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A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
Between the fjords and the glaciers of Spitsbergen, a trip off the beaten track, on foot and in a sea kayak. A guaranteed change of scenery in a preserved wild universe.
Guaranteed departure from 5 participants Sea kayaking/hiking Only a thousand kilometers from the North Pole, Spitsbergen is the last land before the permanent pack ice that covers the Arctic Ocean. It still has the spirit of the first explorers who left for the Pole.
Around Isfjord, you will experience an incomparable adventure under the midnight sun, alternating hiking on the sides of the great glaciers and sailing in a sea kayak among the icebergs, discovering wildlife: polar foxes, seals and countless sea birds. Accommodation: 2-seater tents and collective tents for meals, in a guest room in Longyearbyen. Equipment: Very stable two-seater kayaks, specialized equipment provided (“dry” suit). Technical level: Sea kayaking accessible to everyone, even beginners. Carrying: Light bag (4-5 kg).

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
Between the fjords and the glaciers of Spitsbergen, a trip off the beaten track, on foot and in a sea kayak. A guaranteed change of scenery in a preserved wild universe.

Guaranteed departure from 5 participants Sea kayaking/hiking Only a thousand kilometers from the North Pole, Spitsbergen is the last land before the permanent pack ice that covers the Arctic Ocean. It still has the spirit of the first explorers who left for the Pole. Around Isfjord, you will experience an incomparable adventure under the midnight sun, alternating hiking on the sides of the great glaciers and sailing in a sea kayak among the icebergs, discovering wildlife: polar foxes, seals and countless sea birds. Accommodation: 2-seater tents and collective tents for meals, in a guest room in Longyearbyen. Equipment: Very stable two-seater kayaks, specialized equipment provided (“dry” suit). Technical level: Sea kayaking accessible to everyone, even beginners. Carrying: Light bag (4-5 kg).

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Longyearbyen, the last “city” 1000 km from the North Pole
  • 7 days in a base camp on the banks of the Isfjord
  • Hikes near the glaciers under the midnight sun
  • Sailing in a sea kayak among the icebergs
  • Arctic wildlife, foxes, seals, and seabirds

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Longyearbyen, the last “city” 1000 km from the North Pole

  • 7 days in a base camp on the banks of the Isfjord
  • Hikes near the glaciers under the midnight sun
  • Sailing in a sea kayak among the icebergs
  • Arctic wildlife, foxes, seals, and seabirds

Trek-Hiking

Itinerant Stay
Off-site departure, various accommodation during the stay

Ages

18 - 55 ans

Need advice?

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE OFFER

PHYSIQUE CONDITION
Casual sportsman
i
LEVEL OF PRATICE
Hike - Level 3
i
LEVEL OF PORTAGE
Carrying level 1
i

Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay with the flights)
  • Local transport
  • The accommodation
  • Meals up to day 9 (except those mentioned in the section not included)
...
  • Framing
  • Collective and technical equipment
  • All the services indicated in the program

Not Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay without flights)
  • The drinks
  • Possible meals on days 1, 2, 10 and 11 (price of an average meal in Longyearbyen: approx. 20€)
  • Personal expenses
...
  • Individual equipment
  • Optional insurances
  • Any other supplement not included in the program

The program

Day by day

Day of arrival

Day 1: Flight to Longyearbyen - Transfer to the cottage
Flight to Longyearbyen, via Oslo (attention, no meals on board, plan a meal).
...
Reception at the airport, under the midnight sun, at the edge of the Isfjord (the icefjord) and transfer to the cottage (approx. 20min). Overnight in a lodge at a latitude of 78° North.

ATTENTION - Departure on 04/08/2024:
Due to a change in routing by the airline, the departure is scheduled from Paris on 04/08 with an evening arrival in Oslo where you spend your first night.
You take a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen again on 05/08 in the morning (arrival expected in the early afternoon), i.e. day 2 of the program. Free meals in Oslo and Longyearbyen on day 1 & day 2.

During your stay

Day 2: Longyearbyen
Day dedicated to the discovery of Longyearbyen. Free meals, night in the same cottage as the day before.

...
Day 3: Longyearbyen
Distribution of equipment, the main city of the Svalbard archipelago and the starting point for all polar expeditions. This Norwegian city of a thousand inhabitants (the other cities are Russian) owes its name to the American Longyear, who founded it in 1906. Crossing the Isfjord by boat (1.5 hours of crossing) and installation in the base camp on the north shore of the fjord.

Day 4: Isfjord Base Camp
Depending on the weather, introduction to basic sea kayaking techniques, then sailing for a few hours in the middle of icebergs. In the afternoon, a walk in the wild tundra at the foot of the mountains, the opportunity to get to know the Arctic world... Back to the base camp. 5 hours of walking.

