Boat Trip to Grumant and the Bird Cliffs

This is an evening boat trip from Longyearbyen through Adventfjorden and out into Isfjorden, heading west along the coast to the bird cliffs at Fuglefjellet and then on to Grumant, an abandoned mining settlement. The boat is Wavedancer, an enclosed cabin cruiser. Guides work in English, Norwegian, German and Swiss German.

At Fuglefjellet guests watch seabirds along the cliffs and in the water nearby. Depending on the season, these can include guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, puffins and black guillemots. Arctic foxes or whales may also be seen, though sightings are not guaranteed. At Grumant guests view the remains of the settlement from the sea, below steep mountain slopes, and hear about its history and remote location. Wind, waves, visibility and wildlife decide the exact route and the time spent at each stop.

The tour lasts about four hours, typically from 19:00 to 23:00. Each trip takes a maximum of three guests. The day starts with a pickup at the accommodation in Longyearbyen and a transfer to the boat, where guests meet the guide and get a safety briefing. After the trip, transport back to the accommodation is included. Svalbard Photography's page lists the guided trip, the boat transport and the visits to both places as part of the tour.

The operator suggests bringing warm layers, windproof and water-resistant outer clothing, a hat and gloves even in summer, a camera with a telephoto lens, binoculars if available, personal medication and motion-sickness medication if needed. Svalbard Photography's page says the boat may rock in rough seas. If strong wind or unsuitable weather forces a cancellation, the full amount is refunded. Private bookings can be arranged directly with the operator.