Arctic Expedition with National Park After Dark and Tooth & Claw
Adventure
Arctic Expedition with National Park After Dark and Tooth & Claw
Join National Park After Dark and Tooth & Claw on an extraordinary Arctic expedition into one of the most remote, raw, and wildlife rich regions on the planet. This is a journey to the edge of the map, where towering glaciers meet drifting sea ice, the sun barely sets, and every day brings the possibility of unforgettable encounters with polar bears, walruses, whales, and Arctic foxes.
With a round trip departure from Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, the expedition navigates the dramatic coastline and far flung islands of the Svalbard archipelago. Days are shaped by nature rather than schedules, with routes and landing sites chosen in real time based on ice conditions, weather, and wildlife movement. This flexible, expedition style approach allows for deeper exploration and maximises opportunities in an environment that is constantly changing.
Your home throughout the journey is Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega, a purpose built expedition vessel designed specifically for polar travel. Featuring a PC5 ice strengthened hull, advanced stabilisation, and refined Scandinavian design, SH Vega offers a rare balance of serious expedition capability and elegant comfort. Expansive observation lounges, open deck viewing areas, a spa and sauna with Arctic views, and welcoming dining spaces create a calm, comfortable base between excursions.
On board, expert expedition guides provide daily briefings and in depth insight into Arctic wildlife, ecology, and polar history, while your hosts from National Park After Dark and Tooth & Claw add rich storytelling and context to the landscapes and encounters you experience. This is not a scripted cruise, but a true polar expedition, where the Arctic sets the pace and every day brings something entirely new.
National Park After Dark and Tooth & Claw have been around the world with hundreds of listeners on dozens of trips on nearly every continent – separately. But now, after much anticipation, they are finally joining forces to create an unforgettable trip that brings the best of both worlds!
Trip Start:
Trip Finish:
Trip Duration:
Accommodation:
Included Meals:
Group Size:
Inclusions
7 Nights Accommodation Aboard SH Vega
All Meals On Board From Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Final Day
Expedition Cruise Through the Svalbard Archipelago
Hosted by National Park After Dark and Tooth & Claw
Expert Expedition Team and Onboard Specialists
Daily Zodiac Landings and Shore Excursions Conditions Permitting
Scenic Arctic Cruising Through Fjords and Ice Filled Waters
Wildlife Spotting Including Polar Bears, Walruses, Seals, and Whales
Educational Lectures and Daily Expedition Briefings
Host Led Storytelling Sessions
Use of Expedition Zodiacs and Basecamp
Access to Observation Lounge and Stargazing Deck
Access to Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, and Room Service
Use of Spa, Sauna With a View, Gym, and Heated Outdoor Pool
Use of Expedition Lab and Shipboard Library
Port Taxes and Marine Fees
Exclusions
Arrival/Departure Flights
Airport Transfers
Visa/Entry Requirements
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Personal Expenses incl Tips
Travel Insurance (Required)
Local City or Tourist Taxes (Where Applicable, Usually Paid Locally)
Your Hosts
National Park After Dark
Hi all! Our names are Cassie and Danielle, and we are the hosts of the outdoor podcast National Park After Dark.
We have been traveling with our community for over three years now and have seen some truly remarkable places. With nearly every continent under our belts (Australia – we’re coming for you!) we have visited dozens of locations with hundreds of listeners turned friends.
We are here to support you and your relationship with adventure. Our hope for our travels together is that you create new memories throughout the world in a safe and exciting way while forming lifelong friendships along the way!
Tooth and Claw
Wes Larson (@grizkid) (a wildlife biologist) Jeff Larson (@jefe_larson) (Wes’s brother) and Mike Smith (@mikey3ds) (their friend) are the creators and hosts of Tooth & Claw (@toothandclawpodcast), an award winning wildlife podcast, where they tell true stories of animal attacks but more importantly, how listeners can avoid dangerous encounters and learn a new appreciation for wildlife in the process.
Itinerary
Day 1 Longyearbyen - The Adventure Begins
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, where colourful buildings cling to the edge of the Arctic and mountains and glaciers rise sharply from the surrounding fjords. With the wilderness never far away, take time to wander the compact high street or step into the North Pole Expeditions Museum to trace the daring history of early polar explorers.
Later, board Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega, your floating Arctic home away from home, and feel the shift from town to true expedition. Settle into your stateroom, meet the expert expedition team, and gather for a welcome dinner as the ship prepares to cast off and point north, leaving civilisation behind and heading deep into the Arctic.
🏨 Accommodation
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Dinner
✅ Activities
- Embarkation In Longyearbyen
- Welcome Briefing On Board
Days 2-7 Exploring the Svalbard Archipelago
These days are dedicated to deep exploration of Svalbard’s wild and remote coastline. Each morning begins with expedition briefings as the team assesses conditions and outlines the day’s plan, shaped by ice, weather, and wildlife movement.
You may explore dramatic fjords lined with towering glaciers, land on remote shores by Zodiac, and walk across tundra landscapes dotted with Arctic flora. In areas of sea ice, scanning for polar bears becomes a highlight, while coastal zones often reveal walruses hauled out on beaches and seals resting at the water’s edge. Whales may surface alongside the ship as it navigates icy channels.
Between excursions, enjoy expert talks on Arctic ecology, wildlife behaviour, and polar history, alongside host led storytelling sessions that bring depth and context to the landscapes you are exploring. Optional kayaking may be offered when conditions allow, offering a quiet, immersive way to experience the Arctic from the water.
🏨 Accommodation
-
SH Vega
🍽️ Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
✅ Activities
- Zodiac Landings And Shore Walks
- Wildlife Spotting From Ship And Zodiac
- Glacier And Fjord Scenic Cruising
- Expert Led Lectures And Daily Briefings
- Host Led Storytelling Sessions
- Optional Kayaking Conditions Permitting
Days 7-8 Return to Longyearbyen and Fond Farewell
As the expedition slowly turns back toward Longyearbyen, the final hours in the Arctic are often some of the most memorable. With fewer set plans and a heightened sense of awareness, you’ll spend time scanning the coastline and sea ice for last wildlife encounters, soaking in the vast silence, and absorbing the raw beauty that has defined the journey. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and appreciate just how rare this experience truly is.
On the final morning, SH Vega returns to Longyearbyen. After breakfast, disembark and step back onto solid ground, carrying with you unforgettable memories of ice filled fjords, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and the quiet power of the High Arctic – a journey that stays with you long after you leave the edge of the world.
🏨 Accommodation
-
SH Vega
🍽️ Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
✅ Activities
- Final Arctic Excursions Conditions Permitting
- Scenic Cruising Toward Longyearbyen
- Disembarkation In Longyearbyen
Trip Photos
Important Notes
ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Svalbard Airport (LYR).
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Svalbard Airport (LYR).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. More specific information on transport options for your arrival and departure airports should be available on the airport websites.
Pre-booked airport transfers are available for most airports via Expedia – please select “Cars” and then “Airport Transportation”: https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised roughly 2-3 months prior to the trip starting. We will advise guests once that happens, and we then recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/norway-destination-guide/
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We recommend booking flights as soon as your trip is CONFIRMED.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available. We recommend organising as soon as your trip is CONFIRMED.
For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
TRAVELLER CONDUCT & WELLBEING:
For a quick guide on how to enjoy our group trips safely, respectfully, and with the right balance of fun and wellbeing, head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/group-trips-great-times-how-to-eat-drink-stay-well-on-the-road/
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