Wildlife Wilderness Camp - Explore the Glacier

© John Niclas Forsmark, Jarle Røssland, Christopher O Neil

Difficulty level (out of 5): 

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*Minimum 4 (out of 6) participants above 18 years old:

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• July to August
• At 07:30am
• 3 days (change to 4 days)
• 16 years*​

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No experience with glaciers or kayaking is required as our guide will give the individual training and guidance. The trip is moderately demanding in terms of physical fitness. The hikes take place in rugged terrain with a lot of sand/stone as a base, so sturdy hiking boots are required. It will also be natural for the participants to take part in the daily camp work such as polar bear watch, cooking, fetching water and washing dishes.

Max. size for dry suit: XXL

Max. height: 195 cm

Max. circumference (kayak cockpit): 130 cm

Price includes:

• Transport round trip
• Food
• Tent
• Sleeping mat
• Personal kayak clothing such as a drysuit and life jacket
• Necessary equipment for glacier hiking
• Guide with necessary safety equipment

Recommend to bring:

• Good, warm and sealed hiking boots
• Warm clothes
• Cold drink
• Camera in waterproof bag
• Backpack
• Sleeping bag*

*NOK 600 sleeping bag rental

After booking confirmation, you will receive our complete recommended equipment list for this expedition.

We serve hot meals. Bring your own packed lunches if needed.

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Larger luggage can be stored in our warehouse or in your accommodation's luggage room.

Extra clothing and equipment: Arctica

Join us on an unforgettable three days' adventure into the heart of the Svalbard wilderness, where you'll be hours away from civilization and people. Nestled in the stunning location of Ymerbukta, this trip offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, hiking, and glacier walking. All the necessary equipment for these activities is provided, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without any worries.

We'll camp in tents for the entire duration of the trip, allowing you to truly connect with the rugged Arctic nature. Get ready to encounter unique wildlife in their natural habitat and experience the true essence of the wilderness. This environment requires a certain amount of adaptability and flexibility, but no prior technical skills are needed.

To ensure everyone's safety, guests and guides alike will participate in shifts for polar bear watch at night, as Ymerbukta falls within the habitat of this iconic animal. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy some alone time with a fantastic backdrop. This trip is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquillity in equal measure.

Day 1:

Our adventure begins with a pick-up at 7:30 AM from your accommodation. We'll start with a briefing at our storage facility, during which we will make sure everyone has all the necessary equipment, before driving to the harbour, where we'll board a boat bound for Ymerbukta, crossing the Isfjorden. The journey takes about two hours, after which we'll transfer to shore using zodiacs.

Once we arrive at our destination, we'll set up camp together, learning the best practices for pitching tents and organising our site. After settling in, we'll spend the day familiarising ourselves with the surroundings and will also embark on a short kayak trip. Our guides will demonstrate the proper kayaking techniques and provide supervision to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. In the evening, we'll review the weather forecast and plan our activities for the next day before heading to bed, ready for the adventures ahead!

Day 2:

After a hearty breakfast, we'll head towards the Esmark Glacier, with its imposing front. Donning our glacier equipment, including crampons and harnesses, we'll hike onto the glacier under the guidance of our guides. They'll share essential techniques and best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Midday brings a picturesque lunch on the glacier, with stunning views of the mighty glacier formations and the inlet ahead. In the afternoon, we'll make our way back towards the camp, soaking in the serenity of the Arctic landscape. Back at camp, we'll come together to prepare dinner and get ready for bed.

Day 3:

We'll begin the process of breaking down camp, packing away our gear and memories. Before departing, we'll take a short walk in the surrounding area, soaking in the final moments of our stay in Ymerbukta. As our journey draws to a close, the boat will arrive to pick us up, offering a last opportunity to gaze upon the rugged Svalbard landscape. On board, we'll enjoy lunch together and spend a few hours looking for whales in the icy waters of the Isfjorden. We’ll then make our way back to Longyearbyen, where our adventure first began.

Disclaimer

The itinerary for this tour is subject to adjustments based on weather conditions and the fitness or preferences of the group. In Svalbard, weather conditions profoundly influence our operational decisions, guiding our choices at every turn. Additionally, the presence of polar bears near our campsite may necessitate alterations to ensure the safety of both our guests and the local wildlife, as safety remains our foremost priority throughout the expedition.

Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions strongly distances itself from the invasion and war in Ukraine. Barentsburg and Pyramiden are owned and operated by the Russian state-owned Trust Arktikugol, but most of the inhabitants are Ukrainians. By visiting the settlements, you support the Russian state's company. We will not visit any of these settlements.