10-day adventure
The Five Glaciers
Svalbard
- Kayaking
- Trekking & Hiking
- Polar
From $2,595
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our UK team
Our local team
Our base in Svalbard is located in the town of Longyearbyen. Our team of logisticians and guides will live there for several months each year to coordinate our expeditions. We offer a wide range of activities in this extreme environment including hiking, dog sledding, cross country skiing and kayaking. This is the most northerly archipelago in the world and in order to experience it safely, it is essential you have the correct equipment. To...
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Kandoo's view
Esmark, Nansen, Bore, Wahlenberg and Svéa. Five remarkably different glaciers in one epic adventure. This journey of discovery is a chance to fully explore a selection of Svalbard’s finest fjords, glaciers and tundra. This adventure has been designed with a relaxing pace for adventurous travellers who want to immerse themselves in the arctic universe. We will progress along the coast by sea-kayak, setting up camps in remote and beautiful places and enjoy hiking in some of the most wild isolated landscapes on earth.
Trip highlights
- Explore some of Svalbard's finest fjords and five remarkable glaciers
- Kayak along the coast, among seals and sea birds
- Hike inland to discover Spitsbergen's mining history
- Our state of the art equipment will keep you warm and dry
Experiences
-
Kayaking
Discover a different perspective as you journey and explore beautiful landscapes by kayak -
Trekking & Hiking
Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes -
Polar
Join us on a polar expedition
Gallery
Itinerary
-
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LONGYEARBYEN
Welcome to Svalbard. We will greet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation in the city. Don't worry if your flight arrives in the middle of the night, we provide 24 hour airport transfers.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
-
Day 2
YMERBUKTA
This morning we will take a scenic boat trip across Isfjord to the bay of Ymerbukta and begin our kayaking expedition. This sheltered
bay is the perfect place to set up our first camp and to practice our sea-kayaking skills. We can explore Ymerbukta fjord and paddle up to the glacier front. where we can witness the impacts of global warming as we observe Ymerbukta Glacier throwing itself with difficulty into the sea.- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 3
BORE BAY
Today we paddle to Bore Bay – which, contrary to its name,is no bore! It is home to two glaciers, the huge, majestic Bore Glacier and the looming mysterious Nansen Glacier.
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 4
BOHEMAN AND ITS MINING HISTORY
To reach Nordfjorden, we pass through Boheman Cape flatlands where reindeer roam. A walk through the tundra allows us to
immerse ourselves in the world of miners. Here we can visit the remains of Spitsbergen’s first ever coal mine and explore wind-battered old cabins of the late 19th century.- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 5
HIKING THE MOORS OF BOHEMAN
Today we will go hiking in the moors of Boheman and explore the tundra and permafrost which characterize these Arctic lands.
We can enjoy splendid views of the glacier and the fjord and spot reindeer and migrating barnacle geese.- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 6
WAHLENBERGBREEN – SVEA GLACIER
Today we will discover the majestic Wahlenbergbreen Glacier which overlooks the sea and journey to Svea Glacier, the largest and most active of all. Every year this glacier yields thousands of multi-coloured icebergs which drift from the bay.
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Days 7 to 8
SVEA BAY
Now we have two nights at Svea Glacier to fully explore this silent arctic world. We can paddle among icebergs where seals and arctic
birds bask and summit ridges with simply stunning views.- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 9
SVEA - LONGYEARBYEN
This evening we head back to Longyearbyen. Today is a final chance to enjoy this remote wilderness environment as well as to pack up. Perhaps a final walk across the moraines or a final paddle through ice-filled waters will be on the agenda.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 10
DEPARTURE
Depending on your flight time, you have the morning to relax and explore Longyearbyen with its edge of the world atmosphere. We recommend visiting Svalbard museum and you can also choose from a variety of optional activities like summer dog-sledding or a cruise to the abandoned Russian city of Pyramiden (additional charges apply).
Our team will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.- Meals included: Breakfast
- See more
Please note
Please
note that this itinerary, including distances and times, is indicative. Our
guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your
interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to
achieve this, changes to the programme may be made.
Details
Trip information
Difficulty
You should be in good physical shape to join our more challenging adventures. You should have a sense of adventure, a positive attitude and be prepared for a full-on action packed programme including 6+ hours of activity per day. Please note that our difficulty ratings may vary depending on the weather conditions.
Food & drink
This trip includes full board meals except for nights spent in Longyearbyen when meals are at your own expense. For your evening meal on the final day there are
shops and kitchen facilities available or local restaurants for you to sample -
we have lots of recommendations!
Despite the lack of fresh fruits and
vegetables in the arctic regions we are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly
delicious food we provide even when camping. Meals are based on a selection of
local products and you will have the opportunity to try several local
delicacies. Each day will start with a cold breakfast accompanied by plenty of
tea and coffee or hot chocolate. Then you will prepare your own picnic lunch
for the day from a buffet style array of options. Evening meals will include
three courses: soup/starter, a hot dish and a dessert. We try to offer fresh
fruit and vegetables every day but please be aware that this is not always
possible in an isolated arctic environment.
