Day 9: Gipsvika and Skansbukta

On our final morning, back in Isfjforden, we started in Gipsvika — and finally saw the sun again. After days of fog while circumnavigating Spitsbergen, this sudden burst of light lifted our spirits. We landed in a wide valley and split into our usual hiking groups to explore an area rich with vegetation.

Sunlight danced across the towering, steep mountains, creating a spectacular light show. We spotted puffins high up on the cliffs, while reindeer grazed peacefully in the valley below. Eventually, we all made it back to the beach, where we discovered the swell had picked up. The Expedition Team had a very wet job getting us back into the zodiacs — a true expedition moment!

Our afternoon landing at Skansbukta was on the northern shore of Isfjforden, at the entrance to Billefjorden. We had the freedom to walk around within a safe perimeter set up by the guides. A lone walrus was lounging on the beach and around the corner puffins were taking off from their nesting sites.

We ended this final landing with hot chocolate, a celebratory shot — and for the brave, a dip in the Arctic Ocean.

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