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Minicruise to Ny Ålesund - with Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

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All Svalbard locals receive a 30% discount on our mini-cruises in 2027. 

Use the code LOCAL27​ when reserving your ticket.

At boarding, please be ready to show proof of residency (alcohol-card or declaration from the tax office).

A 4 day cruise on board Ylva

DAY 1

We receive you on board at 13:00, and set sail from Longyearbyen when everyone is settled in their cabins. 

We are headed west and out of Isfjorden, towards the sound between Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland. On the way to Kongsfjorden, we anchor up in a cozy bay for the first night. We might go to Trygghamna - where sailors have sought shelter for ages, just across from the famous Isfjord Radio Station. Or we might go to Farmhamna, well known for its trapping station.

Here we will enjoy our first dinner together, and perhaps take a dip in the ocean or go for an evening stroll on the beaches before bedtime.

DAY 2

After a delicious breakfast, we set sail for Ny Ålesund. On the way, we might spot the walrus colony on Poolepynten as we enjoy the panoramic view of Prins Karls Forland. 

Upon arrival in Ny Ålesund, everyone can stretch their legs and explore the settlement, while the crew prepares a lovely dinner on board.

DAY 3

If you haven't yet explored the charming settlement of Ny Ålesund, this is the morning to do so. The local museum is always open, so here you can dive into some interesting polar history. We also recommend a visit to the old telegraph station that has been preserved.

Around 11:00, we sail for different anchor on our way back towards Isfjorden. Here we fire up the hot tub on deck (as long as the weather allows), and enjoy our last evening together.

DAY 4

Now it is time to find our way back to civilization again, through the beautiful Isfjorden of Spitsbergen. We aim to arrive back at Longyearbyen around 16:00.

Read more about our Svalbard Mini-Cruises here.

Prices

Bunk cabin berth - NOK 24.500,-

Double cabin - NOK 25.500,-

20% deposit when booking, balance due 30 days before departure.-

Nice to know

Here are some common questions from our guests.

We provide a full board to all our guests on Ylva, and it is our goal that your experience with us is one of warmth and comfort.

We serve 3 delicious meals each day; Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Usually, lunch is taken on the slopes, and we provide options to pack and bring your own from the boat in cooperation with the guide. There is always snacks and fruits available should you feel the need for more energy. Coffee, tea, juice and milk is complementary. Beer and wine is for sale on board.

Your bunk is equipped with comfortable linen and a warm down duvet. There are towels and soaps for your use in your bathroom.

Sailing in the Arctic can be cold and windy in winter. However, Ylva is a large boat, and only rarely will there be much sea spray over deck. Your skiing gear - goretex trousers and jackets, with proper woolen layers as well as mid-layers underneath, will usually be sufficient.

However, Ylva has an indoor steering house, so going on deck to work the sails is only done during manouvers and sail changes, and assisting the crew in these phases is a voluntary experience.

Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) is reachable only from the Norwegian mainland. The carriers that serve the route are Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian. You may find flights from Tromsø (TOS), but the easiest is to fly directly from Oslo (OSL).

Norway abides by the Svalbard Treaty that grants rights to citizens of signatore states equal rights on the island. Therefore, Svalbard is not part of Schengen even though the rest of Norway is. Make sure you bring your passport. If you do not, you may be refused boarding.

Once you land in Longyearbyen, you will find both local buses and taxis available at the airport. The town centre is only a 5 minutes drive away.

Yes, each cabin has a private shower and toilet, except one of the forward cabins (nr. 2) that shares these with the guides. Towels and toiletries are provided.

Indeed there is!

We fill it up with sea water and heat it with a wood-burning stove. Our goal is to fire it up at least a couple of times each trip. The stove can comfortably hold six people, but a couple more can fit between good friends.

On a boat, we strongly recommend that you pack in soft bags that can be rolled up and stowed away. A suitcase would pose a problem to store in your cabin.

If you are a used to nordic climate, you are probably well aware of how to dress in winter conditions. Just make sure you keep in mind that the wind in Norway can be strong, adding to the other challenges of low temperatures and humidity.


Summary of Booking Terms

Please read and accept the full Terms & Conditions before confirming your booking.

Below is a short summary of the main points:

  1. Travel to the vessel
    You are responsible for arranging and paying for your own travel to and from the embarkation port. 
  2. Minimum number of guests
    Each tour requires a minimum number of participants.
    If this number is not reached, the tour may be cancelled, and you will receive a full refund or rebooking offer. This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants.
  3. Insurance requirement
    You must have valid travel insurance covering cancellation, medical treatment, and evacuation from ports within the tour area. 
  4. Safety and behavior
    The Captain is the ultimate authority on board.
    Guests must follow all crew instructions and act responsibly.
    The use of illegal drugs or bringing your own alcohol is strictly prohibited and may result in disembarkation without refund.
  5. Changes of itinerary
    Itineraries may change due to weather or operational reasons.
    We will always strive to provide the best possible experience in a safe manner.