RIB Safari Along the Ice Edge
with Svalbard Adventures
About the tour
Travel by boat in the footsteps of historical explorers as we cross the Isfjord and head northwest of Spitsbergen. A rich diversity of wildlife, glaciers and blue ice formations await us.
In May, a long and cold winter is coming to an end. The Midnight Sun makes the days long and bright. This is the month where the onset of spring is marked by the return of migrating birds to the Svalbard archipelago. As the snow melts and the sea ice breaks up, it’s time for a new boating season to begin.
At this time of year, the fjords around Isfjorden are still covered in ice. It gives us perfect conditions to drive along the edge of the ice to scout for wildlife in beautiful surroundings. This trip has no planned route, but the guide will always choose the best route based on the conditions and the trip goes west towards Ymerbukta or Yoldiabukta. In other words, today’s goal is to hunt for the best experiences.
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Notice the rock formations and geology around Longyearbyen, which are in sharp contrast to the area we are about to visit. The distinctive rock formations and sharp peaks we encounter provide a historical outline of what the Dutch explorer Willem Barentz encountered when he discovered Svalbard in 1596. He named the place Spitsbergen (meaning ‘pointed mountain’ in Dutch), which is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago.
Close-up experiences
This exciting sea-based experience offers a combination of speed, sea spray and close-up nature-based experiences. We cross the Isfjord in our open rigid inflatable boats (RIB) and set course for the mountain range in the northwest. The first thing we notice on arrival is the incredible silence, which is only broken by the sound of ice floes and waves touching on the boat.
We keep an eye out for wildlife along the ice edge while we are served a light lunch. Perhaps a seal will emerge from below the surface and give you a curious look? Don’t forget your camera. There are countless photo opportunities and the chances are high that the landscape has changed the next time you turn around!
Physical Requirements/Difficulty Grading System
Suitable for average physical fitness.
Practical information
Included in the trip
Dress in layers – it’s the best way to stay warm. Remember: it is better to be too warm than to be too cold. And also – there is no bad weather, just bad clothing!
- Transport to and from the accommodation
- Floating suit, life vest, shoes and goggles
- Guide with safety equipment
- Search and rescue insurance
- Warm lunch, hot drinks and biscuits
Important Information
- We do not recommend this tour if you are pregnant or have back problems
- For safety reasons, all passengers must be able to understand and communicate in either Norwegian or English. If this is not possible, the passenger must be accompanied by someone who is fluent in one of these languages
- Age limit: 10 years, or 14 years if the passenger is not accompanied by an adult.Height restriction: inseam of least 74 cm.
- We recommend warm clothing to wear under the floating suit such as wool underwear, wool socks, thick sweater and windproof outer clothing
- A small backpack for extra clothing and other items
- Please state any food allergies or other preferences
- For safety reasons, the route may change due to weather, wind and ice conditions
Cancellation Policy
- 22+ days beforeFull refund
- 21–8 days before50% cancellation fee
- 7–0 days before or no-showNo refund
Read the full terms
Individual Activity Bookings & Cancellations:
The full price of your activity is payable at the time of booking.
Based on the start date of the earliest product in your booking, the following cancellation charges apply:
22 days or more before: full refund
21 – 8 days before: 50% cancellation fee
7 – 0 days before or no-show: no refund; if unpaid, the outstanding amount will still be due.
