Svalbard – Húsavík (Iceland) – Along the Ice Egde

Embarking: Longyearbyen / Disembarking: Húsavík

We invite you to take part in an extraordinary and exclusive journey—one that few have dared to attempt. This is not your typical expedition. It is a true exploration along the ever-shifting edge of Arctic ice—a place where nature reigns supreme and wildlife thrives in a harsh, frozen planet.

we stand for nature!

“This is a voyage into the unknown, powered by curiosity and guided by the elements.
If you feel the call to discover what lies beyond the horizon—where few have gone, and even fewer have returned unchanged“.

“This journey aims to follow the whale´s movements and report meaningful visual and acoustic data on these fascinating animals to better understand them”

We start the adventure in Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement on Earth, where the sun doesn’t rise for months during the winter, and the midnight sun, where it doesn’t set for weeks in the summer. This picturesque Arctic town is renowned for its striking landscapes, prominent polar research, like-minded community, and historical ties to coal mining. Blending contemporary comforts with the harsh nature, it is the perfect gateway to the High Arctic!

Leaving civilization behind, we will set sail to the high Arctic, navigating along majestic mountains and valleys carved by powerful glaciers, until will reach the fabled 80° North.

Svalbard’s surrounding waters are sheltered by expansive conservation efforts, including marine sanctuaries, protected zones, and strict fishing regulations. These pristine environments support an abundance of life, creating exceptional chances to witness Arctic wildlife in one of the last truly wild places on Earth.

Exceptional chances to witness Arctic wildlife

At this time of the year,polar bears are on the move in search of seals, their primary prey, and walruses are resting on the shore or ice floes in social herds. These are some of the remarkable criatures that rule this harsh place. Along the cliffs and shorelines, vast noisy colonies of seabirds—including guillemots, puffins, and kittiwakes—nest and feed. Every encounter is a glimpse into a delicate, ice-dependent ecosystem.

Awaken your sailor´s spirit

From the northernmost reaches of this Arctic archipelago, we’ll chart a course westward, crossing the open ocean on a multi-day sail toward the towering edge of the Greenland ice sheet. As we leave the shelter of Svalbard behind, the voyage becomes fully immersive—guests will join in the rhythm of the boat, standing watch, taking the helm, and assisting with sail handling alongside the crew. With wind in the sails and nothing but sea and sky ahead, this stretch offers not just adventure, but the deep satisfaction of true expedition sailing.

Following the path of the Greenlandic ice sheet

The adventure continue descending along the ice edge, venturing into the unexplored, tracing the path of the Greenland ice sheet with the dominant current at our back, which guide us home. Here, the Arctic may reveal its most intimate and sacred wonders. These nutrient-rich waters by the ice shelf are lifelines for iconic Arctic wildlife. As we glide silently through floating ice, we will put our intention into finding the many majestic creatures that depend on sea ice and roam these fragile ecosystems to survive.

Citizen Science and Whale acoustic research

From apex predators like the polar bears, seals, and migratory giants such as humpback whales, fin whales, blue whales or even rare bowhead whales and narwhals are known to be tied to the ice shelf and its movements. With every passing mile, the landscape transforms—dramatic, challenging, shaped by the ever changing ice and the arctic weather patterns.

Given the advantage that Tilvera is equipped with a towing acoustic recorder, we will deply the device and report meaningul acoustic along with visual data (photoidentification), on whales along the journey.

We often drop a dipping hydrophone to listen to the ice, the whales and the seals, another dimension to explore!

As we sail south and the ice begins to recede, we may have the chance to explore a remote fjord along East Greenland’s rugged coast. Known for its immense mountain ranges, towering glaciers, and dramatic beauty, this region remains locked in sea ice for much of the year. If conditions allow, we’ll anchor in a secluded bay—offering a rare glimpse into one of the Arctic’s most isolated and inspiring landscapes.

Ultimately, we’ll make our final crossing toward Iceland—our destination and the home of whales. This time of year offers excellent chances to encounter migrating whales in these rich waters

Discover the rich waters of the Northeast Iceland Hope Spot!

If time and wind allow, we could explore the coasts of Northeast Iceland. June is the prime time for wildlife in Iceland brings excellent opportunities to observe thriving seabird life, including huge colonies of Atlantic puffins, elegant gannets, agile guillemots, skuas, and the remarkable Arctic tern, famous for its pole-to-pole migration. Marine life is just as active—humpback and minke whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins, are often seen. With some luck, we may even spot fin whales or the elusive blue whale, drawn here by rich feeding grounds.

Húsavík, our home town and home of the whales!

Once we arrive in Húsavík, our home port, we will be eager to show you around, as there is a lot to do!

You can always dive deeper into the world of whales at the local whale museum, stop by our Ocean Missions room to explore this inspiring conservation work, or take a peaceful hike to the nearby lighthouse, to enjoy a drink together in the hot tub and celebrate the end of an amazing life time experience!

Iceland is a land of quiet wonder, where solitude in nature is never far. Welcome to our small, beautiful corner of the world.

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What is included?

– Professional guidance and passionate crew
– All boat fees, including permissions to visit Svalbard
– Delicious and healthy food
– Bed sheets and towels
– Possibility to learn about sailing and participate in the boat’s daily tasks
– Landings and zodiak cruises to further explore the remote
– Sea kayaks and life jackets
– An inspiring library with guides and great books about the Arctic regions

What is not included?

– Flights to Longyearbyen and transportation from Húsavík