6-day adventure
Kayak and Hike in Svalbard
Svalbard
- Arctic
- Kayaking
- Multi-activity
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£2,799
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our UK team
Our local team
To deliver our Svalbard expeditions, we partner with the region’s premier local operator—a team with over 30 years of expertise in this extreme wilderness. Navigating a remote landscape where polar bears roam requires years of hard-won field experience, which our partners provide in abundance. Supported by our own extensive equipment hub in Longyearbyen, we supply everything from sea kayaks to snowshoes. Join us between March and August for...
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Kandoo's view
Immerse yourself in the remote isolation of the Svalbard wilderness where the silence is broken only by the call of the Arctic tern or the distant thundercracks of calving glacial ice. Spend four days and three nights at our camp in Ymerbukta, sandwiched between jagged peaks and crystal-clear waters of Isfjorden.
The rich variety of arctic flora and fauna forms a decorative blanket across the otherwise barren tundra whilst in the ocean, floating chunks of ice create a daily puzzle as you explore the depths of the bay and the glacier that stands guard over it. Either by boat or on foot this strange and fascinating world delights, as day melts seamlessly into the glow of the midnight sun and you take turns to sit on bear watch.
No previous experience of camping is required but you do need to have a good level of fitness and mental stamina.
The rich variety of arctic flora and fauna forms a decorative blanket across the otherwise barren tundra whilst in the ocean, floating chunks of ice create a daily puzzle as you explore the depths of the bay and the glacier that stands guard over it. Either by boat or on foot this strange and fascinating world delights, as day melts seamlessly into the glow of the midnight sun and you take turns to sit on bear watch.
No previous experience of camping is required but you do need to have a good level of fitness and mental stamina.
Trip highlights
- Spend three nights camping under the midnight sun in the Svalbard wilderness
- Spot arctic wildlife from your sea kayak
- Scale the mighty Esmark Glacier like a true arctic explorer
- Explore the stunning Ymerbukta coastline
Experiences
-
Arctic
Join us on an arctic expedition -
Kayaking
Discover a different perspective as you journey and explore beautiful landscapes by kayak -
Multi-activity
Kandoo Adventures' trips with different activities to enjoy each day
Gallery
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Longyearbyen
Welcome to Longyearbyen, you will be greeted at the airport by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Longyearbyen. After checking-in, you have the rest of your day to explore the town and find somewhere to sample some local cuisine.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
-
Day 2
Kayaking in Ymerbukta
We will be leaving our accommodation at 7.30am so, after an early breakfast, we will meet with our guide for a briefing and equipment check before we head off to the harbour. The boat trip across Isfjorden takes around 1.5 hours. Wrap up warm and stand on deck to get the full experience! Everything calms as we slow down to land on the silent coastline of Ymerbukta.
Now that we’ve arrived, we can have something to eat and familiarise ourselves with the camp. This evening, we will don our drysuits and take to the water again – this time under paddle power. Your guide will teach you everything you need to know and, in no time at all, you will be using your kayaking skills to explore the rugged coastline. At the end of the afternoon, we return to camp and prepare dinner. Your guide will talk through the plan for the days ahead and, this evening, you will take your first shift on polar bear watch.- Transport: Local boat (1 - 2 hours)
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 3
Esmark Glacier hike
The next morning, as we enjoy a filling breakfast and plenty of fresh coffee, we make our preparations to hike the mighty Esmark Glacier. The hike will involve using crampons and harnesses to allow us to trek on the smooth, shiny surface of the glacier. As you climb higher, the landscape begins to reveal itself in front of you and your eyes. Today, we will take our lunch break on the glacier, above the bay and our camp before making our way back to camp for another homecooked dinner, discussion about what we will do tomorrow and drawing up tonight’s polar bear watch rota.
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 4
Kayak or Hike (your choice)
There is no set itinerary for today – it is up to the group to decide how they spend this last full day in the Arctic wilderness. One possibility is a longer hike such as the Värmlandsryggen ridge (550m). From here you have breathtaking views over our camp and of the bay. Alternatively, the group can take to the water again and explore the turquoise blue glacial waters further in the kayaks. Whichever option we choose, spending another morning emersed in this magical environment is one you will never forget.
