North Svalbard – Wildlife Reconnect

Embarking / Disembarking: Longyearbyen pier

Welcome aboard Tilvera — “our existence.” This journey has a purpose: to break through the noise and rediscover our connection to the ocean and the wind. We sail not only to explore, but to learn, to fall in love with the natural world, and ultimately, to protect what we love

we stand for nature!

“In the heart of the Arctic lies Svalbard, a changing world
Light and dark, sea and land, plants and animals, trapping and mining, tourism and research, residents and visitors, industry and conservation
Nothing ever stands still in Svalbard – the last stop before the North Pole”.

“A frozen desert of isolation in the High Arctic, where the silence is broken only by the sounds of calving glaciers, the call of thousands of seabirds, or the crack of the shifting ice floes—a reminder of the wild beauty and power of the natural world“

Our journey begins 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 charming Arctic town is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, polar research, like-minded community, and historical ties to coal mining. Blending contemporary comforts with the harsh nature, it stands as a starting point for exploration and adventure in the High Arctic.

As we venture north and leave civilization behind, we step into another world, connect with the surroundings, and awaken our senses. With every mile we cover, the terrain transforms into majestic mountains and valleys carved by powerful glaciers, full of ancient stories to be shared. Each moment is a reminder of the delicate balance of life in this remote and fragile ecosystem.

But the beauty of Svalbard is not just in its landscapes, but in the amazing animals that call this land home. Svalbard’s surrounding seas are safeguarded by vast marine protections. With national parks, nature reserves, and a fishery protection zone, these waters remain a sanctuary where life thrives. Here, wildlife thrives undisturbed, offering rare and unique opportunities to encounter wildlife.

As we venture deeper into the polar ice, we may encounter polar bears. Polar bears can be found anywhere across the Svalbard archipelago, and they are constantly on the move in their ever-changing world. Observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat reminds us of our responsibility as humans to protect the Arctic and its species.

Svalbard reindeer, a unique subspecies of wild reindeer and the world’s northernmost herbivorous mammals, often graze on the tundra. Arctic foxes, the true survivors, can cope with the most inhospitable surroundings and follow closely the steps of the bears. They can have either white or blue fur, and both colour morphs are found in Svalbard.

The protected waters around Svalbard are nutrient-rich in plankton and krill, attracting giant whales, including the “white whales” (belugas), minke whales, and sometimes even the largest of all of them can be seen: the majestic blue whales! Curious walruses, ringed seals, and harbour seals often lie in the ice and can be heard from the ship. At this time of the year, sea birds come back to their colonies by the cliffs for the nesting period, and the number of them can be overwhelming, from the cute little auks, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, skuas, arctic terns, eider ducks and many others.

Each encounter with these remarkable creatures deepens our connection to this extraordinary environment, making every moment in Svalbard unforgettable.

Given the advantage that Tilvera is equipped with scientific equipment, we often drop a dipping hydrophone to listen to the ice and the seals, another dimension to explore!

Our journey through Svalbard teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, respect for nature, and the power of adventure. As we stand at the world’s edge, exploring through the ice, we realize that we are part of something greater—a shared experience that transcends boundaries and ignites our spirit of exploration.

In the end, Svalbard is not just a destination; it’s a journey of the heart, an awakening of the soul, and an invitation to embrace our planet’s wild beauty.

Read about this wonderful encounter with polar bears in our expedition to Svalbard in 2023: https://tilvera.world/2023/09/04/polar-bears-in-raudfjorden-svalbard/

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 and from Longyearbyen