Your help in the kitchen is expected and
much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. We like when the whole group
work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect
on the day’s adventures together. We want you to be a member of our team;
not a sheep!
Please let us know about any dietary
requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your
needs.
Accommodation
LONGYEARBYEN: warm
guesthouse accommodation: 2-, 3- or 4-bed rooms, hot showers and heating plus
shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
CAMPING: we provide a 3 man dome tent per 2 people, 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 kitchen
equipment. Please be aware that we expect all clients to participate when
setting up and packing down our camps.
Luggage
You may bring a hold bag (up to 20kg) as
well as a cabin bag. Your possessions
will have to fit into your kayak during
the expedition so please do not over pack. For your hold luggage please bring a
soft bag like a rucksack rather than a suitcase because it is more practical
when loading local buses and trailers. We also recommend that you pack your
clothes in plastic bags inside your rucksack so that they stay dry in the event
of bad weather.
Your main luggage will remain in Longyearbyen during the trip. We will provide
you with 2 dry bags to safely store the sleeping bag and your personal clothes.
Please note that the bag for your personal clothes does not exceed 22 litres
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.
How do I get there?
To reach Longyearbyen, there are direct flights from Oslo provided by SAS and Norwegian Airlines. Direct flights do not operate every day of the week so you may 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.
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.
Budget & change
The currency in Spitzbergen is the Norwegian Krona (NOK).
The the latest exchange rates please visit www.xe.com
Tips
Tipping is always appreciated. 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 (equivalent to £30-40 per person)
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.
Medication
Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. Please bring with you any personal medication that you may need such as inhalers, prescription medicine, plasters and painkillers.
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, they are
suitable for first time kayakers and have plenty of storage capacity for our
expedition gear. They are suitable for the changeable sea conditions and 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.
GROUP EQUIPMENT
- 'Tepee'
style mess tent with table, stools & cooking equipment
- 'Ortlieb'
water belts
- Sarsat
beacon
- VHF
radio
- Heavy
calibre rifle
- Alarm
gun
- Mini-flares
and penjectors
for each group member
- First
aid kit
INDIVIDUAL
EQUIPMENT
- Suitable
tent per 2 people (3 man dome tent for maximum space & comfort)
- Self-inflating
sleeping mat
- Suitable
synthetic sleeping bag ( -6°C)
- Aluminium
thermos flask per 2 people
- Helly
Hansen fleece lined salopettes
for kayaking and ashore
- Tandem
sea kayak with directional rudder (per 2 people)
- Gore-tex
dry suit with integrated warm fleece liner
- Pair
of kayak pogies
- Spray
deck
- Life
jacket with two pockets
- Neoprene
balaclava
- Pair
of ‘croc’ style shoes/sandals
Clothing to bring
- Walking
boots
- Waterproof
jacket (with a hood, Gore-Tex/Nikwax or equivalent)
- Waterproof
trousers (Gore-Tex/Nikwax or equivalent)
- Warm
gloves and a hat
- Thermals
– long sleeved top & long johns
- Fleece/jumper
- Suitable
underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
- Thin
socks and thick socks (we recommend bringing 3-4 pairs of thick socks)
- Sunhat
and sun cream
- Sunglasses
(UV 400)
IN LONGYEARBYEN
- Your swimming stuff (for the pool or sauna options)
- Clothes
for travelling in (these can stay here when you are on the expedition part of
this adventure)
- Small
towel and your personal toiletries
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag liner
- Mini
toiletry kit and toilet roll
- Any
personal medication
- Water
bottle/flask
- Small
rucksack to use as a day bag
- Head
torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the
summer)
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/06/2023 | 30/06/2023 | $2,595 £1,999 |
Guaranteed
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 19/07/2023 | 28/07/2023 | $2,595 £1,999 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 26/06/2024 | 05/07/2024 | $3,245 £2,499 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 17/07/2024 | 26/07/2024 | $3,245 £2,499 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 31/07/2024 | 09/08/2024 | $3,245 £2,499 |
Available
|
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
transfers as detailed in the itinerary
- Accommodation,
including two nights in a guesthouse in Longyearbyen
- Free
walking tour of Longyearbyen
- All
technical camping gear
- All
sea-kayaking equipment
- Full
supervision by an experienced professional guide
- Full
board except for a last evening meal in Longyearbyen (day 10)
- Boat
trip across Isfjord
- Longyearbyen to Ymerbukta
- Boat
trip Svea
Glacier to Longyearbyen
Price does not include
- Flights
to Longyearbyen
- Travel
insurance
- Your
personal trekking gear
- Your
personal medication
- The
final evening meal in Longyearbyen (approx. £25)
- Activities
not mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation on day 10 as midnight
departure for
- the airport is required
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