Arctic marine biology expedition cruise: Svalbard, Norway
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17 June 2026 – 12 days
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Embark on an unforgettable marine expedition to the Arctic, accompanied by marine biologist Russell Arnott. Sail aboard the Greg Mortimer, a luxurious yet intimate polar expedition vessel, and explore the northernmost region of Earth, the realm of the polar bear and the midnight sun. Gain extensive knowledge of marine and polar nature in this land of awe-inspiring beauty and untamed wilderness while deepening your connection to this remote and rugged archipelago.
This extraordinary scientific expedition to Svalbard has been thoughtfully designed and includes a mix of activities, such as expert-led talks, engaging workshops and exhilarating Zodiac boat safaris to enrich your journey whilst offering insights into Arctic life and ecosystems.
June is a prime time to witness the Arctic’s vibrant wildlife in action. Marvel at a plethora of species on land and at sea, from Arctic foxes and polar bears to marine giants like humpback and fin whales returning from their tropical wintering grounds. As ice retreats, the tundra blooms and towering cliffs echo with millions of nesting seabirds – a truly unforgettable, natural spectacle. This immersive experience is not only about breathtaking encounters with Arctic wildlife, but also about understanding the delicate balance of life in one of the planet's most extreme and fascinating regions.
Join an exclusive ×îÐÂÂ鶹ÊÓƵ small-group allocation of like-minded explorers for a truly immersive and intellectually rich adventure, accompanied throughout by marine biologist and oceanographer Russell Arnott. You will spend time both at sea and on land surrounded by a host of different species and have the opportunity to participate in onboard workshops with Russell, dedicated Zodiac cruises that bring you closer to the natural world, private expert talks from Russell and engaging onboard sessions exploring the latest in citizen science. In addition to this, hear from the onboard expedition team where you will learn about topics including glaciology, botany, marine biology and the history of polar exploration, deepening your connection to this remote and rugged archipelago. Unlike standard expeditions, this journey offers deeper access to expert knowledge, more meaningful interactions, and a front-row seat to the wonders of science in action.
Travel aboard a state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Greg Mortimer, where you will experience the majesty of Norway’s Svalbard with its ancient glaciers, glass-still fjords, imposing pack ice and distinct landscape where wildlife thrives at nearly 80° north.
Travel with people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with friends, you will share this adventure with like-minded individuals who cherish the wonders of nature and science.
In partnership with AE Expeditions.
LIFE ON BOARD YOUR ARCTIC EXPEDITION CRUISE
With a dedicated crew of experts, you will experience the wonders of these remote wildernesses in a curated adventure that ensures you see the best they have to offer. The day-to-day itinerary remains flexible, as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.
Enjoy an array of immersive activities designed to maximise your Arctic adventure. Experience daytime exploration aboard Zodiac boats, venturing into secluded coves, sliding past majestic glaciers and venturing into wildlife-rich waters. Embark on guided hikes across pristine beaches and through breathtaking wildernesses, discovering the untouched beauty of the Arctic landscape. For photography enthusiasts, expert guidance will help you capture stunning images and enhance your skills behind the lens. The team strives to deliver two captivating shore excursions each day, ensuring every moment of your journey is unforgettable.
One of the key advantages of sailing aboard a smaller vessel is the efficiency it offers – less time spent boarding and disembarking for daily excursions means more time immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
You will have the opportunity to participate in ×îÐÂÂ鶹ÊÓƵ-led workshops with the accompany expert marine biologist Dr Russell Arnott who will also give several engaging talks, taking you deeper and covering polar and marine science. In addition, the expedition crew will offer daily talks covering themes including polar exploration, botany, Arctic wildlife and glaciology.
Throughout the cruise, enjoy all-inclusive dining, featuring delicious meals, a selection of snacks and unlimited tea and coffee. Dinner is accompanied by beer, house wine and soft drinks, ensuring a delightful and worry-free culinary experience.
Forget about formal dress codes. With a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board, you will feel at home as you attend a comprehensive programme of talks and intimate fireside chats. Delve into the intricacies of polar systems, explore how they influence the global climate and hear captivating personal stories from those who have lived at Earth's extremes. Beyond polar themes, there is also the chance to enjoy enlightening discussions on better living, the latest breakthroughs in science and even an onboard book club.
Your expedition can be as active or as leisurely as you want it, and no activity or talk is mandatory.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN OSLO
After touching down at Oslo Airport, you will be met and take a short transfer to a nearby hotel. The New Scientist Discovery Tours team and AE Expeditions will be on hand to welcome you and discuss pre-embarkation procedures. We will make sure the next day's flight to Svalbard and embarkation go as smoothly as possible.
If you have time, we recommend taking the short journey into the thriving capital city of Oslo, which boasts innovative architecture, captivating landmarks and an inspired food scene. This very green city is covered with parks and forests, but it is the fjord piercing into the city centre that sets it apart. Explore the Botanical Gardens, go island hopping or visit the new Munch Museum, dedicated to the life and works of artist Edvard Munch.
DAY 2: FLY TO SVALBARD, EXPLORE LONGYEARBYEN AND EMBARK ON THE GREG MORTIMER
After breakfast, you will take a flight to Longyearbyen on Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen. The airport is overlooked by the Global Seed Bank and has views over the Isfjorden inlet, where whales are regularly spotted.
Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement (with a population of over 1000) and is only 1316 kilometres from the North Pole. Due to the large amount of scientific research undertaken there, the town has residents from 53 different countries.
Before embarking on your voyage, you will visit Camp Barentz, a traditional "lavvo" structure, where you will hear about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, meet huskies and enjoy lunch. While journeying to Camp Barentz, you will get a sense of the steep mountains and glaciers that have inspired many, including Philip Pullman in his depiction of Svalbard’s armoured bears in the His Dark Materials trilogy.
A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking on the vessel in the late afternoon. The museum presents 400 years of Svalbard’s history and reveals the close relationship between the land, sea and nation here.
While exploring the island, your luggage will be transferred to the ship and your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.
In the late afternoon, you will transfer to the Greg Mortimer to settle into your cabin, attend the safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew "throw the lines" and set sail through the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin. Find a spot in one of the observation areas to watch seabirds, including graceful ivory gulls, kittiwakes and guillemots.
In the evening, you will get to know your fellow guests, Russel and the expedition team at an informal captain’s welcome dinner.
DAYS 3 TO 11: EXPLORING THE SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO
You will spend the next nine days exploring the Arctic wilderness at its best.
Each day will include a mixture of activities, including Zodiac boat safaris (robust inflatable boats), walks and informal photography tuition. You will visit deep fjords, mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils. You can even participate in a polar plunge. While by no means mandatory, such cold-water body immersion is proven to release a cocktail of invigorating chemicals.
Once nature and the expedition leader have decided the day's itinerary, the onboard talks from Russel and the expedition crew will be slotted in.
The onboard expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea ice conditions and wildlife encounters.
You may see walruses hauled out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra coming out in brightly coloured wildflowers. You will visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with majestic polar bears on pack ice. Your expedition team members are just as keen as you to find them – they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.
This expedition operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining this voyage. Plans will change daily but the expedition team are there to ensure you have the most immersive experience possible.
On the final evening aboard, the captain will host a farewell reception with a four-course dinner and cocktails.
DAY 12: DISEMBARK AND RETURN TO OSLO
After disembarking back at Longyearbyen, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Oslo, from which you can return home or continue your adventure.
If you wish to see more of Oslo, our partner Polar Routes can arrange additional nights.
