SVALBARD EXPEDITIONS
2024
The Great Expedition Company is venturing 80° North into the Arctic circle
on board S/V Linden, sailing along the isolated rugged East Coast of Svalbard.
With the expeditionary tradition of the past and the trappings of the future, an array of Arctic wildlife and dramatic nature awaits you!
Svalbard, 80° North
01 - 15 June 2024
Passengers: 11
APPLY TO JOIN US!
The Great Expedition Company invites those with an expeditionary spirit to join us on a voyage of breath-taking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters high into the quiet sanctuary of the Arctic Circle: Svalbard.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Scroll and read through all of the information on this page.
Find the Zoom call scheduling window at the bottom of the page
Choose a date and time for the Zoom call
Tell us something about yourself and book a call with Joe to discuss your participation in this expedition.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
As the unforgiving polar winter draws to an end in mid-April, the never-ending summer sun makes its return to Svalbard, setting this region alight with an array of warm hues. From this time, the sun will ebb and flow in the sky, but never dip below the horizon. This brief resurgence of summer will be the ideal backdrop for which we can set sail under the fairytale-like kiss of the Arctic sun as we journey across the remote, otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle: Svalbard.
Abundant Arctic nature.
The landscapes of Svalbard are simultaneously brutal, yet charming. Dramatic glaciers and fjords will glisten under the midnight sun, demanding your attention, inviting your imagination to feast upon the grandeur of Svalbard’s vast beauty.
We aim to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the often controversial history and fragile ecosystems you will explore on this expedition. Our ethos is simple: “arrive curious, leave inspired”, and we promise to deliver just that.
Meet the locals.
Surviving in Svalbard is a laborious feat. Yet, this merciless archipelago is a safe haven to an array of wildlife.
None of the wildlife that we may see will be baited: this is unethical and not how we operate. Therefore, wildlife is by no means guaranteed. However, since we will be sailing quietly along remote coastal edges, we stand a good chance of discovering marine wildlife and terrestrial mammals: polar bears searching for their next meal, curious seals, playful arctic foxes, bathing walrus and the shy (often elusive) minke whales - all in their natural habitat.
The wildlife in Svalbard enjoy their existence on their own terms, and are therefore not accustomed to people. We will keep a safe and respectful distance if and when we find any wildlife. As such, bring a pair of binoculars and be prepared to be on the look out.
Tranquility. Intentionality. Seclusion.
Big ships and fragile landscapes don’t mix. Tourism in the Arctic is steadily increasing. Enormous cruise ships carrying hundreds, if not thousands of people, become a figment of a dystopian imagination. Our experience could not be further from this.
Think about what it is like to go somewhere and be alone, and be the only people around for hundreds of miles. There are even times and spaces for you to be completely alone. Pure seclusion. Think about what it means to really leave the world behind, with all of its trials and tribulations, and bask in the glory of nature’s Arctic bounty. This is what we propose to you.
Our expedition is fundamentally based on a small group dynamic. On this voyage, our schooner S/V Linden is able to manoeuvre the rugged coastline of Svalbard in a carbon-friendly manner, far from where other cruise ships simply cannot reach. With our intimate group of just 12 passengers onboard S/V Linden, we guarantee to tread lightly.
Learn the ropes, literally.
A message from our Captain, Rasmus:
“ Linden has a long history training young seafarers and competing in tall ships races around Europe. On board, you will get an exceptionally fun, challenging, unfiltered experience of how it is to sail a 3 masted tall ship in the northern Arctic Circle. My crew and I are capable, but not numerous, so we are dependent on your help with the sails if we are to travel by the wind as we strive for. You will quickly see how energetic everyone becomes once we hoist the sails. “
Creative curiosity.
The raw, unspoilt beauty of Svalbard will affect you. Jotting notes in a dedicated journal, capturing photos on your iPhone or professional camera - whatever your preference is - you will feel inspired to record what seems like a dream, but is your lived reality.
