East Coast

The East Coast tour is a snowmobile day trip from Longyearbyen to the east coast of the island of Spitsbergen. The route runs through valleys, over glaciers and across frozen fjords, with snow-covered mountains on all sides. On the east coast the group rides along coastlines, visits glacier fronts and drives over sea ice. Poli Arctici's page says polar bears are more likely to be seen in this part of the island than near Longyearbyen, and the group looks out for them along the way.

The tour lasts 10 to 12 hours and departs at 08:00. Groups have a minimum of four guests and a maximum of 12. It runs from February to mid-May. A transfer from your accommodation and back again is included.

Included are the snowmobile, fuel, helmet, goggles, balaclava, mittens, warm boots and a snowmobile suit. Lunch, snacks and hot drinks are also provided, along with a guide, emergency and safety equipment and rescue insurance. Personal travel insurance is not included.

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and passengers at least 12. The maximum age is 67. Anyone driving needs a licence valid on Svalbard, confirmed in writing before the start and carried throughout the tour. Participation can be refused if the licence is not valid. Guests must bring a warm hat, two pairs of thick socks, two base layers, an insulating mid-layer, a wind and waterproof shell jacket and shell pants, and a backpack of no more than 30 L. Personal items such as medication and toiletries are also required. Recommended items are contact lenses for those who wear glasses, a headlamp for February to March, a camera with extra batteries, hand and foot warmers and thin liner gloves.