Spitsbergen Summer 2013 Voyages

Barquentine ‘Antigua’ Dutch owned tall ship Antigua will be returning to this high arctic archepelageo in summer 2013. Wildlife guides will be on hand so that you get the most from your voyage, and there is also a 'Photography special' departure, making use of the natural light in September.  Antigua is licensed for worldwide charter and can take 32 guest crew. You are encouraged to join the watches and take part in sailing.

Open the wonderful story of a Spitsbergen voyage in 2011 Part 1 Part 2

Spitzbergen / Svalbad

In 1596 Willem Barentsz discovered snow covered mountains 600 miles further north than Norway and called it Spitzbergen. The archipelago is now called Svalbard. Once the haunt of whalers it draws wilderness lovers to its immense glaciers and intrepid sailors to its long fjords once the coastline is free of ice.

Deep in the Arctic Circle

Only 1000km from the North Pole, this raw, beautiful archipelago is enclosed in pack ice for most the year. In the Arctic summer the ice retreats and it teems with wildlife and flowers, the sun shines for 24hours. By September you may see Northern Lights. Enjoy remote anchorages, walks ashore with experienced wildlife guides and sailing amongst different types of ice depending on the voyage dates.

Polar Bears & Walrus

Sixty percent of the land is glaciated but clinging to seacliffs are enormous breeding colonies of seabirds. On land arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears roam (guides carry rifles as a precaution). At sea many types of whales, walrus and seals can be sighted. Antigua has a library and regular lectures are held in the lounge to learn more.