Kayak expedition in the Five Glaciers region, Svalbard
10-day adventure

The Five Glaciers

Svalbard
  • Kayaking
  • Trekking & Hiking
  • Polar
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Code: SVFG

10 days
Moderate

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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
    Kayaking in Musandam fjords
    Discover a different perspective as you journey and explore beautiful landscapes by kayak
  • Trekking & Hiking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes
  • Polar
    Ski Pulka on ice floe in Svalbard
    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
  • 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.

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.

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.

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
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19/07/2023 28/07/2023 $2,595 £1,999
Available
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26/06/2024 05/07/2024 $3,245 £2,499
Available
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17/07/2024 26/07/2024 $3,245 £2,499
Available
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31/07/2024 09/08/2024 $3,245 £2,499
Available
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Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

Contact us

Price 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