Walrus and glacier safari
with RIB boat
Get ready to cross off your Arctic bucket list when we hope to see the iconic walrus in its natural habitat and the massive glacierfront on this 4-hour open RIB boat tour.
Highlights for walrus & Glacier safari
- Observe walrusses in their natural habitat
- Experience a massive glacier
- Open RIB boat safari
- Possibility to spot eg. whales and seals
- Intimate 360° wildlife view
- A photography paradise with dramatic landscapes
- Hot drinks on Isfjorden
- Arctic adventure with a professional Arctic boat guide
From Longyearbyen across Isfjorden to Borebukta and Borebreen (glacier)
From pick up to drop off
Only during summer
Please be ready 5 minutes before pickup outside your hotel entrance. Please have patience as we might need to pick up from several locations.
You must be able to walk and get in and out of the RIB boat as well as be able to sit in a saddle seat.
This tour is not for you if you have backproblems, is pregnant, or have severe mobility or balance issues.
You can read more about difficulty levels here:
See difficulty level description for Svalbard tours here
You can see what’s included here
Welcome to the edge of the inhabited world
What you can look forward to...
For those who traveled to 78° North to have the open RIB experience: Exhilirating movement, untamed wildlife and a lifetime story.
Program for the RIB boat tour
Pick up and briefing
Our guide will pick you up from your accommodation. At our headoffice, we will dress you in a flotation suit, life jacket, boots, googles and mittens. You are now warm and windproof as a polar explorer. We will have a briefing before we head to the harbor.
The heaviest giants of the Arctic
We leave Adventfjorden behind and sail into Isfjorden, navigating towards the walrus colony in Borebukta. The wind can be cold and crisp. Tucked safely inside your thermal flotation suit the crisp air become a rush of pure adrenaline.
You came to hear the ice crack and observe the heaviest giants of the Arctic. You came to feel the Arctic elements. We hope to do so but always need to remember that wildlife is wild and the Arctic rules the elements.
This is not a slow, heated sightseeing cruise. This is a small-group expedition designed for those who want to breathe in the crisp polar air, and experience the true, vibrating energy of the Arctic ocean.
Because the RIB boat sits low on the water, you get a kind of front-row seat to observe the walrus. Hopefully we will find walrusses at the colony. They like to pick out a favorite spot where they can relax. Watch these massive 1,5 ton creatures grunt, dive, swim and sunbathing completely undisturbed by our quiet presence.
The thunder of calving ice
We navigate through the water to reach the colossal wall of ice - the glacier. The silence is profound for the whole trip as only the engine and cracling ice is making a sound. You can hear the the thousands-of-years-old floating ice popping in water.
Along the way your guide will serve you a warm drink. With the fresh sea spray on your cheeks, and most spectacular views, it will be the most memorable drink of your life.
The view of Longyearbyen
We make a smooth run back across the fjord, get you out of your gear, and drive you back to your hotel.
The Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions about your experience — what to bring, how to prepare, and what to anticipate on the journey. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are here to help!
1. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, we highly recommend booking your expedition in advance. Early booking guarantees your spot and allows us to tailor the experience to your needs.
2. Can I join a if I’m traveling solo?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome!
3. Will I see wildlife?
Svalbard is home to walrus colonies as they like to find themselves a nice relaxing place to sunbathing. You may have the chance to spot this giant from a distance on our tours. However, wildlife is wild and sightings are not guaranteed, and safety precautions are always in place when in polar bear territory.
4. What kind of wildlife will I have the chance to see
A lot of our guests request when it’s possible to see wildlife. This question can be difficult to answer as the wildlife is …wild.
- Whales from May to September. The most common is the humpbackwhale and belugas. You can also be lucky to spot fin whales, minke whales and in rare orcations blue whales
- Walrusses from May to early August
5. What kind of weather can I expect?
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.
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.
6. Do I need travel- and cancellation insurance?
Yes, you need a travel- and cancellation insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations. It’s essential to ensure you’re covered in case of unforeseen events during your Arctic adventure.
7. How do I get to Svalbard?
You can fly into Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, via connecting flights from Oslo or Tromsø with SAS or Norwegian.
8. How long is the ride to the walrus colony?
Thanks to our RIB boats, the crossing os Isfjorden take approx. 45 to 60 minutes depending on weather.
9. Will there be a toilet?
No, this is an open RIB boat which means there is no toilet for the time being on the tour. You will get a change to go to the toilet before putting on your flotation suit.
Packing list
Here you can find the information for what to wear, what to bring and practical tips for the tour.
- Outdoor clothes (Pants & jacket – softshell)
- Wool underwear
- Warm socks (thin merino wool)
- Hat, beanie and thin buff
- Thin mittens (if possible waterproof)
- Small backpack: Preferably waterproof bag for personal items like a camera and tissues
- Sunglasses
- Bottle with water
- Camera
- Note: If you use glasses we recommend you to wear contact lenses instead if possible.
Save your spot
Walrus & Glacier cruise RIB boat tour
Included
• Transportation from/to hotel:
Please wait outside the main entrance of your hotel 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time
• Flotation suit
• Life jacket
• Goggles
• Mittens
• Rubberboots
• Hot drink
• Private guided tour with captain.
• Safety equipment
Not included
• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Accommodation in Longyearbyen
• Travel & cancellation insurance
• Flights (you can book via SAS or Norwegian)
Practical information
• The itinerary is always weather dependent and the tour/activity can be modified or cancelled due to safety concerns. Please see conditions.
• Upon booking we recommend that you send information regarding clothing size.
• It is important that you understand and speak English or is in the group with others who do. If this is not respected you can be denied in participating and you are not entitled to a refund.
• We have a 0‰ alcohol tolerance for this tour. If this is not respected, you cannot participate in the tour and you are not entitled to a refund.
Your Arctic day at sea awaits
Every journey is unique. The Arctic nature sets the rhythm, and we we do our best to make sure you experience the best of it – a safely, comfortable adventure.
