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Great Discovery of Svalbard

REGION
Arctic, Norway, Spitsbergen
THEME
Adventure, Cruise, Expedition, Wildlife
ACTIVITIES
Birds, Fjord, Glacier, Ice cap, Icebergs, Zodiac
DURATION
12 days
DIFFICULTY
Easy

On board the polar yacht OCEAN NOVA

  • Cruises amid the ice-covered peaks and sea ice of the richest archipelago in the Arctic.
  • A festival of polar fauna: polar bears, walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes, whales…
  • Polar history: whalers, trappers, explorers, expeditions of Prince Albert I of Monaco.
  • Objective White Island and the land of cold deserts and large polar ice caps.

Grands Espaces Hightlights

  • An expedition cruise on one of the smallest expedition ships in Svalbard.
  • 25 years of Polar expertise, an itinerary entirely focused on wildlife observation and exploration of the polar environment.
  • A 100% French-speaking cruise (passengers and crew).
  • Excursions and lectures led by our team of naturalist guides.

Detailed program

DAY 1 | Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen)

Flight to Longyearbyen. Boarding and navigation in Isfjord.

DAY 2 | Cross Bay and Madeleine Bay

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A 7-kilometer-long ice front, large bird colonies, and regions steeped in history. Cruise along the coast of the 7 glaciers. Madeleine Bay is set in an impressive backdrop of alpine peaks and glaciers.

DAY 3 | Ice Floe and Monaco Glacier

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Monaco Glacier, named in honor of Prince Albert I.

DAY 4 | Hinlopen Strait and Northeast Land

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Murchison Fjord, its scientific station from 1958, and its walrus colonies. In this strait lies the most spectacular bird colony in the archipelago, nestled in the rugged cliffs of peaks and basalt organs, Alkefjellet.

DAY 5 to 9 | Northeast Land and White Island Objective

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During these 5 days, we will explore Northeast Land: the land of ice, with ice caps covering more than 11,000 km2, the largest ice barrier in the Northern Hemisphere stretching 160 km, and White Island, mythical and covered by a 682 km2 ice cap. It is also the land of cold deserts, colorful rocks and cliffs, large icebergs, and above all, walruses and bears; there are 250 bears roaming in Northeast Land. It is also where the most dramatic stories of exploration were written.

DAY 10 | Smeerenburg Fjord

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The fjord of 17th-century whalers and the starting point for great polar expeditions. The glacier front plunges into the sea, and its mountains are intricately carved by the frost. Walruses and seals are regularly present, and the bear prowls…

DAY 11 | King’s Bay

The peaks of the Three Crowns dominate this superb bay rich in history. The polar hero Roald Amundsen made it the starting point for his conquest of the North Pole. Several receding glaciers calve their large icebergs here. Bird colonies, botanical reserves, scientific stations. Reindeer and Arctic foxes will likely be present.

DAY 12 | Longyearbyen

Free time in the capital, and transfer to the airport. Return flight.

©Photos-Grands Espaces

THE OCEAN NOVA

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The polar ship par excellence

✔ Only 70 to 75 passengers

✔ Unparalleled polar experience in the Arctic and Antarctica

✔ 8 Zodiacs on board and nine French-speaking expedition guides for a true university of the Far North

✔ A panoramic lounge and conference room that enhances the reputation of the ship

With a length of 73 meters and a width of 11 meters, a draft of 4 meters, it has an ice class A1-B1 and is served by a crew of 38. This robust polar vessel offers remarkable comfort, combining efficiency and elegance, with the exceptional expertise of Grands Espaces providing the distinctive mark of exploration cruises for 72 privileged passengers. It features a wide gangway for easy access to the Zodiacs.

The ship is equipped with facilities that far exceed environmental regulations, allowing it to reduce its ecological impact: state-of-the-art smoke filters, on-board waste treatment, propulsion solely using light fuel, which is less polluting, and engines enabling the lowest consumption per passenger. This consumption also leads to complete carbon offsetting, making this ship carbon-neutral.

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Travel periods

Departures from 19/07/2024 to 30/07/2024

Prices

From 9,300€
Ask for a quote

Pricing information

Prices in Euros per person

*Triple cabins : 2 lower beds, 1 bunk bed, window, 10 to 12 m²

OUR PRICES INCLUDE :

  • Direct flights from Grands Espaces departing from Paris and return
  • Full board cruise
  • All excursions, French-speaking guides, transfers
  • Loan of boots
  • Complimentary assistance insurance

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE :

  • Supplement for departure from Geneva
  • Drinks
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Comfort class on direct flights
  • Cancellation insurance “PREMIUM” (consult us)

Good to know

 REQUIREMENTS FOR FRENCH CITIZENS

Valid national identity card or passport