Wildlife and Isfjorden boat safari

This is a low-intensity tour suitable for those with a normal physical condition. You will be sitting on a seat the whole way but you need to be able to get in and out of the RIB boat as well as hold on.

On this tour we actively scout for local Arctic wildlife. Depending on the tour, you have a high chance of spotting the different Arctic nesting sea birds like the little auk, brünnich’s guillemot, nortern fulmar and also puffins. Please be aware that the wildlife is wild which means we do not have any guarantee of spotting specific wildlife. 

We will never be able to gurantee what kind of wildlife we will spot but whenever the sceneray calls for a photograph we will stop. 

Yes, pick up and drop-off in Longyearbyen or at the cruise port is included in the price.

Our guide will pick you up directly at your chosen pick up point.

Please be ready outside the hotel entrance 5 minutes before the scheduled tour start. Please have patience as we might need to pick up from several locations. 

If you have pick up at the cruise port please be ready at the fence entrance to the cruise area. 

Yes, but we have an age limit of 8 years old. 

The most important thing is that your child wants to join.

We have several departure times so you can choose which one will be best for you. We will pick you up directly at the cruise port by the fence entrance to the cruise area and service building. Please wait here for pick up. We will also get you back to the cruise ship at the end of the tour. If you do have any questions or requests please feel free to reach out on booking@backyardsvalbard.com

For safety reasons, all passengers must be able to understand and communicate in English. If this is not possible, the passenger must be accompanied by someone who is fluent in this language.

Please contact us directly if you have a request for a different language and we’ll check the possibilities. 

Svalbard is normally between +1 to +10 degrees during the summertime so you need to dress in warm layers, preferably windproof and waterproof outer clothing. Fleece and wool as middle layer is always recommended. Otherwise a hat, gloves, boots, sunglasses, a small backpack for personal items. We will provide the last outer layer for water protection. 

Safety is our absolute priority. The certified guide will carry firearms. On our tours on Spitsbergen we do not intend to spot polar bears or be anywhere near on this tours. 

Wildlife is not something you simply tick off a list. This is an exclusive small group experience to maximize your adventure.

You came to feel what it is like to look for wildlife and not just go on a sightseeing trip. It is about giving you the time, space and expert eyes to experience Svalbard as a place where wildlife still lives on its own terms. 

Normally the weather is good for sailing during the summer months on Svalbard.

In summer, the average temperatures are between +3°C and +8°C and the weather can change quickly, so don’t forget to put on warm clothing and windproff clothing underneath the flotation suit that you will borrow from us. We also recommend that you wear a warm hat and mittens as well as bring an extra sweater in your backpack (or waterproff packing bag). We can’t be held responsible for any damage that may occur to your personal equipment.

Your safety is our priority. If weather conditions make the boattrip too dangerous, the guide will assess the situation and may adjust the itinerary or postpone parts of the tour for. So we recommend that this tour should be in the beginning of your stay so you have flexibility. 

Yes, we highly recommend booking your expedition in advance. Early booking guarantees your spot and allows us to tailor the experience to your needs.

You are welcome to book a private tour. We know you look forward to do a tour and for public tours on Svalbard you are always at the mercy of minimum numbers (with all companies). If not enough people sign up, the tour doesn’t happen, so with us you can always request to book the tour as private to make sure the tour will happen and then the boat tour will be 100% yours. Please contact us for price and availability