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 5
Return to Longyearbyen
We take our time this morning as we pack everything away and say our final goodbyes to the camp at Ymerbukta. As we board the boat and head back over the icy waters of Isfjorden, filled with memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. We reach Longyearbyen at around lunchtime and have time this afternoon to explore the town. Lunch and dinner are not included tonight but your guide will be able to make recommendations.
- Transport: Local boat (1 - 2 hours)
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast
-
Day 6
Departure
Depending on your flight time, have the morning to relax and explore Longyearbyen and its 'edge of the world' atmosphere. Visit Svalbard museum or choose from a variety of optional activities such as summer dog-sledding (additional charges apply).
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Details
Trip information
Difficulty
Having a set base in Ymerbukta, this trip offers plenty of scope for flexibility when it comes to distances travelled per day. However, although the kayaking and hiking is not highly demanding, we have rated this trip as level 4 due to the non-stop nature of any adventure in Svalbard.
In good weather adventuring around the glacier can feel easy but if you encounter strong winds, rain or freezing conditions, it could feel very difficult indeed. As well as kayaking and hiking you will also be assisting with cooking, loading and unloading kayaks, fetching water and taking turns on "bear watch". There are no porters, cooks or waiters on this trip, you are part of the team and must do your share of the work. Although this makes the adventure more demanding, it also adds to the enormous sense of satisfaction and achievement at the end of your journey.
We are camping in the wilderness where there is the possibility of polar bears roaming near the camp. A member of the team must be on "bear watch" at all times day and night and this is normally done in rotating 2 hour shifts. As it never goes dark in Svalbard in the summer months, some people may find it difficult to sleep.
If you have any questions about your suitability for this trip or would like more specific information about what to expect, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Food & drink
Staying well-fed on your trip is absolutely
vital to keep up energy levels, so
that you can enjoy your activities. This adventure in Svalbard
is full board whilst you are camping. Your
guesthouse
in Longyearbyen is
booked on a Bed and Breakfast
basis. We are proud of the fresh and frankly delicious food we provide despite being
in such a remote location. Because
everything we need for this adventure must be brought over on our initial boat
journey, we are limited on what we can carry and must choose our ingredients
carefully. Fresh produce is used nearer the start of the trip with the more
basic foodstuffs such as pasta and rice used towards the end. The guesthouse
in Longyearbyen is used to having visitors from all over the world and
caters well for vegetarians and intolerances. Please
inform us of any dietary requirements when you book so
that we can plan appropriate meals for whilst you
are camping.
Your
help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in
the evenings with food prep and washing up. We like the whole group to work as
a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the
days
adventures together.
Each
day begins with a hearty breakfast. There will be oatmeal, bread and a choice
of spread such as chocolate spread, jam and honey and, of course plenty of tea
and coffee.
Lunches
typically include freeze-dried meals such as ‘Real Turmat’
which provide a quick, warm and nutritious meal as they just need boiling water
and a few minutes before they are ready to eat! These are also perfect for an
expedition trip like this where space is at a premium. If you would like to
bring along some snacks for in-between meals there is space to do so, however
these must stay in the group food bag and not in your personal belongings.
In
the evenings, you can expect dishes of quinoa, lentils, salmon fillets, tofu
and reindeer. Some evening meals will be vegetarian
and we will carry as much fresh veg as possible. There will also be deserts of
fruit yogurt, cake or chocolate. If it has been a challenging day and we are later back for dinner, we may also have some of the freeze-dried meals in the evening.
You will have access to safe
drinking water direct from the glacier at your basecamp. All water collected
will be boiled and then cooled so you can use this to fill your reusable
bottles.
Alcohol
and cigarettes are heavily taxed and expensive in Scandinavia. If you plan on
bringing either of these into Svalbard, they must be left in the storage in
Longyearbyen as they are not permitted on the expedition.
Accommodation
Your full day-by-day itinerary
shows what is included in terms of hotel accommodation and meal basis.
LONGYEARBYEN: Our pre and post trip
accommodation is based in Longyearbyen and
will be in a cosy local
guesthouse where you will stay in twin rooms with shared bathrooms. If you
have a dietary requirement then please let us know when you book so that we can
let the hotel know. The hotel is located within 30 minutes' walk to the
main town and restaurants.
