SVALBARD
SAILING VOYAGE ▲
80° NORTH IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE with Charlee Wild & JOe Shutter.
Guests ON THE SHIP
12 (4 SPOTS LEFT!!!)
Duration
12 Days / 11 nights
departs
Monday, July 14
Returns
Friday, July 25
How to Apply ▲
To join this expedition, start by reading through all the details on this page. Once you’re ready, pay your deposit by clicking the “SIGN UP”. Now your foot is in the door & your trip awaits!
This journey is more than just a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We want everyone who joins to fully understand what makes this expedition so extraordinary, so take your time exploring the information, and we’ll be excited to chat with you!
CHARLEE Wild, Joe shutter & 12 SPECIAL GUESTS WILL BE VENTURING 80° NORTH INTO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON AN ISOLATED SAILING EXPERIENCE ALONG THE RUGGED EAST COAST OF SVALBARD ▲
As spring transforms into the Arctic summer, the sun will rise in Svalbard and never set again until late September. For months, it will glide above the horizon, casting the archipelago in an endless golden glow. This season of perpetual light creates a stage unlike any other, where ice meets sea, and untamed wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see.
This year, I’m inviting you to join us on an extraordinary journey deep into the heart of the Arctic Circle. We’ll venture to the farthest reaches of Svalbard, exploring remote fjords, towering glaciers, and the ethereal ice front of the east. Our course will take us to the seldom-seen wilderness of the Hinlopen Strait, teeming with wildlife and echoing with the stillness of untouched beauty.
On this expedition, we’ll sail beneath the endless kiss of the Arctic sun, surrounded by a world that feels otherworldly yet deeply grounding. We’ll uncover the stories etched into this rugged landscape, from its dramatic glaciers to its complex history and delicate ecosystems. It’s a journey designed to ignite your curiosity and leave you inspired by the raw, unfiltered magic of the Arctic.
Come with an open heart and an adventurous spirit, and let Svalbard show you why it remains one of the planet’s last true frontiers.
CHARLEE WILD ▲
Charlee is an accomplished photographer and seasoned explorer with over six years of experience leading expeditions in the Arctic. Her passion lies in helping photographers capture the stunning beauty of the polar regions while refining their craft and storytelling skills. Charlee’s guidance blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of the Arctic’s unpredictable light and landscapes, inspiring participants to connect with their surroundings and create meaningful images.
Beyond photography, Charlee fosters a sense of humility and respect for the wild places she loves, encouraging her groups to see the Arctic not just as a destination but as a fragile and awe-inspiring ecosystem. She believes in the power of photography to tell important stories and bring people closer to nature.
On this voyage, Charlee will guide participants through Svalbard’s breathtaking scenery, helping them capture glaciers, wildlife, and the endless Arctic light. Her expertise and passion ensure every explorer leaves with remarkable images and unforgettable memories.
Joe Shutter ▲
Meet Joe, an avid explorer and the founder of The Great Expedition Company, the visionary behind this incredible journey. British-Brazilian by heritage, Joe made Iceland his home a decade ago and has since dedicated himself to a life of adventure in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.
Joe has spent countless summers sailing the icy waters of Eastern Greenland and traversing the rugged highlands of Iceland. In recent years, he has expanded his expertise to both the Arctic and Antarctic, continuously refining his craft and sharing his passion for exploration.
As the driving force behind The Great Expedition Company, Joe’s mission is to create journeys that inspire wonder and connection while treading lightly on the planet’s most fragile landscapes. Known for his exuberant and joyous approach, he takes pride in fostering camaraderie among his groups and crafting meaningful, transformative experiences. His commitment to thoughtful adventure and his deep love for the Polar Regions set the stage for a journey unlike any other.
Our Captain: Rasmus Jacobsen ▲
Rasmus Jacobsen, captain of S/V Linden, grew up in Denmark and was raised on a yacht, immersed in a maritime lifestyle and eco-friendly culture from childhood. With over 30 years of experience on the ocean, he has worked on galleons, square rigs, research vessels, and passenger ships, honing his expertise in a wide range of sailing environments.
Rasmus’s passion lies in seeking out the most untouched areas of the Arctic, placing great emphasis on exploring areas free from signs of human activity. His dedication to environmentally friendly sailing is reflected in the ethos of his crew, who share his commitment to the purposeful and sustainable exploration of Svalbard's abundant beauty.
Collaborating with The Great Expedition Company is a harmonious match for Rasmus and his team, blending their shared values and focus on eco-conscious sailing. Under his guidance, S/V Linden offers a truly meaningful and respectful way to experience the Arctic.
