Walrus Safari Boat Tour, Hurtigruten Svalbard

This boat tour from Longyearbyen crosses Isfjorden to Borebukta, a bay on Svalbard where a walrus colony gathers. The operator says walruses return to favourite places to rest, socialise and hunt, and the aim is to watch them from a respectful distance. Sightings are hoped for rather than promised.

The crossing is made on the speedboat Kvitbjørn. On the way to Borebukta, guests may also spot other marine animals or birds along the coast. Guests can watch the scenery from the aft deck. The trip lasts four hours, and the group is limited to 12 guests.

The tour includes the transfer between the harbour in Longyearbyen and the departure point, the boat trip with a guide, all the safety equipment needed on board, plus warm drinks and buns baked fresh at the bakery. The page does not list any items guests must bring.

The minimum age is 8 years. The operator rates the difficulty at 2 on a scale of 5 and describes the tour as suitable for most people. The tour runs from May to August.