SVALBARD & THE ARCTIC CIRCLE CRUISE
Discover striking glaciers, majestic wildlife, and untamed frontiers on a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic voyage through the polar north
Enter the Arctic Circle
Wildlife encounters and pristine landscapes across Svalbard and the Norwegian fjords on the best Arctic ocean cruise
Journey to the edge of the world, where mountains plunge into crystal fjords and glaciers gleam beneath the endless summer sun. Here, light lingers long past midnight, washing the tundra in silver, rose, and gold.
This is Svalbard, the crown jewel of the Arctic, where Aqua Lares — the region’s first icebreaker superyacht open to both charter and cabin bookings — takes you deep into one of the planet’s great frontiers. Led by expert naturalist guides, sail through breathtaking Arctic landscapes in search of polar bears roaming the pack ice, walruses basking on remote shores, and colonies of puffins and guillemots filling the cliffs with life. Glide by kayak beneath towering glaciers and head out on zodiacs to trace the icy edges of fjords such as Liefdefjorden and Raudfjord.
The Arctic also bears witness to centuries of exploration and survival. Step ashore at Gravneset, where one of Svalbard’s largest whaling-era cemeteries recalls the dangers of a bygone age, or at Smeerenburg, once a bustling Dutch outpost and now a refuge for wildlife. Every landing on our Arctic Circle cruise weaves together stories of nature’s resilience and human history at the edge of the known world.
Between adventures, return to the world-class comfort of Aqua Lares — featuring 15 bespoke cabins including three Owner's Suites, a sun deck, jacuzzi, refined cuisine, and 1:1 award-winning hospitality. Embark on an unparalleled Arctic journey where immersive discovery meets small-ship luxury.
The Arctic Ocean’s Remote Wilderness
Trip highlights and excursions
LongyearbyenLocated on the main island of the Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement, a remote Arctic town framed by glaciers and towering mountains. Once a coal-mining hub, today, travelers who cruise to Longyearbyen are welcomed to a realm of crisp air, surreal silence, and sub-zero winters that can dip below –40°C.
Gravneset and SmeerenburgGravneset (“Grave Headland”) sits within one of Svalbard’s most scenic fjords, surrounded by tall glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. This peaceful landing site is home to one of the archipelago’s largest 17th-century cemeteries, with over 130 graves from the early whaling period. Just beyond lies Smeerenburg, a former Dutch whaling station that once bustled with activity during the height of Arctic exploration. Today, its shores are often visited by walruses, offering a unique blend of wildlife and maritime history.
Pack IceAt the very limit of navigable waters, floating slabs of pack ice begin to dominate the horizon. This is polar bear territory, known for its raw beauty and wildlife sightings, from seabirds skimming low over the floes to seals resting along the edges. With luck, a polar bear may appear, moving across the ice in its natural element.
ÅlesundSurrounded by islands, fjords, and mountains, Ålesund is best known for its pastel Art Nouveau architecture. Rebuilt after the fire of 1904, the city’s graceful facades and sweeping views make it one of Norway’s most striking towns.
SamarinvågenThe calving glacier at Samarinvågen often fills the bay with drifting ice, creating ideal haul-out sites for bearded seals. Seabirds are plentiful, including little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, and both common and king eiders. With luck, you might glimpse a beluga whale surfacing in the still waters — a memorable highlight of any Arctic holiday.
Bear IslandLying halfway between mainland Norway and Spitsbergen, Bear Island is a remote outpost steeped in exploration history. Discovered in 1596 by Willem Barents and now a protected nature reserve, its cliffs host vast seabird colonies. From puffins and guillemots to skuas and little auks, creating one of the Arctic’s most vibrant wildlife spectacles.
Trollfjorden & Reine, LofotenAccording to legend, trolls once guarded the narrow entrance to Trollfjorden, a two-kilometer fjord flanked by cliffs rising nearly 1,000 meters. Accessible through the Raftsund Strait, its towering rock faces create a dramatic atmosphere, with seals and white-tailed eagles often seen in the area. Continue into the Lofoten Islands to Reine, a fishing village framed by jagged peaks and deep fjords, with nearby Nusfjord recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Callanish, Isle of LewisIn Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Lewis is home to the mysterious Callanish Stones. Standing for over 5,000 years, these ancient stones rise from the peat fields, their true purpose lost to time yet steeped in myth and legend.
Getting there
Embarkation
Longyearbyen
Embarkation Point: Longyearbyen Harbour
Embarkation Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
After landing, guests will be welcomed by the Aqua Lares team at the Arrival Terminal, before a brief five-minute transfer by van to Longyearbyen Harbour where they will board Aqua Lares via tender.
