El mejor período para viajar al Artico
Información de viaje

Travelling along the coast of Spitsbergen is only possible in the Northern summer season from June - September.
Some years it is possible to sail through the Hinlopen-Strait early in the season, while other years there can be a great deal of ice, which makes it hard to sail. We recommend the early tours for those who are keen to see large ice floes, the richest bird life and flowering plants. For those who would rather travel further east and maybe sail around Spitsbergen, and visit Nordaustlandet, a tour later in the season is more advisable. Nordaustlandet is the second largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and it lies northeast of Spitsbergen. Most of the island is covered by two huge glaciers.

Clothing

The choice of clothing for cold climates is a very personal matter. It depends on your individual experience with cold conditions. Are you more susceptible to cold temperatures than other people ?
A common complaint is it not the cold, it’s the wind, but an equally common polar maxim is there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! The secret to keeping warm is to dress in layers. It is better to have several light layers of clothing than one heavy layer. This also gives you flexibility in your clothing so you can take off a layer if you are too warm or put another layer on if you are cold. The most important layer is the outer waterproof and windproof shell because even a light wind of 6 kph (about 4 mph) can carry away eight times more body heat than still air! The so-called wind chill factor measures the increase in cooling power of moving air, whether its wind that is blowing or it is you who is moving rapidly and, in effect, creating a wind against yourself.

Tips to stay warm

-Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration
-Wear water repellent outer garments that will keep you dry on the outside and still allow moisture from your body to escape.
-Body heat is most likely to be lost from parts that have a lot of surface area in comparison to total mass - namely, the hands and feet. Keep them warm and dry. For hands, mittens are better than gloves.
-If you have cold feet, put a hat on. If the rest of your body is covered, as much as 90of the heat you lose can come from your head, so be sure to wear a cap, beanie or balaclava. These items can be pulled down to protect your ears, forehead, neck and chin. The neck also needs protection with a woolen or synthetic scarf, that can be wrapped around the face when travelling against the wind.
-Dress in comfortable, loose layers. For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy item. Between each layer there is a film of trapped air which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator.
-Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. When damp or wet, polyester down is a better insulator than goose or duck down. Polar fleece is popular and recommended.

Recommended packing list

When packing, don’t weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire for your trip that can be worn in layers, including:
-Rubber boots;
A pair of pull-on rubber, completely waterproof boots that are mid calf or higher with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is ESSENTIAL for landings. Expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. For this reason boots such as Sorrels, snow boots, hiking boots or low rubber boots are not satisfactory (you'll get wet feet). Your boots are probably the most important item you need to bring, so if you have questions or just need some further advice please don't hesitate to contact us.
-Warm Trousers;
Ski pants are suitable if you have them; otherwise, bring any sturdy trousers that can be layered between your long underwear and rain over-trousers. Jeans and corduroys are good both for excursions and wearing aboard ship.
-Waterproof Trousers;
Water resistant over-trousers are essential for your comfort. Wear them over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. Gore-Tex and similar fabrics are both waterproof and breathable.
-Thermal Underwear;
Silk or polypropylene underwear are highly recommended since it keeps you warm without adding bulk. Most people prefer a lightweight version - but this depends on your personal thermostat.
-Sweaters;
Wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket of medium weight are recommended.
-Mittens and gloves;
Keeping your hands warm and dry is a challenge - and important. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm mittens. Thus, you can take off the mittens to operate your camera and still have some protection from the cold. It's a good idea to bring an extra pair of wool mittens to wear if your other pair gets wet (or lost).
-Woolen cap;
A warm cap to protect your ears - and a scarf.
-Warm socks;
Sturdy, tall, wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene or cotton/wool socks should provide enough insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
-Waterproof