on major BBC series like Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
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![Dr Jarrod Mckenna]()
Dr Jarrod Mckenna
Naturalist
Jarrod is a reproductive biologist, TED speaker, and expedition guide based in Melbourne. His research spans female reproductive health across species, and he brings his passion for science to inspire respect for the natural world and future scientists. -
![Gaby Pilson]()
Gaby Pilson
Expedition Leader/Geologist
Gaby is a seasoned expedition guide and outdoor educator with a background in geosciences, meteorology, and philosophy. She’s always ready to dive into all things polar over a good cup of coffee.
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![Dr Sara Torres Ortiz]()
Dr Sara Torres Ortiz
Naturalist, Citizen Science Coordinator
Sara is a marine biologist and postdoctoral researcher, studying animal cognition and communication. She works with whales, dolphins, and porpoises worldwide and helps travelers connect with the natural world through informed, respectful wildlife encounters.
Your fare covers everything you need for the expedition itself:
- Accommodation in a fully serviced cabin throughout the voyage
- Three meals, all-day snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during dinner hours
- Shore excursions — guided landings and walks, Zodiac cruising and onboard talks, weather, ice and permits allowing
- Expert expedition team of guides, naturalists, historians and lecturers
- Expedition parka for you to keep, plus rubber muck boots on loan
- Port fees and landing permits
- Gratuities for crew
- Basic Wi-Fi — upgrades available for a fee
Not included: flights, pre- and post-voyage accommodation in Longyearbyen, personal onboard bar charges, boutique purchases, Wi-Fi upgrades and any optional activities not listed in the inclusions.
Early June is the start of the Arctic summer. Expect temperatures from around 0°C to 5°C, with wind and sea spray making it feel colder on deck and in the Zodiacs, and 24-hour daylight for the whole voyage. Snow may still lie on the mountains and winter ice may linger in the fjords.
Our route follows the west and north-west coasts of Spitsbergen, mostly within sheltered fjords. Stretches along the open coast can be lively, so if you are prone to motion sickness, see our FAQ “What seasickness precautions do you recommend?”. Good waterproof layers, warm gloves and a hat are essential — we will send a detailed packing list after booking.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be in good general health and comfortable with light to moderate physical activity. Shore landings involve boarding Zodiacs from a moving platform, stepping onto uneven or slippery shingle and rocks, and walking over tundra, snow or uneven terrain. We offer walks at different paces, and you are always free to take it easier.
All guests complete a pre-departure medical form, which is reviewed by our onboard doctor. In certain cases we may request clearance from your general practitioner, and in rare instances our doctor may decide that participation is not possible for safety reasons. If you have specific health concerns, please speak with your doctor before booking and contact us to discuss your needs.
We carry an average of 98 guests on a ship built for up to 142 — more space, more flexibility and more time ashore. Because Svalbard limits the number of people ashore at once at many sites, we run landings in groups, led by our expedition team.
Our guests are a mix of curious, well-travelled people from Europe, North America, Australia and Asia, many of them on their first Arctic voyage. Our expedition team will be with you every day on deck, in the Zodiacs and ashore.
Full details of our deposit requirements and cancellation policy are set out in our Terms & Conditions.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation cover. We require coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation — given the remote nature of polar expeditions, this is essential rather than optional. If you have questions about a specific voyage or booking, speak with our team — we’re happy to walk you through everything before you commit.
We aim for a landing or Zodiac cruise each day, but our route is a plan, not a promise. The expedition team chooses each day’s activities according to ice, weather, wildlife and permits — and early in the season, winter ice may still block parts of the fjords.
Svalbard’s landing sites are designated, with site-specific group limits in protected areas, and landings at heritage sites such as the whalers’ remains at Smeerenburg and Magdalenefjorden depend on permits. Sites named in the itinerary are possible options, not confirmed calls. Final decisions rest with the Captain and Expedition Leader, in line with AECO guidelines and the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act. A daily programme will be provided onboard.
Svalbard is home to polar bears, walrus, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and vast seabird colonies, and early-season fast ice is where bears hunt. Any sighting is a matter of luck and cannot be guaranteed. All wildlife is viewed at the distances required by law: 500 m from polar bears until 30 June and 150 m from walrus haul-outs.
Because of the risk of polar bears, our guides carry protection and scout every landing site ahead of guests, and you must stay with the group ashore. Where a bear is present, we will not land. Bring binoculars and a long lens if you have one — and expect some of your best wildlife moments from the ship or Zodiac.
Embarkation takes place in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town of any size on Earth, on the afternoon of Monday 5 June 2028. We strongly recommend arriving at least one day earlier to allow for potential travel delays. Further details about your meeting point and luggage drop will be provided in your embarkation letter, approximately 30 days before departure.
We arrive back in Longyearbyen early on Saturday 10 June 2028, and disembark after breakfast — avoid booking very early flights home.
Yes. Longyearbyen’s airport is served by scheduled flights from mainland Norway, and our team can help with flights and with accommodation before or after your voyage. Speak with our team about adding a night or two in Longyearbyen — it is a fascinating place to explore before or after your voyage.
Still have questions? Speak with our team about a specific voyage or booking — we're happy to walk you through everything before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2028 Arctic season is now open.
Flexible cancelation policy
All-inclusive pricing
Secure booking & payment