Whilst this expedition is not a photography workshop, Joe will happily support you with any photography-specific endeavours.
Stretch your sea legs.
You can be as active or inactive as you desire. We will have opportunities to take a zodiac ashore and hike along the various coastlines to explore the Arctic tundra on foot. We will will discover interesting historical relics, geographic formations, rare Arctic botany, as well as observing terrestrial mammals such a reindeer, muskox and the Arctic fox.
Mind offline.
The idea of being disconnected from the outside world may seem disconcerting at first, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you adjust to being offline. The benefits from leaving behind the external noise and stresses of daily life are tenfold. After a few days offline, picking up your phone will feel foreign, which is a refreshing notion.
During your time offline, you will have the space to fully immerse yourself into absorbing the abundant beauty of Svalbard, as we sail and discover all it has to offer us.
An authentic & transformative experience.
A personal note from Joe:
“ My very purpose for curating these expeditions is to foster an inclusive atmosphere, connecting humans and nature alike. My former expeditions have reconfirmed to me that my greatest joy is in brining a mixture of people together, seeing them relate to and befriend one another, in the presence of awe-inspiring nature.
We have an opportunity to share life stories - the ups, the downs, the curveballs - learning from one another, about each other, and about ourselves, whilst exploring the plethora of the Arctic. At the end, we say farewell with full hearts, departing with new friends and stories. These expeditions are made to leave a lasting, positive impact. “
JOINING YOU ON BOARD
The Great Expedition Company has no back-office. Expedition leader Joe Shutter has carefully curated this unique sailing itinerary, along with the expertise of S/V Linden’s Captain, Rasmus Jacobsen, and together they will sail with you through the wonders of the Svalbard seas.
Chris Henry
Co-host for The Great Expedition Svalbard. Photographer extraordinaire.
Chris has a reputation for delivering authentic and oftentimes epic scenes through his photography with an emphasis on storytelling. His work remains consistently recognizable with the on-going theme of adventure, supported by a beautifully moody and matte-finished editing style. Whether at home or abroad, Chris aims to surprise, transport, and dazzle those who view his work, all the while telling a raw and exciting story.
Chris started his career in the creative industry as a graphic designer, allowing him to develop the ability to manipulate imagery, typography, and spacing into a beautiful composition. He spent years building brands and shooting photography around his home city of Philadelphia to eventually become an all-around marketing wizard.
In addition to his work in Philadelphia, Chris simultaneously works as a traveling photographer, capturing some of the most diverse and unique landscapes around the world.
Photo by Erica Connolly
Founder of The Great Exped & Expedition Leader
Welcome, curious explorer! Joe here. British-Brazilian, I made Iceland my home 10 years ago.
I’ve spent many summer seasons sailing in Eastern Greenland and traversing the harsh highlands of Iceland, and I recently had the pleasure of covering new grounds by sailing in Svalbard and Antartica in the spring of 2023.
My affinity for the Arctic regions has no limits. Through my lens and many years of exploration I have honed the artful skill of curating positive and purposeful experiences which I take great joy in sharing with fellow explorers. For me, seducing the spirits of fellow explorers and sharing in the wonders of the Arctic is my repeatable aim. Bringing people together with a common passion has always been my favourite thing: there’s a special energy in this that I have never found anywhere else.
With humility and respect for the natural world, I am committed to sharing these vast and barely traversed regions with others, using my expertise to help you discover your own connections with the boundless wonderment of the high Arctic.
Rasmus Jacobsen
Captain of S/V Linden & Experienced Navigator
Growing up in Denmark and living on a yacht, my family raised me within a maritime lifestyle and eco-friendly culture from childhood. Since then, I’ve enjoyed over 30 years on the ocean thus far: working on galleons, square rigs, research vessels and passenger ships.
