Spitsbergen West Coast by Sail ship

Day 1 Longyearbyen - Arrival, Embarkation
Individual arrival in Longyearbyen. Depending on the arrival time there may be time to stroll through Longyearbyen, visit the Svalbard Museum or walk to the Eider duck colony. At 4 pm you will meet your fellow passengers, your guide and the skipper at the harbour and go on board together. In the early evening we set sail and spend the night in a secluded bay in the Isfjord.
Day 2 - 9 Exploring the West Coast of Spitsbergen
Regardless of whether we leave the Isfjord to the north or south, or whether the expedition team decides to dedicate one or more days to the largest fjord of the Svalbard archipelago, it is certain that the west coast of Spitsbergen, which is often neglected in the high season, resembles a treasure chest full of Arctic jewels to be discovered.

Precise planning in advance makes little sense for expeditions in the high Arctic, as the route is highly dependent on the prevailing ice and weather conditions, which can vary greatly from year to year. The sailing route is therefore planned continuously and with the greatest possible flexibility - the aim is to make the best possible use of the conditions to create a package of unforgettable memories for you.
One possibility would be to head south as far as the Hornsund. Despite its manageable size, the southernmost fjord on the west coast of Spitsbergen offers a breathtaking variety of landscapes and habitats: Rugged peaks rise up to 1400 metres from the icy water, spectacular glacier fronts line almost every bay. Rich green tundra, bird colonies and easy-to-climb cliffs offer many attractive opportunities for excursions.
In Bellsund, further north, you'll find blooming tundra, spectacular geology and historic sites that are fascinating but can also seem eerie in the Arctic silence.
If the ice conditions allow, another option is to leave the Isfjord to the north to visit the walrus resting places in Forlandsundet and explore the east coast of Prins-Karls-Forland as his explorer Willem Barents once did in the late 16th century. Further north, the Kongsfjord and Krossfjord attract visitors with their scenic diversity, making any explorer's heart beat faster. Impressive glacier fronts, snow-capped peaks, cliffs with colonies of screaming seabirds, hills with breathtaking views, cozy anchorages in hidden bays and various historical sites are all just a few hours' sailing away and invite you to explore them in a tranquil way - on board, by zodiac or on foot.
With 24 hours daylight nature and animal observations are possible around the clock. Ezra's low deck height invites you to keep a constant eye out for the inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean, even during sailing passages to the next anchorage. On long excursions there is the possibility to take warm food with you - no rigid daily routine dictates the rhythm, but nature and light. While the crew brings our floating accommodation safely to the next anchorage, we collect unforgettable impressions and can react with the greatest possible flexibility to new discoveries as well as light and weather conditions - a truly exclusive experience!
In the evening of the 9th day or at the latest in the early morning of the 10th day we return with Ezra to the harbour of Longyearbyen.

Day 10: Longyearbyen - journey home
In the morning you say goodbye to the crew. Individual journey home.
Requirements
For the excursions and hikes on land you should bring along normal to good condition - the tours are not extremely long or fast, but always lead over pathless and sometimes also rough terrain. Therefore surefootedness is necessary.

Due to its size, the Ezra offers only limited comfort and little privacy. Separate accommodation on board according to gender is not possible. The ability to work in a team and willingness to compromise are therefore expected. The crew is looking forward to assisting with any necessary work.

Sailing skills are not necessary. However, if you are interested, you are welcome to help with sailing and participate in the seamanly aspects of this trip.
Notices
The itinerary serves as a rough orientation. The final itinerary will be adapted daily to the local ice and weather conditions as well as to the wildlife observation possibilities. Sailing conditions in Spitsbergen, like everywhere else, are strongly dependent on the weather. If a trip under sail is not possible or not advisable, Ezra moves ahead with motor power.

Please understand that the animal observations described on this trip cannot be guaranteed. These are intensive nature experiences with wild animals living in the wild, whose behaviour can only be predicted to a limited extent. In the unlikely event of no sighting, no refund is possible. However, we and our local partners use all our experience and knowledge to ensure the best possible sighting chances.
reach.