Wildlife and Isfjorden safari
Experience the Arctic wildlife and Isfjorden on this 3-hour RIB boat tour. This tour combines visiting bird cliffs, watching spectacular nature and experiencing some of the sights Isfjorden have to offer.
Highlights for wildlife & Isfjorden RIB
- RIB boat safari
- Get close to nature - Fjord, abondoned towns & wildlife
- The bird cliffs with 100.000 birds
- Possibility to spot eg. a puffin, whale, walrus and seal
- Intimate 360° wildlife view
- A photography paradise with dramatic landscapes
- Hot drinks on Isfjorden
- Arctic adventure with a professional Arctic boat guide
From pick up to drop off
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
Discover Svalbard by sea on a private boat tour
What you can look forward to...
We navigate in open RIB boats to give you an intimate, safe and respectful way to observe Arctic wildlife and an unobstructed connection to nature that larger vessels simply cannot replicate. Svalbard looks like a peaceful postcard with the spectacular views and amazing Arctic wildlife.
Program for the RIB boat tour
Pick up and briefing
Our guide greets you with a convenient pickup from your accommodation. We will then go to our headoffice to get dressed in a flotation suit, life jacket, boots, googles and mittens to keep you warm and dry allowing you to focus on the boat adventure ahead. We will also have a briefing before we head to the harbor.
The wildlife spotting begins
We will sail out into Isfjorden towards the massive bird cliffs. They are placed between Longyearbyen and Barentsburg. You will feel the exhilirating movement as the boat cuts the waves. From the sea we can watch the majestic cliffs that rise vertically from the ocean where thousands of puffins and Brünnich’s guillemots are nesting in a bustling sanctuary.
Svalbard has a rich wildlife and the water beneath us hide wildlife wonders of their own. Keep your eyes into the horizon as the white Beluga whales are thriving in Isfjorden and Adventfjorden where we will be sailing so you might spot the breaching backs of whales, curious seals or maybe even a walrus.
Ghost towns and hot drinks
Further up the coast we will pass by the ruins of the abandoned mining town, Grumant, which is trapped in time. Here we can see the remains of the wooden buildings still standing. Today the inhabitants are the Arctic foxes hunting along the ruins and Svalbard reindeer grazing between the old hourses. This is like a forgotten world.
The view of Longyearbyen
A smooth sailing takes us back across Isfjorden towards Adventfjorden and we will have the view of Longyearbyen in front of us. As you step of the poat you'll have saltwater on your boots, incredible photos and memories of the raw beautiful landscape and wildlife you have spottet. We will then go take off our gear and drop you off at your chosen accommodation.
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 diverse Arctic wildlife, and you may have the chance to spot animals depending on season like birds (puffins), reindeer, whales, walrus, seals, and even polar bears from a distance. 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.
- Puffins and birds from May to early August
- 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.
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)
- Beanie and thin buff
- Thin mittens (if possible waterproof)
- Sunglasses
- Bottle with water
- Note: If you use glasses we recommend you to wear contact lenses instead if possible.
- Backpack: Preferably waterproof bag for extra clothing and personal items like a camera
- Camera
Save your spot
For wildlife & Isfjorden 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.