My passion lies in seeking out the most untouched arenas of the Arctic, placing a great emphasis on exploring without any signs of human activity. Currently, I am supporting the Ocean Warrior Project, a unique scientific expedition aimed at collecting oceanographic data. We’ll use the wind power of S/V Linden as we sail an impressive 4,000 nautical mile route from Svalbard to the UK, then to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and up to Canada.
My crew and I are committed to embodying an environmentally-friendly approach to sailing, inspired to seek out the abundant beauty of Svalbard in a purposeful manner. Hence, collaborating with The Great Expedition Company is a harmonious eco-expedition match.
@sv__linden
Joe Shutter
A personal note from Joe:
Captain Rasmus is a gentle soul with kind eyes; I have no doubt that you will feel welcomed and at ease in his presence, and safe in his sailing skills. He is a breathe of fresh air on the seas: intelligent yet humble, he is committed to exploring in an intentional and eco-friendly manner, which was the very basis for which I decided to form a collaboration between The Great Expedition Company and S/V Linden. We have a mutual respect and understanding for the fragile Arctic we intend to sail in, and as such, we can plan to explore with purpose and wonder. I am beaming with excitement just writing these words, knowing what lies ahead of you and I: awe-inspiring natural beauty, thrilling wildlife encounters, and genuine human connection amongst our intimate group as we set sails under the Arctic sun.
SVALBARD MEMORIES
LIFE ON BOARD S/V LINDEN
S/V Linden is undeniably a swoon-worthy vessel. This elegant 50 meter three mastered tall ship captures everyones attention as she glides on the polar seas. She is very strong, capable, and best suited scouring the ice in the Arctic. Built in 1993, as a modern take on the original Linden from 1920, she has been sailing for more than thirty years around the northerly seas, proving that she is trustworthy and made for arctic adventures.
Linden will host us in her bright and comfortable main saloon, where plenty of windows provide a panoramic view for you to watch the waves roll by. Accommodation is made up of 5 twin bunk-style cabins and 2 single cabins. Home-cooked meals by the on board chef will be enjoyed in her main saloon, amid a well stocked library of polar literature. Day to day life on board is exciting yet easy-going: we will discuss the upcoming route over a hearty breakfast, plan our days activities, share life experiences over warm tea, and keep our binoculars in hand whilst we look out for wildlife.
Having been built in Finland there is, of course, a well-sized sauna on board, which will be the perfect refuge after a polar-plunge!
TECHNICAL DATA:
Length overall: 49.5 meters / 164 ft.
Beam Breath: 8.8 meters
Draft: 3.1 meters
Passengers: 12
Crew: 6-8
Cargo space: 35 Ton
Crane: SWL1,1T4M
Deck space: 20m2
Tenders: 2x ZodiacMk5, 1xZodiac MOB 4,56m
Sail area: 690 square meters
Speed on sails: 8 knots avg.
Speed on Engine: 6 knots
Range: Unlimited
DETAILS:
Dates: 01-15 June 2024 (14 days, 13 nights)
Berths: 12
Price: €8,995
INCLUDED:
All meals on board (breakfast-lunch-dinner)
Accommodation on board, incl. bedding & towels
Guided zodiac excursions to shore
Guided hikes
NOT INCLUDED:
Your flights to and from Longyearbyen
Extra booze
Personal travel & health insurance
Crew gratuities (discrentionary)
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
Below is our intended sailing route, but please take into consideration that wind and weather conditions may adjust our sails. This is a natural part of the adventure of sailing. Our strength is to abide by the conditions which nature gives us, never against it, still making the best out of our time.
All expedition itineraries are approximate and are designed to give you a rough idea of the sorts of places we will go and the sorts of places we will see. A true expedition must respond to the prevailing conditions such as the weather, ice, and wildlife opportunities. That being said, the backbone of the expedition will head north and then down south again roughly on the following basis.