Day 5: Kayak day a few kilometers from the camp
On a sea lined with thousands of ice cubes, with changing reflections, we navigate in search of our way on this sparkling and clicking mirror near the Svea Glacier. Return to base camp. 5 hours of kayaking.

Day 6: Hiking day
Magnificent day of hiking on the ridge overlooking the huge Svea glacier. Vast panorama of the polar mountains of Spitsbergen and discovery of the extraordinary ice world. Back to the base camp. 5 hours of walking.

Day 7: Sea kayak tour near the front of the Svea Glacier
Gigantic icebergs, impressive spectacle of the ice walls, the gentle approach of ringed seals. Sometimes, with a curious snout, a few seals approach our boats, astonished by our presence.
Carefully, we approach the glacier's front, which is nearly 50m high. Gigantic seracs sometimes collapse into the sea with low rumbles, projecting showers of water and creating an enormous wave that quickly turns into a sumptuous ripple making the millions of ice crystals click on the water. Return to base camp. 5 hours of kayaking.

Day 8: Ekman Fjord Hiking Day
Day of hiking on a ridge that dominates the vast Ekman Fjord, with a magnificent panorama of a succession of glaciers and mountains with steep slopes, falling in ochre draperies. Back to the base camp. 5 hours of walking.

Day 9: Svea Glacier
Walk on the flat part of the Svea glacier (no technical problems): discovery of a mineral and glacial world. 5-hour walk.

Last day

Day 10: Svea Glacier - Longyearbyen
Last day at base camp, to explore the remote reaches of the tundra and take a short kayak tour in the middle of the ice.
...
Storage of the equipment, then return by boat to Longyearbyen. Night in a lodge. 5 hours of kayaking, 3 hours of crossing.

Day 11: Longearbyen - Return flight (via Oslo)
Free time then transfer to the airport (approx. 20min) and international flight back.
Free meals.

The course of this program is given for information purposes only. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).

SPOT

The Isfjord glaciers

The most beautiful landscapes of Svalbard

The Isfjord is the largest fjord on the western coast of Spitsbergen. Thanks to the warm sea currents of the Gulfstream that flow into the fjord, the climate is milder and allows fauna (birds, fish and polar foxes) and flora to develop further. As a result, it is in the isfjord that we find the most beautiful landscapes of Svalbard. Kayaking trips on Isfjord allow you to discover the wide glacial valleys that open into the fjord and to get as close as possible to the marine animals that inhabit the region.

ABOUT THE TRIP

Equipment Included

Tandem sea kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, dry bag, Gore-Tex dry suit, completely waterproof (including feet), fleece jumpsuits and slippers, kayak mittens and skirt and neoprene balaclava, 2 seater tents, 2 seater tents, sleeping bag and floor mattress, bowl and cutlery.

Equipment Included

Tandem sea kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, dry bag, Gore-Tex dry suit, completely waterproof (including feet), fleece jumpsuits and slippers, kayak mittens and skirt and neoprene balaclava, 2 seater tents, 2 seater tents, sleeping bag and floor mattress, bowl and cutlery.

Equipment not included

In addition to the necessary equipment listed below, it is possible to leave street clothes in a travel bag stored in Longyearben.

...
Bring 2 pieces of luggage (attention, no more than 15kg per person in the hold)

- Large 60-80L travel bag (in the hold on the plane), made of a material that is as water-repellent/waterproof as possible (risk of getting wet when disembarking/boarding)
- Small daypack (30/40L). In the cabin on the plane
- Small waterproof zip freezer bags are very practical

Recommended personal equipment
Attention, at the end of the season, the temperatures may be cooler, so plan your equipment accordingly.

Thick fleece jacket
Fleece pantyhose
Mountain pants
Windbreaker pants and jacket set (made of Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof membrane)
2 or 3 quick-drying Carline synthetic long-sleeved T-shirts and boxer shorts in the same material
Cap
Warm hat or balaclava
Fleece or wool gloves (no big ski gloves)
Sunglasses
Toiletry bag (soap or biodegradable shower gel)
pocket knife
Toilet paper

While crossing the Isfjord by boat, your belongings may be subject to spray, as well as during zodiac rotations to the beach. Provide a suitable travel bag or at least protection such as a large trash bag to keep your belongings dry.

