Located in the remote northern reaches, midway between Norway and the North Pole, the glaciated Svalbard archipelago is a delightfully accessible part of the polar north, comprising a vast area of icebergs, fjords, snowy islands and unspoilt Arctic wilderness. Literally meaning ‘Cold Coast’, in Svalbard you will experience some of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the world, with white-capped mountains fronted by desolate tundra, glaciers glittering under a constant midnight sun and brilliant blue skies in the summer months. The ultimate in polar exploration, a Svalbard safari holiday offers something truly unique to the modern-day explorer.
Svalbard is a land that for much of the year is a harsh, frozen wilderness, but as spring and summer arrive and the ice begins to melt, the wildlife of the archipelago is joined by wildflowers and intrepid travellers. This expedition focuses on exploring Svalbard in search of Arctic flora and fauna.
At Natural World Safaris we pride ourselves on putting you in the right place at the right time to maximise your wildlife experience. We are unique in that we put the experience first. You can find out more about our excellent Ultimate Svalbard safari in this guide. Of course, we are here to answer any questions you may have along the way.
Svalbard Wildlife
Whilst the polar bear is undoubtedly a highlight of any Svalbard wildlife safari, there is also a surprising myriad of other Arctic wildlife, despite the harsh cold weather.
With room on board for just 12 passengers, the ship has an intimate atmosphere, and her small size allows her to access some of the smaller fjords and coves along the coastline.
Your Arctic adventure begins in this charming Norwegian town, where the pristine beauty of the Arctic sets the tone for an unforgettable journey. Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your cosy hotel, offering the perfect place to relax and settle in. Take some time to explore the town’s unique blend of Nordic culture and breathtaking natural scenery.
Note: All 2026 departures include a Pre-Night in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen
The starting point for any trip to see polar bears in Svalbard, Longyearbyen is located more or less in the middle of the main island. Originally called Longyear City, the town was founded by John Longyear in 1906, and renamed Longyearbyen in 1926. With around 2300 inhabitants, the population of Longyearbyen is steadily growing as tourism to Svalbard gains popularity.
Starting out from Longyearbyen today, you board your small ship and meet the crew, expert naturalist guide(s), and the rest of your small group that you will be exploring the Arctic with. This afternoon you set sail through the wilds of Svalbard.
An Interview with the Kinfish Crew
Intreview with the Owner of R/V Kinfish - Robin Dahlberg
The R/V Kinfish, a 12-passenger expedition ship, has been chartered by NWS since 2018. Will fell in love with her as soon as he saw her, and our guests on expeditions since then, have raved about her and the crew. We sat down with Robin Dahlberg, owner of the Kinfish, to chat all things expeditions in Svalbard.
During your time aboard the ship, you will explore the Svalbard Archipelago in search of Arctic wildlife. The exact itinerary will depend upon the weather conditions, the density of the pack ice in the north, and wildlife opportunities. During your safari you can expect to visit iceberg filled fjords framed by breathtaking mountains; sail past towering cliffs populated by colossal seabird colonies; and see gigantic glaciers crashing into the icy seas. Spend time cruising through the ice for a chance to witness polar bears as they hunt for seals, which often hitch rides on the passing ice floes; look out also for colonies of walrus basking on the beaches; watch for whales in the icy seas; visit old whaling stations and research outposts, highlighting the region's ecological and cultural history; witness the unique light phenomena that is the Midnight Sun and if conditions permit, you may be able to circumnavigate Spitsbergen Island.
Svalbard Wildlife
Whilst the polar bear is undoubtedly a highlight of any Svalbard wildlife safari, there is also a surprising myriad of other Arctic wildlife, despite the harsh cold weather.
We work with some of the best guides in the business; experts in the natural world who have spent years working, living or researching in their chosen destination. From polar researchers to expert naturalists, all of our expedition leaders have been carefully selected for their experience, personality and in-depth wildlife knowledge.
Your ship is likely to arrive into the harbour the night before you disembark to ensure you are in Longyearbyen ready for your onward flights. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner and your final night together. Wake for an early breakfast and then head back to the airport.
Packing for Svalbard
Discover what to pack for an Arctic Safari in Svalbard! Essential gear guide for extreme weather, wildlife encounters, and unbeatable photo ops.
