3-day Wilderness Camp: Kayak, Glacier & Trekking

This is a three-day camp-based tour in Ymerbukta, a bay across the fjord from Longyearbyen, between the open sea and the Esmark Glacier. Guests sleep in tents on a remote beach, paddle kayaks along the coast, hike over rugged shoreline terrain and walk on the crevassed surface of the Esmark Glacier with crampons and harnesses. All guests share camp routines: cooking, dishwashing and a night watch for polar bears, including one at 03:00.

On day one the group is collected at 08:30 from their accommodation, has a gear check and a short briefing, then takes a boat across Isfjorden for about two hours. After setting up camp, they make a short afternoon kayak trip. Day 2 is spent on the glacier, with lunch on the ice. On day three the boat returns the group to town around lunchtime. The itinerary may change with weather, ice, wildlife or group ability.

Groups have 4 to 10 participants. The boat trips both ways, every meal, snacks and hot drinks are covered, plus tent, camping bed, sleeping mat, kayak clothing such as a drysuit and life jacket, glacier equipment, a guide with safety equipment and search and rescue insurance. Guests bring waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankle, layered warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a drinking bottle, a backpack and a camera.

The minimum age is 18, and 16 to 17 year olds join by agreement. No kayaking or glacier experience is needed, as the guide provides training, but good fitness is required for day hikes with climbs, steep slopes and uneven ground. Limits are drysuit size XXL, height 195 cm and kayak cockpit circumference 130 cm.