Boat Trip to Grumant and the Bird Cliffs
Travel from Adventfjorden into the vast Isfjorden on an intimate evening boat trip to Fuglefjellet and the abandoned mining settlement of Grumant.
We follow the coastline westwards in the special Arctic evening light, surrounded by steep mountains, open water and a rich variety of seabirds. With some luck, Arctic foxes or whales may also appear along the route.
The tour is operated with the small and comfortable cabin cruiser Wavedancer and is limited to a maximum of three guests. This creates a quiet, personal atmosphere with enough space for observation and photography.
Weather, sea conditions and wildlife activity determine the exact route and how the experience unfolds. Every departure is therefore different.
Isfjorden, bird cliffs and traces of mining history
The route combines broad fjord landscapes, dense seabird activity and the atmospheric remains of one of Svalbard’s former mining settlements.
What makes this experience special
Grumant
See the abandoned mining settlement from the water and experience its isolated setting beneath the mountains.
Fuglefjellet
Visit one of the nearby bird-cliff areas where large numbers of seabirds gather during summer.
Maximum three guests
The small group offers space, flexibility and a highly personal atmosphere on board.
Arctic evening light
Travel west through Isfjorden during the soft and often dramatic light of the polar summer evening.
Wildlife possibilities
Observe numerous seabird species and, with luck, Arctic foxes or whales.
Enclosed cabin cruiser
Wavedancer provides a sheltered and comfortable base for the four-hour journey.
A coastline shaped by wildlife and history
The bird cliffs reveal the abundance of Arctic summer, while the remains at Grumant tell the story of people who once lived and worked in this remote landscape.
From Adventfjorden into the great Isfjorden
After leaving Longyearbyen, we travel through Adventfjorden and out into Isfjorden, the largest fjord system on the western side of Spitsbergen.
Following the coast westwards, we approach Fuglefjellet and areas where seabirds gather, feed and nest during the polar summer. Depending on the season, the cliffs and water may be active with guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, puffins and black guillemots.
We then continue towards Grumant. Seen from the sea, the abandoned settlement lies beneath steep mountain slopes, offering a striking reminder of Svalbard’s mining history.
How the four-hour boat tour may unfold
The sequence and time spent at each location depend on wind, waves, visibility and wildlife activity.
Pickup in Longyearbyen
You are collected from your accommodation and transferred to the boat.
Boarding Wavedancer
Meet your guide, board the cabin cruiser and receive a safety briefing.
Adventfjorden
Leave Longyearbyen and travel towards the open waters of Isfjorden.
Fuglefjellet
Observe seabird activity along the cliffs and surrounding coastal waters.
Grumant
View the abandoned mining settlement and learn about its remote location and history.
Return to Longyearbyen
Travel back through the fjord and receive transport to your accommodation.
Everything you need to know
Included in the tour
- Four-hour guided boat trip
- Maximum of three guests
- Transport aboard the enclosed cabin cruiser Wavedancer
- Visit to Fuglefjellet and Grumant
- Wildlife and photography opportunities
- Pickup from your accommodation
- Return to your accommodation
What to bring
- Warm layered clothing
- Windproof and water-resistant outerwear
- Hat and gloves, also during summer
- Camera and telephoto lens
- Binoculars if available
- Personal medication
- Motion-sickness medication when required
Weather, sea conditions and wildlife
In rough seas, the boat may rock depending on the weather conditions. Guests should take their own seaworthiness into account before booking.
If the tour must be cancelled because of strong wind or unsuitable weather, the full amount will be refunded. In such cases, an alternative programme is not included or guaranteed.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Safe navigation, responsible wildlife observation and current conditions always take priority.
Planning your Grumant and Bird Cliffs boat trip
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately four hours and is operated as a half-day evening boat trip.
How many guests are on board?
The tour is limited to a maximum of three guests aboard the cabin cruiser Wavedancer.
What will we see at Grumant?
You will view the remains of the abandoned mining settlement from the sea beneath the steep coastal mountains.
Which wildlife may we encounter?
Numerous seabird species are possible. With some luck, Arctic foxes or whales may also be observed.
Is the tour suitable for photographers?
Yes. The small group, coastal wildlife and evening light make the tour well suited to landscape and wildlife photography.
What happens in bad weather?
If strong wind or unsuitable weather requires cancellation, the full tour price will be refunded.
Is pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Longyearbyen are included.
Which languages are available?
The tour can be guided in English, Norwegian, German and Swiss German.
Can this tour be booked privately?
Yes. Private bookings may be arranged directly with Svalbard Photography.
Discover wildlife and history from the water
Join a personal four-hour journey through Isfjorden to the seabird cliffs and the atmospheric remains of Grumant.
