Sail & Explore Svalbard
Experience Svalbard from an expedition sailing yacht
Join us on our Sail & Explore Svalbard Expedition next year! You will experience breathtaking scenery and extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, reindeer, and birds. Mountains rise straight from the sea, surrounded by stunning glaciers and sea ice. Each day of the journey, we will set sail and anchor in a new bay. The Moondance and its expert team are fully equipped for sailing and exploration adventures in West Spitsbergen, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board from 31st of May to 6th of June 2025!
Trip Summary
Sail & Explore Svalbard
5-6 people
Airport Longyearbyen
Departures
2025
31st May
Location
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is located north of mainland Norway, between latitudes 74°N and 81°N, nestled between the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea. It marks the northernmost stretch of the ocean and is the last land before the North Pole. Many famous explorers have raced to reach this northernmost point on Earth, and Svalbard remains one of the planet’s most remote frontiers.
The best time to sail and explore Svalbard is from May to early June. During this period, you’ll experience endless daylight, low sea ice levels, and the most favorable weather conditions (although weather can change rapidly). The terrain is vast, with nearly 3,200 kilometers of accessible coastline and untouched landscapes. Temperatures during this time range from 0°C to 10°C.
Your journey begins with a flight to Longyearbyen, which is well-connected by daily flights through Oslo and Tromsø. Please note that it is mandatory to arrive at least one day before your departure. For your return, the best option is to book a flight from Longyearbyen in the afternoon or evening on the final day. Convenient airport transfers by bus or taxi can take you to the town or harbor in under 15 minutes.
Longyearbyen
Team
”After working for twenty-five years, I thought it was time to reinvent myself. That is easy to say, but it turned out to be quite an expedition. The solution actually lay in less is more. This gave me the idea of not being connected to anything other than myself and nature for 30 days. This is where I discovered the power of calmness, space and slowing down to reconnect before speeding up. Now I work as a guide at work and a guide in nature and share my experience. What it has brought me is peace, joy and a more valuable life. For myself and for my environment.”
”Backyard Svalbard is a local tour operator in Longyearbyen that offers tailor-made tours for small groups. Erlend is a Trained Arctic nature guide in Longyearbyen, and holds certification from Avalanche Safety Terrain 2 from Canada, in addition to Ski&Skred from Alta. Erlend has worked in Svalbard for 6 years, and he knows many hidden treasures.”
itinerary
YOUR STAY
things to know
niet aanpassen
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What is included and excluded
Included:
Moondance (57ft Koopmans)
6 guests berths
Professional skipper
Svalbard Guide
Land Excursions
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Hot beverages & non-alcoholic
Fuel and all port dues
Dingy rides to the shore
HH Sailing Suits, safety equipment and live vests
Pre departure team video meetings
Excluded:
Flight tickets
First nights’ accomodation in Longyearbyen
Airport transfer
Alcoholic beverages
How do I get there?
The point of embarkation and disembarkation for this journey is Longyearbyen Harbour. As the departure date nears, we will keep you informed of any updates. From 2 pm you are welcome on arrival day and at 10 am we wave you goodbye at departure day. You can easily reach Longyearbyen by flying through Oslo or Tromso.
Recommendations for flying: Google Flights or Skyscanner to find flights and book directly at the Airliner. Norwegian Air or SAS are the most common.
What do I need to bring?
Personal Equipment:
35-40 L backpack (also used for ski touring)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Headlamp
Water bottle (1.5+ liters)
Lunch container
Book to read
Earplugs
Blister kit
Seasickness medication: Scopoderm patches or basic Cinnarzine (optional)
Clothing List:
Fleece or woolen sweater
Merino wool base layer (bring at least 3 sets)
Warm down jacket
Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants
Waterproof shoes and/or boat boots
Multipurpose stretch pants
Warm hat
Face warmer (balaclava, scarf, or neck tube)
Cap for sun protection
Light gloves
Waterproof gloves
Sandals (for walking inside the boat; we don’t wear shoes inside)
Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
There are no laundry facilities during the expedition, so please bring enough clothing to last a week.
We will review this before departing in a video call. We will have spare gear and offer rentals as well. Please pack your belongings in a duffle bag, not a suitcase. Let us know if you need assistance.
How is life on board?
A sailing trip with Moondance Expeditions is a unique experience. We are dependent on the elements, which requires a flexible attitude towards the program, the people, and expectations. In principle, we take the lead and initiative in everything. The captain and the team guides you in their choices and asks for input. Based on our experience, guests feel more involved when they can participate in everyday activities on board. We always ask for a flexible and proactive attitude. The space can sometimes feel small, which is why we will regularly check in with you to ensure everything is meeting your expectations.
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What is on the menu?
During the journey, we provide a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes to ensure your well-being:
Continental breakfast: includes eggs, fresh bread, fruit salad, and more.
Lunch: either premade sandwiches for onshore excursions or a hot meal.
Dinner: a diverse menu featuring self-caught fish, Reindeer, pasta, curry, traditional dishes, Asian cuisine, and more.
Snacks: assortment of cheese, bars, chips, etc.
Please feel free to inform us of any special dietary preferences or requests you may have.
Level of the expedition?
This voyage is open to both newcomers and experienced sailors. Our goal is to refine your sailing skills along the route, and we will tailor our approach to accommodate participants at any skill level. We can strike a balance between challenging and more relaxed itineraries.
What are the terms and conditions?
Please read our Terms & Conditions when booking with us.
Can I charter the full boat with a group or as a guide/company?
We offer various collaboration opportunities and discounts for large groups, guides, tour operators / companies, hosts, and special projects. At Moondance Expeditions you can rent Moondance bare boat or as a full charter. We also work with local partners if you want to charter other boats. Please contact us for more information.
What people say
Trip Summary
Sail & Explore Svalbard
5-6 people
Airport Longyearbyen
Departures
2025
31st May