A private expedition yacht through Svalbard
7 nights aboard Aqua Lares, privately chartered through Svalbard for up to 30 guests. The voyage moves from Longyearbyen into glacier fjords, pack ice, walrus shores, bird cliffs, tundra landings and the pale light of Arctic summer. Between expeditions, guests return to a yacht with private cabins, Owner's Suites, warm lounges, refined dining, a sauna, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, massage room, sundeck and the quiet privilege of having the ship entirely to themselves.
Svalbard is the Arctic in its most cinematic form. Glaciers fall straight into the sea, walrus gather on empty beaches, guillemots fill sheer bird cliffs, reindeer cross the tundra and polar bears are so central to the identity of the archipelago that locals have long repeated the line that they outnumber people. Aqua Lares turns this world into a private voyage for one group, with tenders for close exploration, guides for shore landings and a yacht that brings serious comfort into a landscape that still feels almost untouched.
Request
Aqua Lares is a 15 cabin expedition yacht for up to 30 guests, with three Owner's Suites and a full private crew. On board, the group has lounges, dining spaces, a sundeck, sauna, massage room, indoor Jacuzzi and outdoor Jacuzzi for recovery after cold air, shore walks and tender excursions.
The voyage is built around close encounters with the Arctic. Guests can step ashore at old whaling sites, walk tundra trails, cruise by tender near glacier ice, watch walrus from the shoreline and spend time near the pack ice in search of polar wildlife.
Svalbard sits deep in the High Arctic, between mainland Norway and the North Pole. In summer, the sun barely leaves the sky, which gives the journey long hours on deck, late dinners in soft light and the strange feeling of time stretching around the ship.
7 Nights • Svalbard, Norway
Private families, multi generational groups, founders, private clubs, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, expedition travellers and guests who want the Arctic with privacy, comfort and real access.
Aqua Lares. A private expedition yacht with 15 cabins for up to 30 guests, including three Owner's Suites. Onboard facilities include refined dining areas, indoor and outdoor lounges, sundeck, sauna, massage room, indoor Jacuzzi, outdoor Jacuzzi and expedition equipment for shore and tender exploration.
Up to 30 guests on a private charter.
7 nights and 8 days.
Private charter of Aqua Lares, onboard accommodation, meals according to the final programme, crew service, expedition leadership, guided landings where permitted, tender excursions, polar wildlife watching, onboard wellness areas, voyage planning and Zameera coordination. Final inclusions are confirmed within the charter proposal.
June to August for the Arctic summer season. This is the period of long daylight, open water routes and the strongest window for expedition cruising, wildlife watching and remote shore landings.
Guests fly to Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard. Most international journeys connect through Oslo or Tromsø before continuing north.
This is a private polar expedition. The voyage follows a planned structure, with the captain and expedition team making final decisions according to safety, ice and local guidance.
Aqua Lares gives the Arctic the privacy of a superyacht. With only 15 cabins, the ship feels personal and calm, yet carries the crew, guides and expedition capability needed for Svalbard.
The yacht includes three Owner's Suites, giving the principal guests more generous private space. Large windows keep the Arctic close, so mornings can begin with glacier walls, open water or pale mountains outside the cabin.
After time outside, the lower deck wellness area becomes part of the rhythm. Guests can warm up in the sauna, use the indoor Jacuzzi, book massage treatments or step into the outdoor Jacuzzi while the Arctic remains in view.
The voyage can enter fjords lined with tidewater glaciers, steep cliffs and snow-covered peaks. Guests watch blue ice from the deck, approach glacier fronts by tender and feel the scale of a landscape built by pressure, cold and time.
Reaching the pack ice is one of the defining moments of the voyage. The ship moves toward drifting floes where seals rest, ivory gulls pass overhead and polar bears may be seen moving across the ice.
Svalbard's gravel beaches can hold groups of Atlantic walrus resting between feeding. The approach is quiet and respectful, with guests watching from the shoreline or tenders while the animals remain undisturbed.
At sites such as Alkefjellet, the cliffs rise almost vertically from the sea and fill with guillemots during the breeding season. The sound, movement and scale of the colony make this one of the most vivid scenes in the Arctic summer.
The route may include Gravneset, Smeerenburg, Sorgfjorden or Gnalodden. These places carry remains of whaling, trapping, mining and polar life, with old graves, huts and traces of people who lived at the edge of survival.
The tenders turn the voyage into something immediate. They bring guests closer to ice, shorelines, wildlife and narrow landing places, allowing the group to leave the yacht without losing the safety and service of returning to it.
In June, July and August, Svalbard stays in long Arctic daylight. The ship can hold late dinners, quiet deck watches and unhurried evenings while the horizon remains pale and the landscape refuses to disappear.
The experience begins in Longyearbyen, then quickly leaves the settlement behind. The ship moves into the coast of Svalbard, where the views become wider and stranger with each hour. Guests watch from the deck as mountains sharpen, glaciers appear and the water begins to carry pieces of ice.
Each day brings a different way into the landscape. You may board a tender after breakfast and move quietly toward a glacier front. You may step ashore near an old whaling station, walk across tundra with an expedition guide or wait at a safe distance as walrus rest on a gravel beach. At the bird cliffs, the air becomes full of movement and sound. Near the pack ice, everyone becomes quieter.
The yacht gives the experience its luxury. After cold wind and shore landings, guests return to warm lounges, private cabins, proper meals and the softness of being looked after by a crew that knows the voyage intimately. The sauna, massage room and Jacuzzis are not decorative extras here. They matter because the Arctic is physical.