CAMPING: We provide comfortable
teepee-style tents for 2 people, fully equipped with camp beds and foam sleeping mats. We also
provide sleeping bags suitable for the Arctic conditions. For our expeditions
we use light equipment which is appropriate for Svalbard’s winter conditions.
We will also provide a spacious mess tent for meal-times, fully equipped with a
paraffin heater and kitchen equipment. Please be aware that our adventures in
Svalbard involve full participation. You are joining an arctic expedition and
will need to do your share of the work, this will include pitching tents,
fetching water and preparing meals. There are no porters or chefs up here in
the frozen north, this is adventure in its purest form.
At all times while camping in Svalbard, there is the possibility of polar bears roaming near the camp. "Bear watch" is shared amongst everyone in the group in 2 hour shifts. Your guide will provide instruction on what to do if you see a bear and how to use any equipment provided.
TOILETS: In Longyearbyen your accommodation will have flushing toilets. Whilst camping, a designated toilet tent will be setup within the camp. We provide toilet paper and a lighter to burn it after use.
Your guide
All of our qualified guides are highly experienced locals who have have been working in this environment for many years.
Once you are on your trip, you
should speak to your lead guide about any problem, whether it relates to food,
equipment or health. We would much prefer you to sort out any problems with
them on the spot, rather than allow them to spoil your trip. Your guide is in
contact with the office if further assistance is required.
If the lead guide is the source
of your concern, you will have the opportunity to speak to one of the office
representatives when you return to the guesthouse.
Transport
We insist on using a high
standard of vehicle and driver for all of our transfers. In Europe, it is
a legal requirement to have seatbelts fitted in the back of vehicles. If you
are unhappy about any aspect of the vehicle or the standard of driving, please
speak to the driver or our local office immediately.
This trip involves transfers by boat between Longyearbyen and Ymerbukta. These transfers are provided by a local company and all safety equipment is provided.
Luggage
You
may bring a hold bag (up to 15kg) as well as a cabin bag. For your hold luggage
please bring a soft bag like a rucksack, duffel bag or gym bag. Do
not bring a wheeled suitcase as you will need to carry this
across rugged terrain between the boat and the camp (approx. distance of 200m).
Your main luggage will remain in your tent at the main camp whilst on the
trip. Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring
this as hand luggage on the plane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare
layers and any personal medication with you
each day.
We
would recommend packing your clothes and personal belongings in drybags inside
your larger luggage.
How do I get there?
To
reach Longyearbyen, there are direct flights from Oslo (3 hr journey). Some
flights are direct and others will land in Tromso
on Norway's west coast
and you will be asked to disembark to go through the Svalbard immigration
before re-embarking on the plane once more and continuing your journey. This
means that you will be flying at a low altitude when passing over the jaw
dropping Lofoten
islands. If you wish to get a birds
eye view of these out of the plane window
then make sure to be seated on the left
hand side of the plane for both the outgoing and return flight. Direct flights do not operate every day of the week so you may also need to spend a night in Oslo before continuing your journey the next day.
To reach Oslo from the UK, there are direct flights with British Airways from Heathrow and Norwegian Airlines have direct flights from Gatwick and Edinburgh. SAS have direct flights from Manchester.
If you are travelling from the US, SAS operate direct flights to Oslo from New York. From the west coast there are good flight options with Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.
If you are changing airlines or re-checking your luggage at an airport on route, please ensure you leave a minimum of 3 hours between flights. This will account for any delays on arrival, travel time across airports (this can take longer than you think) and time taken to re-check baggage.
On arrival
Once
you have landed and collected your luggage, please look out for a member of our
team who will either be holding a big sign reading "KANDOO“ or a board
displaying your name. The airport at Longyearbyen is so small you can’t miss us!
If
you have chosen to make your own way to the pre-trek accommodation, you can
easily find a taxi at the airport. The address is on your trip itinerary.
Pre-trek briefing
It is a requirement of joining any of our
trips that you attend a briefing before the trip begins. This gives our guide
the opportunity to review the plans for the trip with you, make sure you have
all the right gear and answer any questions you may have. This will take place in the morning of
day 2. Your guide will meet you at the guesthouse.
Budget & change
The
currency in Svalbard is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
Please
be aware that Svalbard is nearly cash free due to the absence of banks.
