Arctic yacht expedition to the Spitsbergen archipelago (Norway).
8 DAYS
8 PEOPLE
3890 EURO
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8 DAYS
12.05 -19.05.2026
✅ there are place
22.05 - 29.05.2026
✅ there are place
01.06 - 08.06.2026
✅ there are place
11.06 -18.06.2026
✅ there are place
Go sailing to the real Arctic to experience the virgin beauty of the Arctic. Follow the path of the ancient Vikings to the harsh but attractive Spitsbergen. Get involved in observing and photographing real natives of the Arctic: polar bears, walruses. Catch the fish of your dreams and navigate the fjords to incredible blue glaciers.
Spitsbergen is one of the most mysterious corners of the World, the main advantage of which is its unique untouched Arctic nature, wild, beautiful and dramatic. Reserved, fabulous, fantastically beautiful places, almost untouched by civilization.
Spitsbergen is an archipelago between the North Pole and Europe. In Norway it is called Svalbard. Until 1920, Spitsbergen was considered a no-man's land. In 1920, Norway received sovereignty over the archipelago, and the USA, Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden and other countries received an equal right to conduct economic activities here and use the natural resources of the islands and territorial waters.
People went to Spitsbergen because of the coal deposits. At the beginning of the 20th century, companies of Norwegian, Russian, Swedish and American origin founded the cities of Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, Pyramiden, Grumant, Sveagruva and New Ålesund. Throughout the 20th century, coal mining was the main driver of the economy here, but at the end of 2016, fuel prices fell and the focus shifted to tourism development.
Tourists go to Spitsbergen to see polar bears, walruses, glaciers and icebergs, and incredible and harsh Arctic nature. This is exactly what we will do on this expedition.
We will walk along the coast of the archipelago to the north until we reach the pack ice. Along the way, we will observe walruses, arctic foxes, seals, reindeer, and, of course, if we are lucky, we will see polar bears, beluga whales and other representatives of the most beautiful Arctic nature.
Bogdan
Luty
Captain
yacht Mon Coeur
Experienced captain
ROUTE
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Charter of the expedition yacht Wind Dancer for 8 days
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Services of a professional crew and onboard cook
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Three meals a day on board
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Fuel according to the route
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Port fees and all necessary taxes
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All current expenses related to the vessel’s operation
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Automatic life jacket (PFD) with harness
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Double occupancy accommodation in a comfortable heated cabin
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Bedding, including a down duvet and towels
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Access to visual materials such as nautical charts and a small onboard themed library
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Internet access in Starlink coverage areas
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Airfare to and from Svalbard
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Alcoholic beverages
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Airport transfers (to and from)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the expedition, if needed
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Single supplement (additional charge for single occupancy)
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Insurance and expenses related to personal evacuation
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Personal clothing and gear
IMPORTANT!
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ITINERARY
Day 1
(12.05) (22.05) (01.06) (11.06)
Arrival in Longyear Airport.
Transfer to the marina, boarding the yacht, brief safety and orientation briefing, getting to know each other and the yacht crew. Our onboard cook will purchase fresh provisions at the local supermarket. A short introduction to the town follows.
Longyearbyen – the capital and largest settlement of Svalbard, home to around 2,000 residents. Today, it is the northernmost fully functioning town in the world — meaning people live here year-round, not on rotational shifts, and with all the infrastructure necessary for normal life, which is rare for industrial or scientific outposts.
Here, they publish the world’s northernmost newspaper, build the northernmost hotels, and land planes at the world’s northernmost civilian airport. :)
Before we set sail, you’ll have time to explore some of Longyearbyen’s key sights: the local parish church, the museum of polar expeditions and the history of the archipelago. Nature lovers can take a short hike in the surrounding area — up to 100 species of Arctic vegetation can be found here.
In the evening, we’ll hold our traditional “Paganel Welcome Evening”, complete with expedition T-shirts and badges. Dinner will be prepared by our cook.
After dinner, our expedition vessel departs port and heads into Isfjorden, where we’ll choose a scenic anchorage to spend our first night at sea.
Day 2
(13.05) (23.05) (02.06) (12.06)
We wake up in one of the wild fjords of the archipelago, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and set out to explore the Arctic.
Today is our first landing ashore — strictly accompanied by an armed crew member.