ITINERARY ▲
Below is our intended sailing route, but please take into consideration that wind and weather conditions may adjust our plans. This is a natural part of the adventure of sailing. Our strength is going with nature, never against it, and still making the best out of our time.
AN ARRAY OF ARCTIC WILDLIFE AND NATURE AWAITS YOU!
Day 1:
Adventure to Ny-ålesund ▲
Our journey begins with a night anchored in Ny-Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. This tiny outpost, home to a handful of dedicated Arctic scientists, stands as a testament to exploration and discovery. Once the launchpad for legendary polar expeditions by Amundsen and Nobile, its rich history echoes through the icy air. Keep your eyes peeled—Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer often wander nearby, and there’s always the thrilling possibility of a polar bear making an appearance.
Day 2:
Walrus in Magdalenefjorden ▲
Continuing our journey northward, we’ll set our sights on Magdalenefjorden, a vast and serene fjord nestled along the west coast of Svalbard. This area holds some of the most beautiful landing spots, offering early opportunities for remarkable wildlife encounters. Among the highlights are the stunning walrus colonies, where these massive, charismatic creatures bask along the shores, framed by a dramatic glacier backdrop. It’s a scene that feels almost otherworldly, timeless, and unforgettable.
Day 3:
In Search of Beluga ▲
As we press further north and begin to turn east, we’ll slow our pace and keep a sharp eye on the coastline, scanning for the unmistakable tracks of polar bears. Out on the water, we’ll start watching for whales and dolphins breaking the surface, including the elusive white belugas—often called the ghosts of the Arctic. These graceful creatures are known to move in and out of these fjords, a spectacle we’ve been lucky enough to witness before and one we hope to share with you.
Days 4–5:
Into the Realm of the Polar Bear ▲
Our main objective lies ahead: the legendary Hinlopen Strait. Known for its challenging navigation and abundant wildlife, this stretch of Arctic wilderness demands patience and persistence. Moving slowly through these icy waters, we’ll be scanning for the region’s renowned polar bear population. In this untamed environment, nothing is guaranteed, but with diligence and a touch of luck, the rewards can be extraordinary. Lady Fortuna may be fickle, but fortune often favors those who dare to venture boldly into the unknown.
Days 6–8:
Discovering Barentsøya and Edgeøya ▲
Our journey doesn’t end with the Hinlopen Strait—not by a long shot. Next, we set our sights on the remote islands of Barentsøya and Edgeøya. The rugged coastlines of these isolated gems promise breathtaking vistas and the potential for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Every turn offers a new chapter in our Arctic adventure, where the land and sea reveal their untamed beauty.
Days 9–11:
Southern Spitsbergen and
the Russian Outpost ▲
As we journey south, the adventure continues with the stunning coastline of southern Spitsbergen. If time and conditions permit, we’ll enter the awe-inspiring Hornsund, where we may set anchor beneath the towering Hornsundtind. At 1,431 meters, it’s one of Svalbard’s tallest peaks and a breathtaking backdrop for our exploration.
Our final anchorage will be in Barentsburg, Svalbard’s Russian enclave. This fascinating town offers a stark contrast to the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen. Here, you’ll meet welcoming locals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the resident Arctic fox family, and explore unique shops, a lively bar, and other intriguing sights. It’s the perfect place to reflect on the diversity and wonder of the Arctic as we prepare to close our journey.
Day 12:
Homeward Bound ▲
On the final morning of our expedition, we’ll depart from the quay in Barentsburg and set sail for Longyearbyen. Our aim is to arrive in port just before midday, where we’ll bid farewell to the Arctic and disembark, carrying memories of this extraordinary journey into the wilds of Svalbard.
IMPORTANT▲
14 July - 25 July 2025
(12 days, 11 nights)
Guests: 12
Price: €8,995
Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard,
End: Longyearbyen, Svalbard,
What’s Included?
Accommodation on board, incl. bedding & towels.
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee throughout.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Provision of a complimentary “Great Expedition Kit”: a curated collection of Expedition essentials to enhance your expedition.
Educational and Informational services from the Expedition Leader and crew.
Extensive Pre-Departure Preparation Material.
Equipment and Information Pack.
Destination-specific Expedition Preparation Guide - everything we think you need to know about your location before you get there.
Pre-Expedition Welcome Dinner aboard the ship the night before the start of the expedition (Day 0).
All guided hikes ashore.
All guided zodiac excursions to shore.
Expedition champagne and port supply.
Usage of the ship’s cigar humidor.
Free use of onboard sauna.
Photography guidance and tuition in-the-field, as-we shoot.
Editing session on board in the salon upon request.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Your flights to and from Longyearbyen.
