Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Glaciers, fjords and Arctic wildlife make it an outstanding sea kayaking destination, accessible during the summer season.

Spitsbergen by sea kayak

A sea kayak is probably the best way to experience Spitsbergen. It lets you slip between icebergs, paddle along glacier fronts and silently approach seals resting on the drifting ice. Our expeditions take place around Isfjorden, the great ice fjord on the west coast, where several majestic glaciers meet the sea: Svea (Sveabreen), Sefström, Nansen, Bore and Wahlenberg.

Every trip alternates kayaking with hikes across the tundra or along the ridges above the glaciers. This balance varies the effort and lets you discover the Arctic as a whole, from the sea to the summits.

Three ways to discover Spitsbergen

Our trips to Spitsbergen

When to go to Spitsbergen?

Our expeditions run in summer, during the season of the midnight sun: night has disappeared and the sun never sets. Average temperatures range from 2 to 8°C and the weather is often beautiful. It is still a polar region, though, so expect fog, rain, wind or even snow. The upside of such changeable conditions is that bad weather rarely lasts.

Winter is the opposite: for several months the sun no longer rises over Longyearbyen, the polar night.

What level do you need?

No kayaking experience is required: the vast majority of participants have never paddled before their trip. You do need to be able to swim and to be in good general physical shape. The first day is dedicated to learning the basics, and the two-seater kayaks, fitted with a rudder, are easy to handle.

The Svea base camp is rated easy. Both itineraries are rated moderate: 4 to 7 hours of kayaking or hiking per day, and a camp to set up and take down every two days.

How does an expedition work?

The journey starts with a flight via Oslo to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard. After a first night at the campsite and the handing out of equipment, a boat takes you to the first camp.

Groups have 6 to 12 participants, led by a qualified French sea kayaking and mountain guide who specialises in the destination. You sleep in a two-person tent, and the generous meals are shared in the mess tent. Camping equipment and technical clothing (fleece overalls, waterproof Goretex drysuit, neoprene hood, gloves) are provided.

Everyone helps with camp life: loading the kayaks, fetching water, tidying up. On the 4 glaciers itinerary, each participant also takes a watch of about an hour to keep an eye on the camp: this is polar bear country.

Wildlife and glaciers

Seals bask on the drifting ice and often let you come close, like the bearded seals in front of the Sefström glacier. On land you may meet reindeer and Arctic foxes. Near the Nansen glacier, walruses gather on the beach of an islet facing the glacier. On the cliffs and in the sky: black guillemots, terns, skuas and gulls. You may even meet whales, like the 27-metre fin whale that swam right next to a kayak.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The first day is dedicated to learning the basic techniques. Being able to swim, however, is essential.

Is it cold?

In summer the average temperature is 2 to 8°C. The technical clothing provided protects you from the cold and the water while kayaking.

Where do we sleep?

In a two-person tent provided by the organisers, and at the Longyearbyen campsite at the start and end of the trip.

Is the flight included?

No. The return flight to Longyearbyen and airport taxes are extra. Full board in Spitsbergen, guiding, camping equipment and technical clothing are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The guide adapts the programme to the weather and to the group’s level. That is the beauty of sea kayaking: the programme stays flexible.

See all our trips