DAY 1-2
We will first anchor in the spectacular area of Trygghamna: a historical whaling harbour surrounded by stark beauty and spectacular cliffs. Here, there are numerous colonies of glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, geese, Arctic skuas, and Brünnich’s guillemots. Next, we will sail across the Alkhornet bird cliff where thousands of kittiwakes breed. You’ll be in awe upon seeing reindeers and foxes may be searching for bird eggs.
DAY 3-4
Heading further north, we will continue on towards Eidembukta, a geologist’s paradise, whilst we will be also on the lookout polar bear tracks. We sail through the Forlandsundet and pass Poolepynten where walruses are known to gather. Minke whales and beluga whales can be spotted on the way towards Forlandsund. Photographic opportunities will be everywhere and all around us as we sail through a vast and incredible arctic landscape.
DAY 5-7
Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements in the world, may be visited when sailing into Kongsfjorden. The village is mainly uninhabited besides for some inspiring arctic scientists, and it is known for being the starting point of polar expeditions led by Amundsen and Nobile. Birds in the area include different species of colourful ducks and geese. Arctic foxes and reindeer may be hanging around and polar bears can often be sighted. Observing a polar bear for the first time in their natural environment will be a truly life changing experience; The islands and islets around Kongsforden provide a plentiful supply of fast ice that offer ample opportunities to see polar bears and arctic foxes.
DAY 8-10
North we go, and the expedition continues towards Fjords Kross where the magnificent “14th of July Glacier” is observed as well as immense and powerful glaciers in the backdrop. A zodiac landing will be carried out if possible, to look for foxes and identify arctic flora.
Further north still in tot he 79th parallel, Linden will take you towards Liefdefjord (Love fjord) via Kennedybreen which was a significant landmark in the Royal Navy Expedition led by Commander Constantine Phipps in 1773. Then, we will head via Smeerenburg and Sallyhamna, a sheltered anchorage reaching the northernmost parts of the Svalbard archipelago.
Polar bear sightings are now more likely than ever on the edge of the fast ice. A likely anchorage is the lovely secluded Mushamna (Mouse harbor) in Liefdefjord and there we will head around Velkonspynten, into Liefdefjord and witness the beauty of the amazing Monaco Glacier and the colour contrast with the tundra landscape, among other natural Arctic wonders.
DAY 11-14
After reaching the most northern areas of beautiful Svalbard, right at the limit of the sea ice just past the 80th parallel, Linden will now take a southerly course, sailing through the Fuglefjord (Bird fjord), Smeerenburg and towards Isfjorden, stopping at new places along the way. We will likely drop anchor on the last night of our expedition at Trygghamna to enjoy a wonderful dinner in a beautiful evening sunset. On the final day of the expedition, we will arrive at the harbour of Longyearbyen.
FAQ’s
Below are some answers to a few commonly asked questions, with some additional suggestions. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, then you can raise it with us via a Zoom call.
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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 creatively active or as inactive as you like!
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 manoeuvre the stairs and bunkbeds.
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 as the midnight sun reveals itself for longer periods.
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.
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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 layer, 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.
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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 sea water
In the same vein as sunblock, bring lip balm, as the Artic 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!
APPLY TO JOIN US!
WHO ARE YOU?
A proper expedition is always comprised of an elaborate mosaic of characters, each with their own story and each with something to offer to the expedition group. Our job is to put together an incredible group of people: similar enough to embrace the spirit of adventure in the Arctic, different enough to introduce healthy diversity and counterpoint in the individual and shared experience of the Arctic.
We need to ensure that everyone who seeks to join us on our expeditions are a positive, forthcoming and interesting individual, hence why The Great Expedition Company follows a curation protocol when selecting guests to join us. This is why our selection process is curated.
Having “what it takes” simply means you’re open to new places, new people and unforgettable sights. We’re all smart in different ways, and it’s up to team leading the expedition to put together a truly excellent group for a truly exceptional experience.
Find the Zoom call scheduling window below, tell us something about yourself and then book a call with us to discuss your participation.