Additional Alcoholic beverages on board.
Personal travel & health insurance.
Crew gratuities (entirely discretionary).
OUR Expedition ON THE WATER ▲
For us, massive ships and delicate Arctic ecosystems simply don’t belong together. As tourism in the Arctic continues to grow, the sight of enormous cruise ships carrying hundreds, even thousands of passengers, feels like a dystopian intrusion into this pristine wilderness.
Our approach couldn’t be more different.
Imagine venturing into a place where solitude reigns, where you’re the only group for hundreds of miles. There will even be moments when you can find yourself completely alone, surrounded by silence and the untouched beauty of the Arctic. It’s an opportunity to leave the chaos of the modern world behind and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring majesty of nature. This is the journey we offer you.
Our expedition embraces the intimacy of a small group dynamic. Aboard the elegant tall ship S/V Linden, we navigate Svalbard’s rugged coastline with care and carbon-conscious precision, reaching places far beyond the grasp of large cruise ships. These shallow waters, inaccessible to larger vessels, become our sanctuary.
With only 12 passengers on board, we ensure a light footprint and a meaningful connection to the Arctic—a voyage of discovery where every detail reflects our respect for this remarkable region.
S/V Linden: Our sailing ship ▲
S/V Linden is a sight to behold—a graceful 50-meter, three-masted tall ship built for Arctic exploration. Designed in 1993 as a nod to her predecessor from 1923, she’s spent the past thirty years proving her reliability and strength in northern waters, perfectly suited for navigating the ice-laden seas of Svalbard.
Onboard, Linden offers a comfortable and inviting space to call home during our journey. Her main saloon, bright and lined with panoramic windows, is the perfect spot to watch the polar landscapes unfold. With five twin bunk cabins and two single cabins, she provides cozy accommodations for our small group. Our onboard chef lovingly prepares meals and serves them in the saloon, where a well-stocked polar library awaits.
Life aboard is a blend of adventure and ease. We’ll start the day with hearty breakfasts and route discussions, spend afternoons scanning for wildlife with binoculars in hand, and share stories over tea as the Arctic world passes by. And for those daring enough to take a polar plunge, the ship’s Finnish sauna will warm you back up.
FAQs ▲
What level of photography do I require?
This is not expressively a photography workshop, but Joe will be happy to assist and guide you as you wish. You can be as photographically creatively active or as inactive as you like, and we welcome many other forms of creativity. We even had a dressmaker join us on an expedition once and it was amazing to watch her conjure up her design based on the inspiration she was getting from nature.
How fit do I need to be?
You can engage in as much or as little physical exertion as you like, but you do need to be able to get into and out of the ship and zodiac and go up and down the stairs.
What & where will we eat?
All meals will be prepared and served by a chef on board Linden, and dietary requirements can be supported.
Will we see the Northern Lights?
No, not during the Arctic summer. The midnight sun reveals itself for long periods. Although it is rare, it can also rain in Svalbard too.
What will the weather be like during June in Svalbard?
The weather in June will be near 5 °C / 40 °F throughout the day, dropping to 0 °C / 30 °F at night. With this said, windchill may decrease the temperature - please see the ‘Clothing’ FAQ section. Our "Equipment and Information" One of the aspect of our extensive pre-departure material, will make sure you have all the bases covered.
General Clothing Recommendations.
Although we provide an exhaustive list of what to pack in our "Equipment and Information Pack", part of our extensive Pre-Departure material, we do offer the following as a guide for the initially curious.
There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! It’s essential to dress appropriately for arctic conditions. Below are our recommendations:
Sturdy hiking boots for getting off the boat and exploring land (if you wish to).
Comfy and warm shoes for below deck, such as slippers.
1st layer: base layers, like merino wool or bamboo long-sleeve & leggings.
2nd layer: mid-layer, like a wool jumper, fleece, or packable puffy jacket.
Main outer layer: like a down-filled coat. We will be sailing in “summer”, but the Arctic does not follow any usual weather rules, so you must come prepared.
Waterproof layer: GORE-TEX zip-up coat or similar, and ideally it’s also windproof to tolerate any windchill.
Other Suggestions.
If you enjoy reading then definitely bring a book or two. You’ll likely cherish that book in the future, knowing where you read it.
If you like journaling and writing then bring along a pen & notebook.
Sunblock! The Arctic sun has no mercy and reflects strongly off the snow, ice, and seawater.
In the same vein as sunblock, bring lip balm, as the Arctic summer is drying.
A water bottle. It’s much easier to use on board than a regular cup.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your expeditionary spirit!
COME WITH US ▲
Pay your deposit via WISE by clicking the button below: