This trip alternates between sea kayaking outings and walks across glaciers and Arctic tundra. It’s designed for everyone — whether or not you’ve ever tried kayaking before. We call it a dynamic adventure because you’ll be camping in a polar region, but rest assured: you’ll be well equipped, it’s summertime, and temperatures are usually above freezing — sometimes even mild. The activities (hiking and kayaking) are all about discovering the beauty of the Arctic landscape — for the pleasure of it, not for performance.
This trip is for anyone who loves nature and hiking. For those who want to get up close to icebergs, glaciers, and sea ice. For the curious who wish to experience life when the night has vanished and the sun never sets… For anyone dreaming of spending a week in a truly exceptional polar environment. And since all activities are based around a single basecamp, anyone in good physical condition can enjoy this adventure — no need to be an expert, and no risks involved.
This journey will appeal to anyone seeking to spend an unforgettable week in endless daylight, surrounded by ice, lichens, seabirds, and seals.
DAY 1: Flight Paris – Longyearbyen
From Paris to Oslo, then Oslo to Longyearbyen — a journey to the northernmost capital on Earth.
Note: just before landing, the aerial view of Spitsbergen (literally “pointed mountains”), with its jagged snowy peaks, is breathtaking.
You’re welcomed at the airport and spend the night at the campsite… though “night” may not be the right word — at this time of year, it no longer exists!
Let’s just say you’ll go to bed under the midnight sun.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 2: Longyearbyen – Svea Base Camp
Today, you prepare for the expedition: picking up sleeping mats and trying on the drysuits specially designed for kayaking (all equipment is provided).
You’ll also have time to explore one of the northernmost inhabited places on the planet.
The local museum is particularly interesting, with exhibits on Arctic life and animal migration in this extreme environment.
In the late afternoon, a boat transfers you to the Svea base camp, located in a calm, sheltered bay.
Accommodation: Dinner and overnight in tents (bivouac)
DAYS 3 to 8: Svea Base Camp
The first day is dedicated to settling in and learning to handle the kayaks, which are easy to steer thanks to their rudder systems.
From then on, days alternate smoothly between kayaking trips and hiking excursions.
Kayak outings take place in a wide bay bordered by the imposing Svea Glacier.
You paddle among floating ice and icebergs with surprising shapes and colors.
Seals often lounge on the drifting ice and are surprisingly approachable — perfect for close-up observation and photography.
Birdlife is everywhere: black guillemots, Arctic terns, skuas, gulls — some are resident, others migratory.
Your guide knows them well, can identify them from a distance, and will share their remarkable behaviors.
After all, it takes a tough bird to spend the summer in such a remote place!
Some days are dedicated to hiking.
With your boots on, you cross tundra rich in mosses and lichens, occasionally stepping over snow patches or streams.
From the high ground, the view of the icebergs and sea ice is striking.
You’ll also get to walk directly on the glacier, admiring the shimmering layers revealed in the light.
Other hikes take you into the valleys, where you’ll encounter stunning gorges and waterfalls.
Along the way, you’ll marvel at patches of Arctic flowers or tiny, truly dwarf trees thriving in the summer light.
Wildlife is scarce, but you may be lucky enough to spot a reindeer or an Arctic fox.
Activity duration per day: 3 to 6 hours (kayaking and/or hiking)
Accommodation: Tent
DAY 9: Svea Base Camp – Longyearbyen
One last outing, one last hike, then it’s time to pack up and say goodbye to the Svea base camp.
A boat returns you to Longyearbyen.
Boat crossing: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Camping in Longyearbyen
DAY 10: Longyearbyen – Paris
Return flight. One final aerial view over the stunning landscapes of Spitsbergen before landing in Oslo, then Paris.
Group
Groups of 6 to 12 people. Two people per kayak.
Departures are guaranteed from 6 participants. Below this number, 80 Jours Voyages reserves the right to cancel the trip.
However, if all participants agree, the trip can go ahead with a supplement of €100 per person.
Guiding
An English-speaking guide, specialist in the destination, with extensive field experience and certified for sea kayaking.
Level
Easy
Each day ends back at base camp, which allows for flexible planning of activities depending on the weather and the group’s energy.
No previous kayaking experience is required — most participants are beginners — but the ability to swim is essential.
The first day at Svea is devoted to learning (or refreshing) the basic paddling techniques, followed by a gentle first outing.
If you’re in good general shape, you can enjoy this trip with confidence.
Weather
At these latitudes, weather conditions can change quickly.
The good news: bad weather, if it does occur, usually doesn’t last!
In summer, temperatures typically range from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), and the weather is often fine.
However, this is a polar region, so be prepared for fog, rain, wind — even snow.
Naturally, the difficulty of activities depends heavily on weather conditions.
Accommodation
You’ll sleep in two-person tents provided by the organization.
Meals are shared in a communal mess tent — a warm and welcoming atmosphere in every sense of the word.
Meals
You’re in the Far North — don’t expect a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables!
That said, meals are hearty and well balanced.
Breakfast:
Muesli, toast, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Cereal bars and dried fruit are available for snacks throughout the day.
Lunch:
Picnic-style meals enjoyed in the open air during activities.
Dinner:
A proper feast: hot soup, a hearty main dish, and gourmet treats like pancakes or fritters, depending on your guide’s mood.
Budget on Site
Longyearbyen has a special legal status but is part of Norway, so the local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
To check the exchange rate before departure: www.xe.com
There are ATMs at Oslo Airport and the Longyearbyen post office.
Credit cards are accepted in (almost?) all shops in Longyearbyen.
If you enjoyed the trip and want to thank your guide, a tip between €20 and €50 per participant is always appreciated.
Trip Ethos & Group Spirit
This trip is open to all. It is participatory and active by nature, and calls for a spirit of cooperation and openness.
You’ll be asked to help load and unload kayaks and camping gear on the beaches.
Your involvement is also welcomed for rinsing equipment, fetching water, or tidying up the camp.
This is part of the adventure’s spirit and respects the pristine environment you’ll explore — our goal is to leave no trace in the tundra or at camp.
The guide is responsible for the group’s safety and logistics, but your participation fosters a cooperative atmosphere and meaningful bonds between guide and group members.
As this is a group expedition, the guide’s decisions are made in the best interest of the group, even if occasionally at the expense of individual preferences.
Depending on the weather, group level, or potential risks, the guide may adjust the itinerary without prior discussion or justification.
Photography
In a kayak, your camera gear must be well protected.
Zippered freezer bags can do the job.
For photography enthusiasts using DSLR cameras, a waterproof hard case (like a Pelicase) is recommended.
It can be strapped to the kayak and allows easy access to your camera.
Prices Include
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All transfers and transportation as per the itinerary
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Full board during the stay in Spitsbergen (except during international travel)
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Services of a certified French-speaking guide (BE kayak + mountain leader), specialist in the destination
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Camping gear and technical clothing (fleece overalls, Goretex drysuit, neoprene hood, gloves, thick socks, etc.)
Prices Do Not Include
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Round-trip flights Paris–Longyearbyen (departures from other cities available with a supplement depending on availability)
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Airport taxes and security fees
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Optional insurance (“Cancellation”, “Repatriation”, and “Travel Risks”)
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Pre- and post-trip transport to/from Paris
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Additional on-site costs due to changes or cancellations of international flights beyond our control (extra accommodation, meals, transfers, etc.)
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Final dinner in Longyearbyen (approx. €50)
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