To sleep
A warm sleeping bag will be provided, but we recommend that you bring a “meat bag” (down sheet)

To walk
A pair of plastic boots with notched soles, big enough to wear warm socks (essential), and high enough (to cross rivers). Avoid smooth-soled “boat” type boots
A pair of high shaft mountain hiking boots
3 to 4 pairs of warm socks
Sneaker-type sports shoes totally not recommended for hiking
Very useful walking sticks

Photo
Bring a waterproof bag for your equipment, or a waterproof zip freezer bag if your device is not waterproof itself. The disposable waterproof camera is not recommended because it is practical but does not make beautiful photos

Fauna
More than 50% of Svalbard's territory is protected, either in the form of nature reserves, national parks, bird reserves or botanical reserves. Here live animals that you cannot see at more southern latitudes: seals, whales, numerous birds, Svalbard reindeer, polar fox, and also 2500 polar bears
In order to avoid untimely visits by polar bears to the camp, a tour of guard duty in turn will be organized during the “night”, with an alarm gun.
Your guide will advise you on the behavior to adopt and the instructions to follow.

Drugstore
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

Equipment not included

In addition to the necessary equipment listed below, it is possible to leave street clothes in a travel bag stored in Longyearben.

Bring 2 pieces of luggage (attention, no more than 15kg per person in the hold)

- Large 60-80L travel bag (in the hold on the plane), made of a material that is as water-repellent/waterproof as possible (risk of getting wet when disembarking/boarding)
- Small daypack (30/40L). In the cabin on the plane
- Small waterproof zip freezer bags are very practical

Recommended personal equipment
Attention, at the end of the season, the temperatures may be cooler, so plan your equipment accordingly.

Thick fleece jacket
Fleece pantyhose
Mountain pants
Windbreaker pants and jacket set (made of Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof membrane)
2 or 3 quick-drying Carline synthetic long-sleeved T-shirts and boxer shorts in the same material
Cap
Warm hat or balaclava
Fleece or wool gloves (no big ski gloves)
Sunglasses
Toiletry bag (soap or biodegradable shower gel)
pocket knife
Toilet paper

While crossing the Isfjord by boat, your belongings may be subject to spray, as well as during zodiac rotations to the beach. Provide a suitable travel bag or at least protection such as a large trash bag to keep your belongings dry.

To sleep
A warm sleeping bag will be provided, but we recommend that you bring a “meat bag” (down sheet)

To walk
A pair of plastic boots with notched soles, big enough to wear warm socks (essential), and high enough (to cross rivers). Avoid smooth-soled “boat” type boots
A pair of high shaft mountain hiking boots
3 to 4 pairs of warm socks
Sneaker-type sports shoes totally not recommended for hiking
Very useful walking sticks

Photo
Bring a waterproof bag for your equipment, or a waterproof zip freezer bag if your device is not waterproof itself. The disposable waterproof camera is not recommended because it is practical but does not make beautiful photos

Fauna
More than 50% of Svalbard's territory is protected, either in the form of nature reserves, national parks, bird reserves or botanical reserves. Here live animals that you cannot see at more southern latitudes: seals, whales, numerous birds, Svalbard reindeer, polar fox, and also 2500 polar bears
In order to avoid untimely visits by polar bears to the camp, a tour of guard duty in turn will be organized during the “night”, with an alarm gun.
Your guide will advise you on the behavior to adopt and the instructions to follow.

Drugstore
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/
...


formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/

Physical intensity

Casual sportsman

You practice a sporting activity throughout the year, on a regular basis or not. But you are able to run for about 1 hour, swim for 30 minutes, or pedal for about 2 hours.

Physical intensity

Casual sportsman

You practice a sporting activity throughout the year, on a regular basis or not. But you are able to run for about 1 hour, swim for 30 minutes, or pedal for about 2 hours.

Level of expertise

Hike - Level 3

For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day.
...
You are in a pure hiking trip.

Level of expertise

Hike - Level 3

For people used to hiking trips and/or practicing endurance physical activity 1 to 2 times a week. The proposed altitude difference is beginning to be significant (minimum +500m per day) and the outings are done during the day. You are in a pure hiking trip.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Restauration

At noon, quick meals (charcuterie, energy bars, soups, salads...).
In the evening, hot meals are prepared by the guide and the participants.
...
Because of the remoteness of Spitsbergen, and even more so from the base camp, meals are mainly made from canned food and dehydrated products, and fresh food is rare.

Restauration

At noon, quick meals (charcuterie, energy bars, soups, salads...).
In the evening, hot meals are prepared by the guide and the participants.
Because of the remoteness of Spitsbergen, and even more so from the base camp, meals are mainly made from canned food and dehydrated products, and fresh food is rare.

Management

French guide specializing in the destination.

Management

French guide specializing in the destination.

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity: **

This trip is for anyone in good health who practices a minimum of sporting activity.

...
Sea kayaking
Navigation is carried out on two-seater sea kayaks, which are very stable and offer low wind resistance. Adequate equipment is provided. No previous sea kayaking experience is required.
However, your ability to handle the paddle acquired during a weekend or an internship will allow you to better enjoy your stay. Of course, it is necessary to know how to swim and not be afraid of water.

