Snowmobile trip to the East coast

Spitzbergen Adventures runs a snowmobile day trip starting in Longyearbyen and crossing Svalbard to reach the east coast. The route crosses wide snowy valleys, glaciers and open tundra. The destination is Mohnbukta, a bay where, if ice conditions allow, guests ride on the frozen sea beside blue glacier fronts and icebergs held in the sea ice. The group makes several stops for views, photos and talks about the nature and history of the region, and eats a warm lunch outdoors. Spitzbergen Adventures' page says the east coast is the place in Svalbard where polar bears are most likely to be seen. The group watches from a distance and does not approach. Guides carry a rifle in case of polar bears, as Svalbard requires.

The tour lasts 10 hours, from 08:00 to 18:00. The group is at least two drivers and at most six snowmobiles. The minimum age is 12. The riding is easy, yet the day is long, and the tour suits most skill and fitness levels. Anyone who wants to drive needs a physical, valid driver's licence. Passengers can ride along with a driver.

Included are hotel pick-up at 08:00 with return by 18:00, a guide, safety equipment, a snowmobile and fuel, and insurance. Clothing supplied is a snowmobile suit, balaclava, mittens, goggles, boots and a helmet. Food is a warm lunch, coffee, tea and sweets. Guests bring warm underwear, warm ski pants, a warm base layer and socks, and a sweater or down jacket. Contact lenses are recommended instead of glasses.