Sail to the Edge of the World with PONANT Explorations
Far above the Arctic Circle, between 76° and 80° North, lies Spitsbergen – “pointed mountains” rising dramatically from the sea. For seven unforgettable days, PONANT invites you to explore this remote and pristine wilderness, where glaciers crackle, seabirds circle the skies, and Arctic wildlife roams freely.
From Longyearbyen’s colourful houses to the silence of the polar desert, each day reveals new wonders: drifting ice, vast fjords, reindeer on the tundra, and the possibility of encountering the ultimate symbol of the Arctic – the polar bear. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll experience nature at its most powerful, fragile, and awe-inspiring.
$15,360*
Itinerary
Day 1
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
Days 2-3
Set sail for southwest Spitsbergen, immerse yourself in this environment unlike any other and explore its unexpected riches. In this natural sanctuary, the polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea. Follow in the footsteps of the first explorers and admire the majestic fjords and glaciers sculpting the breathtaking landscapes, their icy waters shimmering beneath the midnight sun. The fjords, veritable cathedrals of ice, reveal their millennial secrets, while the glaciers, like sleeping giants, move slowly towards the sea, setting free sparkling icebergs. On the water, you might spot belugas and rorquals, while on the shores, seals and Arctic foxes add a touch of mystery to this living tableau, where the steep cliffs become breeding grounds for thousands of seabirds, like guillemots. Southwest Spitsbergen is an ode to nature in its rawest and purest form.
Day 4
Your captain will sail right up to the limit of the ice, to the edge of the ice floe. Weather conditions and state of the ice allowing, you will be able to go out in a zodiac dinghy for a unique experience in the middle of these floating slabs of ice. In addition to this grandiose journey through the middle of these floes with their cut and blue-tinged edges, sometimes over 2 metres thick, it is also often an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe: birds, seals and polar bears.
Day 5 & 6
A kingdom of contrasts and natural marvels dotted with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen fascinates with its preserved beauty. On these pristine lands, infinity unveils itself, treating the eyes to beauty sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. The fjords bathed by icy waters, the jagged mountains and the imposing glaciers stand majestically before you, like monumental sculptures. In these lands, where souls are filled with deep serenity, only the murmur of broken ice, bearing mysteries and legends, disturbs the calmness. Aboard our Zodiacs and in the company of naturalist-guides, get as close as possible to this unique fauna and discover this centre for scientific expedition departures. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through the glacial waters, whereas seals, walrus and Arctic foxes add a playful touch of life. As Svalbard reindeer wander the vast expanses, Arctic terns liven up the polar sky with their gracious flight and polar bears, which you may be lucky enough to see, patrol magnificently along the icy shores.
Day 7
During your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don’t miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world!
Day 8
Highlights
- Explore Spitsbergen, a wild and isolated territory on the edge of the High Arctic.
- Discover the landscapes (rugged mountains, ice cap, vertiginous walls, glaciers, etc.) and the wildlife (opportunities to glimpse or observe polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, cetaceans, seabirds, etc.).
- Activities: opportunities for dinghy outings and shore visits with your naturalist guides, hikes, learn about the history of Spitsbergen, etc.
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Terms & Conditions
*All prices & availability are correct at time of release (28/8/2025), and are strictly subject to change without notice. Advertised price is based on per person twin share. Price based on 25/7/26 departure in a Deluxe Stateroom. The Ponant Bonus discount is subject to availability and can change without prior notice. Accommodation is based on twin share at Pullman Paris Roissy CDG or similar. Accommodation offer valid until 31/10/2025. Any offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. Standard booking, payment, and cancellation conditions apply. Itineraries are subject to change, and operation is subject to weather conditions, prevailing conditions, and local arrangements that may cause variation. Travel insurance is recommended; please ask us for a quote. Payment by credit card attracts a merchant fee. We act as an agent on behalf of the travel supplier/provider. Our Terms & Conditions are in addition to the Terms and Conditions of each Travel Supplier listed; the Travel supplier/provider determines the terms of cancellation and refunds, if any. Full terms and conditions are provided at the time of booking.