Isfjord Safari to Coles Bay

Isfjord Safari towards Coles Bay

with Hurtigruten Svalbard

With our open polar circle boats, we drive out on the fjord and set course for Coles Bay. The Arctic landscape is prominent, and it is impossible not to be captivated by the nature that surrounds the boat as it whizzes across Isfjorden. We pass the mining town of Grumant before turning into the sheltered Coles Bay. If the weather is good, we light a fire and have a small barbeque before returning to Longyearbyen. Welcome on board!

A historical and cultural journey to Coles Bay

On this trip we take you on a historical and cultural journey to Coles Bay (Colesbukta), a 4.5 km wide bay on the south side of Isfjorden. Here we find traces that go back to the time of Soviet coal mining in the 1900s. Together with Grumant, Coles Bay was one of the largest mining towns on Svalbard during the Cold War. At the end of the 1950s, more than 1,000 people had their homes and workplaces here. Coles Bay also served as a shipping port for the coal mines in Grumant, which we also will pass on our way.

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Per person	NOK2,490.00

Facts

Difficulty

3 – Average physical fitness

Age limit

14 years

Minimum number of participants

Duration

5 hours

Explore the abandoned buildings

On this trip we go ashore in Coles Bay, where we will walk around to explore the old buildings and look for traces of a bygone era. There are 10-12 larger buildings in the area and several ruins. The old railway line that once linked Coles Bay with Grumant can be found towards northwest and is accessible for hikers. It is clearly visible from the fjord as well, with its characteristic wooden superstructure. The area also has a rich flora, including cloudberries which otherwise is extremely rare on Svalbard.

Included in the trip

• Transport from/to accommodation
• Loan of floating suit
• Boat driver and guide with necessary safety equipment
• Hot drinks, biscuits, and a light meal

Participants must bring warm clothes, a hat and mittens.

How to dress on a boat tour with a Polarcirkel boat

Even though it is summer, it can be cold on Svalbard. Especially when you are on a boat trip in an open polar circle boat. We lend floatation suit, life jackets and goggles to all guests, but we recommend that you dress well underneath.

We recommend:
• Warm shoes
• A thick wool sweater or thin down jacket
• Wool underwear
• Mittens / gloves
• Neck / buff
• Beanie

If you do not have warm shoes, we have a limited selection of boots for loan.

You can experience both rain and sea spray, so we recommend packing camera equipment well, and preferably in a waterproof dry bag. Hurtigruten Svalbard is not responsible for any damage that may occur to your personal equipment.