Possibly my most memorable experience was sitting on the bridge, binoculars and morning coffee in hand, scouting the fast ice for wildlife. Suddenly one of our guides shouted 'BEAR!' and we all spun around to see a fluffy white female in the distance. Next to me, I noticed one of the crew looking through his binoculars in the opposite direction. Asking what he was looking at he just pointed and replied 'the bear...' Raising my binoculars again I realised he was right - there wasn't just one, but TWO bears, walking straight towards each other! It felt like something straight out of of David Attenborough as we held our breath and waited for the meeting...
An Example Itinerary
R/V Kinfish
Built in 1958, the R/V Kinfish has been transformed from a Norwegian research vessel to a classic passenger ship, ready to explore the icy waters of the Spitsbergen archipelago. The bridge has been fitted out with advanced safety equipment, allowing the R/V Kinfish to safely navigate the frozen waters and cope with the extreme conditions of the region. With room on board for just 12 passengers, the ship has an intimate atmosphere, and her small size allows her to access some of the smaller fjords and coves along the coastline. Kinfish has an expansive deck space spread across multiple levels, two spacious lounges, and a fantastic presentation room. Read more about R/V Kinfish.
Why Natural World Safaris?
Specialist Leaders
Our specialist-led safaris give a unique twist on your safari experience. They are led by people, famous in their field, and sometime beyond, for their expertise, and amazing skills at sharing their knowledge.
Small Ship Size
Thanks to the smaller size of the R/V Kinfish, we are able to enter some of the more untouched and inaccessible areas of Svalbard. Combined with smaller Zodiac boats, you can gain closer access to the area’s best natural attractions.
Wealth of Experience
We work with some of the best guides in the business; from polar researchers to expert naturalists. All of our expedition leaders have been carefully selected for their experience, personality and in-depth wildlife knowledge.
Dates and Prices for Svalbard Wildlife Safari 2027 & 2028
Date
Passengers
Trip Length
Trip Style
Prices from
6th May - 14th May 2027
12
9 Days
$13,500
20th May - 28th May 2027
12
9 Days
$13,500
27th May - 5th June 2027
12
10 Days
Brittany Joyce
$16,500
4th June - 13th June 2027
12
10 Days
$15,000
20th June - 29th June 2027
12
10 Days
$15,000
28th June - 8th July 2027
12
11 Days
Pie Aerts
$18,000
7th July - 17th July 2027
12
11 Days
$16,500
10th September - 20th September 2027
12
11 Days
$16,500
19th September - 29th September 2027
12
11 Days
Benjamin Hardman
$18,000
7th May - 15th May 2028
12
9 Days
Specialist Leader
$16,000
21st May - 29th May 2028
12
9 Days
$15,500
28th May - 6th June 2028
12
10 Days
Specialist Leader
$18,000
5th June - 14th June 2028
12
10 Days
$16,500
21st June - 30th June 2028
12
10 Days
$16,500
29th June - 9th July 2028
12
11 Days
Specialist Leader
$19,000
17th July - 28th July 2028
12
12 Days
$19,500
10th September - 20th September 2028
12
11 Days
$17,000
19th September - 29th September 2028
12
11 Days
$17,000
Talk to a Polar Destination Specialist
Client Reviews
Rated 5/5 based on 12 customer reviews
svalbard-heidi-novak
We were thoroughly blown away by the attention of detail to the guests and wildlife on our trip. I was very happy with the wildlife and nature ethics that were displayed and encouraged. Every detail of the planning process was thoroughly thought out and planned ahead. You literally just show up and everything is taken care of for you.
—Heidi Novak, Svalbard, May 2026
5 out of 5
svalbard-annie-fierman
Your service was perfect. You were punctual and efficient. I loved the "laid back" approach to attention-- it made me feel welcome and comfortable. Lisa and Marselo were fantastic-- great guides and fun to have at our disposal. They are so good at their jobs and their excitement made it clear that they loved what they do. The Kinfish crew was fantastic as well. I spent most of my time on the bridge, where we were heartily invited and welcome. By the time our trip was over, I felt like I had many new friends and that was due to their reception. it was so clear they love their jobs, love people, and love "cruising". Just hanging with them was so fun. Thanks!
—Annie Fierman who travelled on Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer in June 2023
5 out of 5
svalbard-tiffany-belcher
Gemma and Abbie were both fabulous - full of great information and quick to respond. The guides and crew went out of their way to make sure this trip was fabulous. The Kinfish was a very comfortable ship, the food was amazing - as well as the wine pairings - a very unexpected surprise of this trip was the quailty of the food and wine, the guides went out of their way to make sure we had the best trip possible and the best animal viewings.