Payments are made with credit or debit cards
so it is important you take a card with you for any incidental purchases.
Please inform your card provider that you intend to travel to Svalbard (Norway)
before departure, this will ensure that your card continues to work
properly while overseas. A lunch in Longyearbyen will cost you roughly £20 (265
NOK) and dinner will be £30 (350 NOK). Therefore, our recommended guidance
for spending budget in the Svalbard would be roughly £100-150 (1300-2000
NOK) on top of any tips, to give you ample souvenir spending money.
Tips
Tipping customs vary all over the world and can be very confusing when
travelling to a new country. Tipping in Svalbard is always appreciated,
however it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each
individual. If you are satisfied with your guide’s services we
recommend a tip between 350-450 NOK per person. As Svalbard is almost
cashless, PayPal is the preferred method of tipping.
Formalities & health
Passport
Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least six months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required. You can check your requirements on the website provided by the Norwegian government
Visa
Travelling to Norway is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required.
Insurance
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
Equipment & clothing
Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures
We will provide you with all of the technical equipment you will need for this amazing adventure. Our tandem sea kayaks were chosen for their stability and comfortable seating, they are suitable for first-time kayakers. In the unlikely event of capsize, they are surprisingly easy to right; even at sea you would be back on board and paddling in no time. Your guide will give full briefings for kayaking and use of crampons and ice axes. We provide the following equipment:
GROUP EQUIPMENT
- Teepee-style mess tent with paraffin heater
- Emergency beacon
- Satellite phone
- Equipment for polar bear protection (rifle, flare gun, ammunition)
- First aid kit
- Aluminium thermos flasks
- GPS
INDIVIDUAL EQUPMENT
- Tandem kayak, drysuit, paddle, personal floatation device, kayak shoes
- Teepee-style tent with 2 flatbeds and sleeping mats
- Suitable sleeping bag
- Drybag to use whilst kayaking
- Crampons, axes, harness and helmet for glacier hike
Clothing to bring
HEADGEAR
- Warm beanie-style hat - knitted or fleece
- Neck gaiter or scarf - useful for keeping the sun off your neck and staying warm
- Sunhat / peaked cap
- Sunglasses - high UV protection
- Buff
UPPER BODY
- Thermal base layer x 3 (preferably merino - one to sleep in)
- Fleece or jumper )warm midlayer)
- Insulated jacket (down or primaloft)
- Water and windproof hardshell outer jacket (Gore-tex or similar)
- Liner gloves (lightweight)
- Gloves - warm fleece pr wool gloves or mittens
LEGS
- Breathable, fast-drying underwear
- Thermal base layer x 3 (preferable merino - one to sleep in)
- Trekking trousers
- Wind and waterproof hardshell over-trousers (Gore-tex or similar)
FEET
- Hiking boots with ankle support and stiff sole
- Gaiters (recommended for glacier hike)
- Warm, thick socks x 3 (preferable wool)
- Trainers / light shoes to wear at camp
Equipment to bring
- Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed and able to carry at least 1 litre of water
- Mini toiletry kit including wet wipes
- Small quick-dry towel
- Camera and spare batteries
- Personal medication
- Suncream (high factor)
- Small daysack (30-40 litres)
- Drybag / plastic bag to line drybag
- Swimwear (if you want to take a dip in the Arctic waters)
- Plastic bags for wet / dirty clothing
- Sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping mask
Gear rental
There are no rental shops in Longyearbyen but it is possible to purchase items if you have not brought them with you. Please be aware that buying clothing or equipment in Svalbard will be expensive. Please ask us if you have any questions about the clothing and equipment required for this trip.
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/07/2027 | 16/07/2027 | £2,799 $3,769 |
Open for bookings
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice includes
- All transportation as detailed in itinerary
- Two nights guesthouse accommodation in Longyearbyen
- All technical camping equipment
- Technical equipment for glacier hike
- Kayaking clothing and equipment
- Full supervision by an experienced professional guide
- Full board meals during the expedition
- Arrival and departure transfers
Price does not include
- Flights to Longyearbyen
- Travel insurance
- Personal medication
- 2 meals in Longyearbyen (approx. £25 per meal)
- Visas if required
- Activities not mentioned in itinerary
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