Hiking
There is no trail in Spitsbergen, but we will use fairly easy terrain as much as possible (glacier moraines, etc.) to discover the glaciers and the wild polar fauna and flora.

Polar bears
In order to avoid untimely visits by polar bears to the camp, a tour of guard duty in turn will be organized during the “night”, with an alarm gun.
Your guide will advise you on the behavior to adopt and the instructions to follow.

Electricity
In Longyearbyen, the voltage is 220V 50/60 Hz. Types of sockets: two round plugs, or two round plugs and a ground socket (as in France).
The base camp is completely isolated, no electrical connection exists to recharge the batteries of electrical devices. Take precautions by bringing a spare battery.

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.
Attention, the first and/or the second group of the season will participate in setting up the base camp (half a day), and the last group of the season in dismantling it (half a day).

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity: **

This trip is for anyone in good health who practices a minimum of sporting activity.

Sea kayaking
Navigation is carried out on two-seater sea kayaks, which are very stable and offer low wind resistance. Adequate equipment is provided. No previous sea kayaking experience is required.
However, your ability to handle the paddle acquired during a weekend or an internship will allow you to better enjoy your stay. Of course, it is necessary to know how to swim and not be afraid of water.

Hiking
There is no trail in Spitsbergen, but we will use fairly easy terrain as much as possible (glacier moraines, etc.) to discover the glaciers and the wild polar fauna and flora.

Polar bears
In order to avoid untimely visits by polar bears to the camp, a tour of guard duty in turn will be organized during the “night”, with an alarm gun.
Your guide will advise you on the behavior to adopt and the instructions to follow.

Electricity
In Longyearbyen, the voltage is 220V 50/60 Hz. Types of sockets: two round plugs, or two round plugs and a ground socket (as in France).
The base camp is completely isolated, no electrical connection exists to recharge the batteries of electrical devices. Take precautions by bringing a spare battery.

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.
Attention, the first and/or the second group of the season will participate in setting up the base camp (half a day), and the last group of the season in dismantling it (half a day).

Health and formalities

Vaccinations: No vaccination is mandatory. However, as with all outdoor sports, tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended.

...
European Health Insurance Card: Before your departure, remember to get the European Health Insurance Card, it will allow you to benefit from medical care coverage. This card is individual and nominative; it is free and valid for one year. To obtain it, contact your health insurance fund.

Personal pharmacy
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Insurance: No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
IMPORTANT: We remind you that it is essential that you have at least one “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the “General Insurance Conditions” pages on our website:
https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

Health and formalities

Vaccinations: No vaccination is mandatory. However, as with all outdoor sports, tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended.

European Health Insurance Card: Before your departure, remember to get the European Health Insurance Card, it will allow you to benefit from medical care coverage. This card is individual and nominative; it is free and valid for one year. To obtain it, contact your health insurance fund.

Personal pharmacy
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Insurance: No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
IMPORTANT: We remind you that it is essential that you have at least one “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the “General Insurance Conditions” pages on our website:
https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

Weather

About 1000 km from the North Pole, Spitsbergen is one of the northernmost lands in the world and corresponds to North Greenland.
...
In summer, the average temperature is around 5°C, but the maximum temperatures can reach 15°C and the lows can of course be negative. Equip yourself accordingly, with a little more warm clothing at the end of the season.
Near the glaciers, temperatures are generally lower.
You can see the midnight sun from April 19 to August 23, but the sun is not always there, as the weather is often quite overcast and the fog is not uncommon in Spitsbergen in the middle of summer. There may even be two or three snowflakes falling. For evenings camping, bring warm clothing.
The water temperature in Isfjord is around 2°C, which is why we lend you a Gore-Tex full drysuit specially adapted to sea kayaking in polar conditions.

Weather

About 1000 km from the North Pole, Spitsbergen is one of the northernmost lands in the world and corresponds to North Greenland. In summer, the average temperature is around 5°C, but the maximum temperatures can reach 15°C and the lows can of course be negative. Equip yourself accordingly, with a little more warm clothing at the end of the season.
Near the glaciers, temperatures are generally lower.
You can see the midnight sun from April 19 to August 23, but the sun is not always there, as the weather is often quite overcast and the fog is not uncommon in Spitsbergen in the middle of summer. There may even be two or three snowflakes falling. For evenings camping, bring warm clothing.
The water temperature in Isfjord is around 2°C, which is why we lend you a Gore-Tex full drysuit specially adapted to sea kayaking in polar conditions.

Hosting

Nights in tents at the base camp, 2 nights in a lodge in Longyearbyen (dormitories).

Hosting

Nights in tents at the base camp, 2 nights in a lodge in Longyearbyen (dormitories).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa.
...
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).


Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa.
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).


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