Spitzbergen & Svalbard

DAY 1 | Paris > Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen)

Morning direct private flight to Longyearbyen. Bus excursion in the Advent Valley, followed by free time in the city. Navigation in Isfjord.

DAY 2 and 3 | Albert I Land

Impressive ice fronts in a series of spectacular fjords. Large bird colonies and regions rich in history set against the impressive backdrop of alpine peaks and glaciers. Navigation towards Moffen Island, beyond 80° North. The Monaco Glacier, with its large icebergs, was named in honor of the four expeditions led by Prince Albert I. Visit to Raudfjord.

DAY 4 | Hinlopen Strait and Nordaustlandet

Murchison Fjord, its scientific station from 1958, walrus colonies, and the remnants of the Pomor presence. The archipelago’s most spectacular bird colony (Alkefjellet). In Sorgfjord, a landing near a whalers’ cemetery. This is where the first polar naval battle between the French and the Dutch took place in 1693. Hinlopen Strait is renowned for whale sightings.

DAYS 5 to 8 | Ice Pack, Northeast Land, North, and East

4 days in the land of ice, ice caps, and the largest ice barrier in the Northern Hemisphere with impressive icebergs. The land of cold deserts and polar bears: 250 of them roam in summer. We will try to reach the northernmost archipelago of the Seven Islands, likely trapped in the ice. Nelson Island, named after the famous admiral, hosts a bird colony, and on Phipps Island, you’ll find the northernmost trapper’s cabin in the Arctic.

DAYS 9 and 10 | Smeerenburg, Kings Bay, and Magdalenefjord

The glacier’s front plunges into the sea, and its mountains are intricately carved. Walrus colony. In Kings Bay, the peaks of the Three Crowns dominate this magnificent bay, rich in an exceptionally rich history. Several glaciers, in retreat, calve their large icebergs. Bird colonies, botanical reserves, scientific stations. Reindeer and Arctic foxes will be present.

DAY 11 | Longyearbyen-Paris

Free time, then transfer to the airport for the flight to Paris. Arrival in the evening.

©Photos-Grands Espaces

THE OCEAN NOVA

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 lecture guides for a true university of the Far North

✔ A panoramic lounge and conference area that contributes to the vessel’s reputation

With a length of 73 meters and a width of 11 meters, a draft of 4 meters, and equipped with an ice class A1-B1, this robust polar vessel is served by a crew of 38. The ship, known for its remarkable comfort, combines efficiency and elegance. It bears the exceptional expertise of Grands Espaces, imparting the signature touch of exploration cruises to serve 72 privileged passengers. The vessel features a wide gangway for easy access to the Zodiacs.

The ship is equipped with amenities that far exceed environmental regulations, aiming to minimize its ecological footprint. This includes state-of-the-art smoke filters, onboard waste treatment, propulsion solely with lighter and less polluting marine diesel fuel, and engines designed for the lowest consumption per passenger. This low consumption, in turn, results in complete carbon offsetting, making the vessel carbon-neutral.

THE EXPLORER

The polar ship par excellence

✔ Only 12 passengers

✔ Unmatched experience provided by Christian Kempf, a polar expert, and Marco Coppola, a naval architect specialized in exploration yachts

✔ Outstanding maneuverability

✔ Completely redesigned in 2020-2021 to minimize its environmental impact and offer high-quality service, leveraging its spacious layout.

With a length of 46.5 meters and an exceptional width of 10.5 meters, this robust and stable vessel is designed for high seas and icy conditions. It features a low draft (2.9m), reinforced hull for beaching, and state-of-the-art sonar and communication equipment, making it operational in all seas.

Its diesel-electric engines, generating 1700 HP, provide a cruising speed of 8 knots. Adapted for high seas and ice, the ship allows great exploration flexibility with its onboard equipment, combining comfort, refinement, and efficiency. The yacht is served by a crew of 8 people, and Grands Espaces employs 2 lecturers on board. You will appreciate its spacious panoramic lounge, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness area for relaxation after zodiac outings. The Bridge Deck features a panoramic lounge that opens to the rear for observation.

The cabins, ranging from 14 to 17 square meters, include individual suites, suites, and cabins with twin or double beds. Onboard, there is no packaging, and plastic bottle use is limited. Grands Espaces provides a water bottle. All cleaning products are Cosmebio and Eurobio certified. Strict waste sorting is implemented, and low sulfur marine diesel (LS-MGO) with a 0.1% sulfur content is used, minimizing fuel consumption through adapted cruising speeds.