These lands are home to polar bears, so we will exercise maximum caution during every landing.
We’ll observe walrus haul-outs in the Forlandsundet Strait, a unique chance to witness these massive marine mammals in their natural habitat.
During the landing, it will be possible to approach the haul-out site at a safe distance and spend time watching the walruses in the wild.
After the landing, we continue our journey into Kongsfjorden, one of the most stunning areas of Svalbard. Here we’ll visit the mountainous settlement of Ny-Ålesund.
Lunch and dinner will be served by our cook according to the daily schedule.
Day 3
(14.05) (24.05) (03.06) (13.06)
In the morning, with permission from local authorities, we land in Ny-Ålesund. This is the northernmost permanent civilian settlement in the world, home to the northernmost post office, from which we will definitely send postcards to family and friends.
The settlement was founded by the Kings Bay Kull Company in 1916, like many others on the archipelago, for coal mining, which began in 1917. However, already in 1929, mining was halted and only resumed in 1945, when the Norwegian government took over all operations. In 1963, due to falling coal prices and a series of methane explosions and collapses that claimed the lives of workers, mining was permanently stopped.
In 1925, 1926, and 1928, Ny-Ålesund became the launch point for polar expeditions led by Roald Amundsen and Umberto Nobile to the North Pole via airplanes and airships. Remains of the airship masts used during those flights are still preserved here.
Afterward, Ny-Ålesund was almost abandoned, but starting in 1968, it began developing as a scientific research center. Today, in addition to Norway, countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and China maintain research stations here.
Weather permitting, we will also explore Kongsfjorden by yacht. The inner part of the fjord is dotted with islands and islets teeming with birdlife, and mighty glaciers cascade directly into the sea. If we’re lucky, we may even spot whales, frequent visitors in these waters. And if we're very lucky, we might see the legendary beluga whales. By fortunate chance, the beluga population around Svalbard was never fully eradicated — which means sightings are still possible in Kongsfjorden, and we will certainly try to find them.
Lunch and dinner prepared by our cook, served according to schedule.
Day 4
(15.05) (25.05) (04.06) (14.06)
Breakfast and coffee are served according to schedule — and then, more Arctic beauty awaits.
As we head north along the west coast of Svalbard, we arrive in Krossfjorden.
Aboard our beautiful yacht, surrounded by towering mountains, we sail toward the dramatically carved and eroded front of a massive glacier at the very end of the fjord.
Up close, you can hear the crackling of the ice and might even witness huge chunks calving off the glacier and crashing into the sea — a breathtaking and thunderous event. For safety, we keep a respectful distance.
If conditions allow, we make a landing. We walk. We explore. We admire. We take lots of photos.
Polar bears are often seen in this area, so we always stay alert, keep an eye on the surroundings, and remain close to the armed crew member during landings.
Lunch and dinner are served on schedule.
After a day full of impressions — well-earned rest.
Day 5
(16.05) (26.05) (05.06) (15.06)
Today, we continue our journey north, sailing deliberately close to the coastline in search of polar bears.
Polar bears are the iconic symbol of the Svalbard archipelago and one of its main natural attractions. Around 1,000 individuals live on the archipelago and in the surrounding pack ice to the north. They can be encountered anywhere outside populated areas. Spotting one in the wild is truly a rare and unforgettable moment.
Our goal for the day is to reach the small fjord of Magdalenefjorden and find shelter in one of its protected coves to rest after a day of sailing.
In the 17th century, a whaling station called Gravneset operated within the fjord. British, Dutch, and German whalers who died here are buried at the site.
The Louvre Museum in Paris houses a painting dedicated to this place:
"Magdalene Fjord" by the polar explorer and artist François-Auguste Biard
The shores of the fjord are home to rare Arctic wildlife: seals, polar bears, reindeer, and seabirds. And in its waters, it’s often possible to spot whales.
Lunch and dinner are served as usual.
In the evening, we gather in the saloon to share stories, photos, and impressions.
Time to relax and unwind.
Day 6
(17.05) (27.05) (06.06) (16.06)
Today, we reach the northernmost point of our route.
Danes Island (Danskøya) is one of the islands in the Svalbard archipelago, located near Magdalenefjorden. Like many other islands in Svalbard, it is uninhabited. A Danish whaling station was established here in 1631, but later abandoned in 1658.
