Glacier Boat Tour, Oscar II Land

This tour is a private boat charter from Longyearbyen into Isfjorden, with a route set around the guests' interests. Possible stops include glacier fronts, bird cliffs, isolated bays, former mining settlements and other cultural remains. The captain and guide pick the final route on the day after comparing the forecast, sea state, visibility and ice situation.

Guests can focus on scenery and wildlife photography, history, a glacier area or a relaxed day in the fjords. Wildlife may include seals, whales and seabirds. Polar bears occur in Svalbard, but the page says they cannot be promised.

The charter lasts about eight hours, counting pickup and return in Longyearbyen. The group is limited to three guests, and the boat is closed, with a sheltered cabin. The day runs from accommodation pickup, a route discussion at the harbour and departure, to time at the chosen places, lunch and a drive back to the accommodation.

Included are the captain and guide, transfers, lunch, coffee, tea, hot toddy, biscuits and the required boat safety equipment. Guests bring warm layers, windproof and water-resistant outerwear, a warm hat and gloves, suitable footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera with charged batteries, binoculars if available and personal medication, including motion-sickness medication when needed. The season runs May to October, subject to conditions. Tours run in English, Norwegian and German, with Swiss German and Chinese on request.