Tromsø
Embarkation Point: Tromsø Havn (Harbour)
Embarkation Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Glasgow
Embarkation Point: Greenock Ocean Terminal
Embarkation Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Our superyacht sailing the Arctic Circle
FAQs
Have a question? Don’t be shy. We’re here help you make the most of your adventure. Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you still need help contact us.
Svalbard, the starting point for Aqua Lares’ Arctic expeditions, is a remote Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Circle, situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Its main island, Spitsbergen, is home to Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement and the embarkation point for your journey. The archipelago is made up of protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves, including Sør-Spitsbergen National Park with its dramatic fjords, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park steeped in whaling history, and Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, one of the coldest and most pristine regions on Earth. This land of midnight sun and drifting sea ice offers an unparalleled mix of rugged landscapes, rich polar wildlife, and a history of exploration stretching back centuries.
The Arctic is home to some of the world’s most iconic and resilient wildlife, perfectly adapted to its extreme environment. Encounter polar bears roaming the ice, vast colonies of Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on towering cliffs, and walrus hauled out on pebbled shores. Watch bearded seals resting on drifting floes and the sleek forms of beluga whales gliding beneath the surface. With its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity, an Aqua Lares expedition offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the Arctic’s wildlife in their purest and most dramatic setting.
Aqua Lares expedition rates include all meals on board, non-alcoholic beverages, selected house wines and beer, small-group excursions led by expert local guides, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, entrance fee to national parks, onboard lectures, evening entertainment, high-speed satellite internet, and laundry service. A key benefit of our all-inclusive rates is that guests know exactly how much their expedition will cost upfront. The only non-inclusive expenses for the expedition are flights, cocktails, massage services, and gratuities.
Life aboard Aqua Lares is relaxed and casual, with a no-shoes policy. We recommend packing:
• Insulated, waterproof boots and warm
• Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
• Base layers (thermal tops and leggings) for warmth
• Mid-layers such as fleece or wool sweaters
• A waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)/Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
• Warm hat, scarf, and insulated gloves or mittens
• Sunglasses with UV protection and sunscreen
• Your camera, with charger, extra batteries, and memory cards
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting (strongly recommended)
• Walking poles (highly recommended)
• Casual attire for meals in the dining area
• Pre-download your favourite TV shows or movies on your laptop or tablet for your entertainmen
Yes, unlimited access to high-speed Wi-Fi is available on board Aqua Lares.
Most Aqua Lares Arctic expeditions begin in Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Norway). Citizens of most countries, including those in the EU, US, UK, Australia, and Canada, can enter Norway visa-free for short stays; however, requirements vary depending on nationality. For the most up-to-date information on visa and vaccination requirements, guests are advised to contact their nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate. While no specific vaccinations are required for Svalbard, we recommend consulting a physician for personalised travel health advice and any preventative measures before your journey aboard Aqua Lares.
Guests are strongly advised to purchase trip cancelation insurance, which will reimburse the cost of air tickets and other non-refundable trip payments. International medical, baggage loss, and delay insurance are also recommended. Insurance companies such as Travel Guard and Allianz are options that guests may consider. Please note that we are unable to offer a booking refund should guests miss their vessel departure for reasons including but not limited to weather-related flight cancellations. If Aqua Lares is unable to sail (i.e. due to force majeure or mechanical failure), Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to substitute another vessel. Should guests choose not to proceed with this option, Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to cancel their trip upon a refund pro rata per cruise night not used or, as an alternative, offer credit toward a future Aqua Lares expedition.
The minimum recommended age to travel on Aqua Lares is 5 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to travel without their parents or guardians. If any occupant in the cabin is under 18, a guest of at least 18 years old must be booked in the same cabin. There is no minimum age requirement on private charters.
Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Bedding configurations are customizable depending on the selected cabin. All cabins are designed for exceptional comfort with minimal exposure to noise. With a maximum of 30 guests onboard, Aqua Lares ensures a tranquil and relaxing environment throughout the journey.
Guests with special dietary requests are encouraged to inform Aqua Expeditions at the time of booking, during online check-in (where they can specify their preferences), or at least 30 days prior to embarkation. We are committed to crafting exceptional culinary experiences that are tailored to our guests’ needs. Our talented chefs are skilled in a variety of preparations and can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other specialized diets. Whether due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or lifestyle choices, every effort is made to curate world-class meals that align with individual preferences.