The island is famous as the launch site for an ambitious attempt to reach the North Pole by hot air balloon in 1897, led by the Swedish polar explorer Salomon August Andrée.
We go ashore. Walk. Explore. Admire.
After the landing, we set course for Prince Karl Island (Prins Karls Forland).
Along the way, we’ll try our hand at Arctic fishing, scan the coastline carefully with binoculars, and continue our search for polar bears.
Lunch and dinner are served according to schedule.
Day 7
(18.05) (28.05) (07.06) (17.06)
Prince Karls Forland is the westernmost island in the Svalbard archipelago. It is considered one of the most scenic and captivating destinations in all of Svalbard.
The entire island and surrounding marine area are part of the Forlandet National Park. The island was discovered by Dutch explorer and navigator Willem Barentsz in 1596.
The coastal areas of Prince Karls Forland are home to large populations of polar bears. If we're lucky, we may observe them in their natural habitat. The island is also known for the famous walrus haul-out at Poolepynten.
Watching walruses is a truly fascinating experience — they are strange and yet oddly graceful creatures.
Walruses are highly sensitive to danger and noise. When gathered in large numbers at coastal haul-outs, any disturbance can cause a stampede as frightened walruses rush to the water.
So we make a special effort to stay quiet and avoid alarming them.
With rifle, good spirits, and binoculars in hand, we go ashore for wildlife observation and exploration.
Lunch and dinner are served on schedule.
In the evening, we gather in the saloon to share stories, discuss the day’s adventures, and swap photos. Time to relax.
We begin our return journey toward Isfjorden.
On the way, we make stops at beautiful spots perfect for late-evening photography, and get closer to glaciers for one final breathtaking view of the Arctic landscape.
Finally, we arrive back in Longyearbyen.
In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner prepared by our chef.
We exchange impressions and photos, dream up future adventures, and feel a bit sad that the expedition is coming to an end.
Day 8
(19.05) (29.05) (08.06) (18.06)
After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the yacht crew.
There may be tears, parting with our “new” or “old” friends.
We tidy up our cabins, take out the trash, and leave behind our now-beloved expedition yacht — the beautiful Wind Dancer.
We dream of meeting again, and begin to sketch out our next great journeys and expeditions…
Transfer to the airport. End of the expedition.
We say farewell to the rugged land of Svalbard — and fly home.
Wind Dancer
Yacht «Wind Dancer» a 21-meter steel sail-motor Bermuda sloop was built by Viking Marine-Rahmi H. Koc by Sciomachen – Naval Architects and Yacht. The metal hull with a long keel line has excellent seaworthiness.
The yacht's equipment allows sailing of any complexity, including difficult ice conditions.
Fuel supply 2100 liters in two tanks.
Freshwater supply 1000 liters + distiller.
For a comfortable stay of guests and crew on board, there are:
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4 toilets with showers;
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autonomous heating system for all residential interior spaces;
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independent air conditioning system for each room.
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television;
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modern audio system;
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washing machine with dryer;
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fully equipped kitchen with fridge and freezer,
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yacht library.
Two diesel generators, service batteries, and a powerful inverter provide all the premises of the yacht with 220 volts during long passages. An inflatable boat with an outboard motor allows for movement between ship and land.
The yacht can comfortably accommodate 12 people: 8 passengers and 4 crew members. Each cabin is comfortable and cozy with separate beds for 2 people.
The composition of the team is experienced professionals with the necessary experience of ice expeditions: Captain, First mate, Sailor, Cook.
Plan-scheme "Wind Dancer" (Dancing with the Wind")
1,2,3,4,5,6 - cabins
7,8,9,10 - toilet and shower
Each member of the expedition will be provided with a duvet, pillow, bed linen, towel.
A detailed video review of the Wind Dancer yacht can be viewed here:
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for organizing a trip – air tickets and travel documents for other modes of transportation, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. – are made by us in advance, long before the trip, the prepayment or payment for the trip is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
Please note that this itinerary is tentative. The weather always has the last word. The itinerary is designed to allow sufficient time at the end of the Expedition in case of any weather-related delays. If necessary, the captain can change the expedition route depending on external conditions!
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