Details
10 DAYS FROM 8395 PP
Best time to go
May - August
Explore the stunning Spitsbergen Archipelago aboard the R/V Kinfish; an intimate ship charter focusing on sightings of the amazing polar bear and other Arctic wildlife of Svalbard. You will sail north from Longyearbyen exploring the western coast of Spitsbergen in search of colonies of walrus as well as other resident marine mammals. Setting sail during the heart of the Arctic summer, the sea ice will be fragmented, sending ice floes along the eastern part of the Archipelago. Searching these principle hunting grounds for the polar bear, the R/V Kinfish provides an unique opportunity to observe this majestic creature.
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. Arctic foxes, countless seals and piles of blubbery walruses; there is an extensive amount of wildlife to be encountered on your frozen adventure. Spot different types of Whales such as humpbacks, minke, beluga and orcas, breaching from the water. Listen to the bewildering amount of nesting birds twittering from the cliffs and flying in clouds of shifting patterns; the atlantic puffin, arctic terns and guillemots.
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. Our specialist-led safaris give a unique twist on your safari experience, and are ideal for anyone with specific interests; be it photography or otherwise. They are led by people, famous in their field, and sometime beyond, for their expertise, and amazing skills at sharing their knowledge.
Exploring the harsh, frozen north is ideally suited to expedition ships that have the necessary equipment to safely navigate the frozen waters and cope with the extreme conditions of the region. Thanks to the smaller size of the R/V Kinfish, she is able to enter some of the more untouched and inaccessible areas of Svalbard, and combined with smaller Zodiac boats you can gain closer access to the area’s best natural attractions.
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...
Day 1 - Arrive Longyearbyen
Your Arctic adventure starts in this small Norwegian town, with 2,100 residents from almost 50 different countries. We always suggest flying in the day before your official departure to ensure you are in Longyearbyen ready for your expedition the following day. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, relax and explore the town before your safari begins.
Day 2 - Embark on the R/V Kinfish
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.
Days 3 - 9 - Exploring the Arctic
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. If conditions permit, you will circumnavigate Spitsbergen Island. 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 in search of 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 in the Arctic sun, and watch for whales in the icy seas.
Day 10 - Depart Longyearbyen
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.
Built in 1958, the R/V Kinfish has recently 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 calm Svalbard waters. 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.
Fabulous adventure - we will talk about it forever - thank you! What a great little ship and crew who worked together to make stuff happen - still not sure how to describe it except that we ticked things off our bucket list that we didn't know were on it! So impressed that our wildlife sightings were made without affecting the animals' behaviour. Mobile phone pictures do the scenery pictures well, big camera lenses mean you can record the animals as if they're close at hand. Bob and Lisa were superb guides and Barbara in town was great, too.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Loved the Kinfish and its crew! Best guides ever. Our specialist leader, Chris, made everyone feel awesome!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Date | Passengers | Trip Length | Trip Style | Prices from | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5th - 12th May 2024 | 12 | 8 Days | Benjamin Hardman | 8995 | |
12th - 20th May 2024 | 12 | 9 Days | Finn Beales | 9995 | |
20th - 28th May 2024 | 12 | 9 Days | 8395 | ||
28th May - 5th June 2024 | 12 | 9 Days | Karim Iliya | 9995 | |
5th - 13th June 2024 | 12 | 9 Days | 8695 | ||
13th - 22nd June 2024 | 12 | 10 Days | Pie Aerts | 10695 | |
22nd June - 1st July 2024 | 12 | 10 Days | 9295 | ||
1st - 10th July 2024 | 12 | 10 Days | 9295 | ||
10th - 20th July 2024 | 12 | 11 Days | 10295 | ||
20th - 30th July 2024 | 12 | 11 Days | 10295 | ||
30th July - 9th August 2024 | 12 | 11 Days | 10295 | ||
28th April - 5th May 2025 | 12 | 9 Days | Specialist Leader | 9295 | |
5th - 13th May 2025 | 12 | 9 Days | Graeme Purdy | 9895 | |
13th - 21st May 2025 | 12 | 9 Days | 8395 | ||
21st - 29th May 2025 | 12 | 9 Days | 8395 | ||
28th May - 6th June 2025 | 12 | 9 Days | Chris Michel | 10745 | |
6th - 14th June 2025 | 12 | 9 Days | 8695 | ||
14th - 23rd June 2025 | 12 | 10 Days | 9295 | ||
23rd June - 2nd July 2025 | 12 | 10 Days | Steve Winter | 10895 | |
2nd - 11th July 2025 | 12 | 10 Days | 9395 | ||
11th - 21st July 2025 | 12 | 11 Days | Andy Mann | 11395 | |
21st - 31st July 2025 | 10 Days | SOLD OUT |