—Tiffany Panhuis Belcher who travelled on Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer - M/V Kinfish
5 out of 5
svalbard-marion-wheaton
The enitre crew of Kinfish and our expedition leaders Alex and Hadleigh provided exceptional service. Small group experience. Knowledgeable guides. Outstanding guest service. Found the app very helpful.
—Marion Wheaton who travelled on Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer - M/V Kinfish in July 2023
5 out of 5
polar-svalbard-William Joss
Both Abbie and Katy responded immediately to any request, and were attentive and welcoming. The trip met expectations in all ways and exceeded them in some. The flexibility and expertise of all crew members made the trip work flawlessly. The specific skills and knowledge of both Hadley and Marcelo added greatly to the adventure.
—William Joss who travelled on Polar Bear Explorer in July 2023
5 out of 5
polar-svalbard-tonia-burnette
Gemma and Chloe were both excellent for helping me to book this trip! Our guides, Hadleigh and Mats, were knowledgeable, kind, and engaged throughout our trip. Their expertise was the key to our incredible wildlife encounters which made for a truly once in a lifetime trip. We'd love to travel again, the combination of pre-trip planning, great communication right before and during the trip, fantastic expedition accommodation, wildlife, wildlife and more wildlife was great!
—Tonia Burnette who travelled on the Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer in 2022
5 out of 5
polar-svalbard-joanna-wilson
The guides and Kinfish crew made the trip perfect as much as the wildlife sightings we had. The Kinfish is so unique and the crew are very special which makes this trip stand out miles above other trips. We had such amazing, interesting and down to earth wildlife guides who went above and beyond for everyone. The bespoke combination of exclusivity and uniqueness of this is what makes the trip really stand out from the rest. The access to the wildlife is second to none and you do really feel like you are having the same access as the professional documentary makers receive.
All the choices about our trip in the Svalbard islands were optimal. Great boat and incredibly nice crew. We had fantastic expedition guides who adapted our itinerary according to the meteorological conditions and insured we were able to observe beautiful wildlife and glaciers.
This trip in the Artic will remain memorable and so special as we were only 11 participants and so well look after : most delicious food delivered by a fantastic chef and a great caring massage therapist on board.
—Natacha Chiaramonte, Svalbard, August 2025
5 out of 5
polar-svalbard-robert-andrews
Great trip, great little ship and wonderful crew - the midsummer party on the boat deck in the pack ice was brilliant. The food was good throughout, the explanations from the cook were always interesting. Our guides, Ben and Pernille, were great and knowledgeable and obviously knew what they were doing. The flexibility of the small ship approach was good, Zodiac cruises were extended when we found foxes - I don't think the large ships would have done that.
—Robert Andrews
5 out of 5
svalbard-polar-peter-horan
Hadleigh and Sandra were wonderful guides. They worked phenomenally hard to ensure that everyone had an exceptional experience. They demonstrated deep knowledge of the polar regions. Chris Michel is an expert photographer and a giving teacher. He worked patiently with every participant to enable them to get superb images. There was not another thing that Hadleigh and Sandra could have done to spot more animals. They barely slept during the trip.
—Peter Horan who travelled on Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer in 2022
5 out of 5
polar-svalbard-michele-semin
The trip was truly the trip of a lifetime. I never imagined seeing a bear cross the ice, come to the side of the Kinfish, and look me eye to eye. I never imagined walrus swimming right up to us on the beach. The Kinfish crew, accommodations, food were exceptional. Our guides, Ben and Pernille, are the best I've encountered on any expedition. I would love to travel on the Kinfish with Ben and Pernille again. We were incredibly fortunate to see 7 bears on the first day and each day going forward was just as mind-blowing. Svalbard is a magical place and it was made even more so by the crew's and the guides' passion for the area. I loved the small group, we became friends and have made plans to travel together again. I was a single traveler, but I quickly felt like I was traveling with family.
—Michele Semin who travelled on the Polar Bear Explorer in 2022
5 out of 5
polar-svalbard-craig-weakly
Our guide Hadleigh was amazing and his expertise, experience, knowledge and commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service made this a spectacular trip for us! Every Kinfish member was outstanding! This trip greatly exceeded our expectations!
—Craig Weakly who travelled on the Polar Bear Explorer in 2022
