Sail & Explore expedition: Discovering the bewildering Arctic landscape - Backyard Svalbard

Welcome to an incredible sailing experience with our Varuna. Departing from Longyearbyen, where you will be embarking into an Arctic sailing expedition with an experienced team, onboard a sturdy, adapted and very comfortable sailboat.

Our sailing experiences in Svalbard can last from 4 and 15 days depending on your program. 

Onboard and ashore, you will be hosts to Lionel Lemonchois, a world-class skipper, as well as to our professional guide with extensive knowledge of the regions we visit, from weather patterns to wildlife, local usances and culture. Our First Mate and Chef will make sure that you find yourself at ease and comfort onboard.

As we are well into the territory of adventure, we have well established safety protocols aboard and onshore, as well as defined high standards of safety gear.

We sail in small groups, limited to 6 guests. comfort, personalized attention from the crew, easy walk through and unencumbered use of amenities. A small group ensures flexibility in the choice of landing spots and smoothness during embarking / disembarking, maximizing time spent exploring onshore.

Age limit: 12 years

The Sailing Ship Varuna
Our sailing boat is autonomous and very energy efficient: with a large sail area and efficient hull line, we set sail under the lightest breeze. When necessary, our range under engine alone exceeds 1‘500 nautical miles. We produce our own portable water from the sea through a 240L/h water-maker feeding 1‘700L water tanks, and a 2Kw solar panel installation covers most needs.

Bespoke wooden interiors, warm and welcoming, with four double-berth cabins, each with en-suite heads and showers. Individual heating, lights and power supply. First mate and chef will spoil you with delicious meals using local specialties coupled with carefully matched wines. 

Program:
Depending on the length of the stay, we will explore the Isfjord, a system of multiple fjord branches and pyramid shaped mountains coming down to the water, where we have a choice of fjords and anchorages such as Grønfjorden, Billefjorden, Trygghamna.

We can visit Grumant, an abandoned Russian settlement, Finneset (site of a former Norwegian whaling station), or Alkhornet’s WWII observation center as well interesting geological formations or spend some time birdwatching in the amazing birdcliff.

If you choose a longer stay we can sail up to Prins Karls Forland and the fjords Kongsfjorden, Krossfjorden and Magdalenefjorden, where you can enjoy the striking scenery, dominated by peaks and glaciers running into the sea.

We cannot guarantee wildlife, but in our experience, you will have a very good chance to spot whales, seals and some hauling-out place for walruses. With some luck during your expedition, you will also encounter the King of the Arctic, the polar bear.

Prices include
- Stay onboard the ship for the specified travel duration
- Professional skipper, first mate and a professional guide
- Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
- Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
- Bedding and towels
- Onboard food, snacks, hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages
- Fuel and all port dues

Prices exclude
- Air fares to and from departure point
- Insurance (personal medical, travel, cancellation, etc)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
- Trekking clothing
- Voice and data communication using onboard equipment
- Entry fees into parks, museums, etc.

Contact us if you have questions:
Mail: booking@backyardsvalbard.com
Tel: +47 458 56 286

Read as well:  https://www.backyardsvalbard.com/en/seilogexplore/