Svalbard: The Ultimate Arctic Sailing Expedition

The experience

Sailing Expeditions in Svalbard The Svalbard archipelago lies between 74°N and 81°N, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Surrounded by the Greenland and Barents seas, this remote Arctic wilderness is among the closest places to the North Pole that can be explored by sailing yacht. Known in 12th-century Icelandic chronicles as “the northern end of the ocean,” Svalbard has long attracted explorers and adventurers. Today, it offers an extraordinary setting for Arctic sailing expeditions. Around 65% of the archipelago is covered by glaciers and ice, creating a dramatic landscape of frozen fjords, rugged mountains and sweeping tundra. A Svalbard sailing adventure can include remote shore landings, hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing, alongside opportunities to observe remarkable Arctic wildlife—including polar bears, walruses, seals, whales and seabirds. With more polar bears than permanent residents, Svalbard remains one of the world’s wildest and most captivating expedition-sailing destinations.

Hosted by LIONEL LEMONCHOIS

Lionel Lemonchois is an accomplished professional skipper and expert boat preparer with an outstanding record in solo, crewed, and round-the-world sailing competitions. His achievements include victories in the Route du Rhum, Trophée Jules Verne, and Jacques Vabre, as well as major passage records. A certified offshore commercial yacht master, Lionel brings extensive expertise in seamanship, crew management, safety, and medical emergencies. As co-founder of Boreal Adventure Sailing and skipper of VARUNA, he is known for his friendly, easygoing nature and passion for sharing sailing adventures in remote high-latitude regions.

View all experiences by LIONEL LEMONCHOIS

Response time

~24h

Languages

english

Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Longyearbyen → Isfjord

   Board the yacht, meet the crew and attend the safety briefing. Set sail towards the first Arctic anchorage.

2. Day 2
   Explore Isfjord

   Discover dramatic fjords, mountain scenery and historic sites such as Barentsburg, Pyramiden or former whaling stations.

3. Day 3
   Prins Karls Forland

   Sail along a wild coastline shaped by mountains and glaciers. Go ashore to explore its geology, history and birdlife.

4. Day 4
   Forlandsund

   Search for walruses and other Arctic wildlife. Enjoy a guided landing or hike near a remote anchorage.

5. Day 5
   Kongsfjord

   Sail among spectacular peaks and tidewater glaciers. Explore the coastline by dinghy and spend time ashore.

6. Day 6
   Krossfjord

   Discover secluded bays, colourful tundra and rich birdlife. Hike through a pristine Arctic landscape.

7. Day 7
   Magdalenefjord

   Visit one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Explore glaciers, historic whaling remains and sheltered anchorages.

8. Day 8
   Northwest Spitsbergen

   Sail into a remote national park near 80°N. Look for walruses, reindeer, seabirds and polar bears.

9. Day 9
   Arctic Sailing and Exploration

   Follow the best route for the day’s weather and ice conditions. Enjoy a final landing before sailing towards Longyearbyen.

10. Day 10
    Return to Longyearbyen

    Arrive in port in the morning. Disembark and transfer to your hotel or the airport.

What's included

The boat

Name

Varuna

Type

sailboat

Length

22.25 m

Year

1999

Cabins

5

Capacity

8 guests

Meeting point