Request
This is a sample structure for a 7 night private charter aboard Aqua Lares. The final route is shaped by the captain and expedition team, with all landings and tender excursions confirmed according to safety, ice and local guidance.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, surrounded by dark mountains, Arctic air and the strange openness of the far north. Board Aqua Lares, settle into your cabin and meet the crew and guides. Dinner is served on board as the yacht leaves harbour and begins tracing the Svalbard coast.
Begin at Gravneset, where glaciers and mountains frame one of Svalbard's historic whaling cemeteries. Continue toward Smeerenburg and Sorgattet, connected to the Dutch whaling presence of the 17th century. Shore time brings the first Arctic terns, geese, tundra ground and the feeling of standing somewhere far beyond ordinary travel.
Sail toward the drifting pack ice, one of the great thresholds of the voyage. Tender excursions bring guests close to the ice field while guides watch for polar bears, seals and ivory gulls. In the afternoon, a polar plunge may be arranged before guests return to the sauna, Jacuzzi and warmth of the ship.
Explore one of Svalbard's great bird cliffs, where thousands of Brünnich's guillemots crowd the basalt ledges. Arctic foxes and glaucous gulls are often seen below the cliffs during the breeding season. Later, sail along Bråsvellbreen, an immense glacier front where summer meltwater can fall down the ice in long white streams.
Navigate Hinlopenstretet, the strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. The passage brings steep cliffs, tidewater glaciers, drifting ice and the possibility of wildlife along the shore. In the afternoon, approach Torellneset, a gravel spit known for Atlantic walrus haul outs.
Enter Liefdefjorden, a fjord framed by jagged peaks and glaciers that reach toward the sea. A guided walk may lead across tundra near the Texas Bar hunter's hut, following reindeer trails through open Arctic ground. Later, continue toward Raudfjord, where cliffs, seabirds and blue-tinged ice give the evening a quieter tone.
Explore Krossfjorden, where Lilliehöökbreen stretches across the head of the fjord and seals may rest on drifting ice. Continue toward Kongsfjorden, long associated with exploration, science and some of Svalbard's most striking mountain scenery. The final evening is held privately on board, with dinner, deck time and the last long light of the voyage.
Return to Longyearbyen for disembarkation. Depending on flight timing, there may be time to see the settlement before departure. The voyage ends back in harbour, after a week of ice, wildlife, history and the private rhythm of Aqua Lares.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, surrounded by dark mountains, Arctic air and the strange openness of the far north. Board Aqua Lares, settle into your cabin and meet the crew and guides. Dinner is served on board as the yacht leaves harbour and begins tracing the Svalbard coast.
Begin at Gravneset, where glaciers and mountains frame one of Svalbard's historic whaling cemeteries. Continue toward Smeerenburg and Sorgattet, connected to the Dutch whaling presence of the 17th century. Shore time brings the first Arctic terns, geese, tundra ground and the feeling of standing somewhere far beyond ordinary travel.
Sail toward the drifting pack ice, one of the great thresholds of the voyage. Tender excursions bring guests close to the ice field while guides watch for polar bears, seals and ivory gulls. In the afternoon, a polar plunge may be arranged before guests return to the sauna, Jacuzzi and warmth of the ship.
Explore one of Svalbard's great bird cliffs, where thousands of Brünnich's guillemots crowd the basalt ledges. Arctic foxes and glaucous gulls are often seen below the cliffs during the breeding season. Later, sail along Bråsvellbreen, an immense glacier front where summer meltwater can fall down the ice in long white streams.
Navigate Hinlopenstretet, the strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. The passage brings steep cliffs, tidewater glaciers, drifting ice and the possibility of wildlife along the shore. In the afternoon, approach Torellneset, a gravel spit known for Atlantic walrus haul outs.
Enter Liefdefjorden, a fjord framed by jagged peaks and glaciers that reach toward the sea. A guided walk may lead across tundra near the Texas Bar hunter's hut, following reindeer trails through open Arctic ground. Later, continue toward Raudfjord, where cliffs, seabirds and blue-tinged ice give the evening a quieter tone.
Explore Krossfjorden, where Lilliehöökbreen stretches across the head of the fjord and seals may rest on drifting ice. Continue toward Kongsfjorden, long associated with exploration, science and some of Svalbard's most striking mountain scenery. The final evening is held privately on board, with dinner, deck time and the last long light of the voyage.
Return to Longyearbyen for disembarkation. Depending on flight timing, there may be time to see the settlement before departure. The voyage ends back in harbour, after a week of ice, wildlife, history and the private rhythm of Aqua Lares.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, surrounded by dark mountains, Arctic air and the strange openness of the far north. Board Aqua Lares, settle into your cabin and meet the crew and guides. Dinner is served on board as the yacht leaves harbour and begins tracing the Svalbard coast.
Begin at Gravneset, where glaciers and mountains frame one of Svalbard's historic whaling cemeteries. Continue toward Smeerenburg and Sorgattet, connected to the Dutch whaling presence of the 17th century. Shore time brings the first Arctic terns, geese, tundra ground and the feeling of standing somewhere far beyond ordinary travel.
Sail toward the drifting pack ice, one of the great thresholds of the voyage. Tender excursions bring guests close to the ice field while guides watch for polar bears, seals and ivory gulls. In the afternoon, a polar plunge may be arranged before guests return to the sauna, Jacuzzi and warmth of the ship.
Explore one of Svalbard's great bird cliffs, where thousands of Brünnich's guillemots crowd the basalt ledges. Arctic foxes and glaucous gulls are often seen below the cliffs during the breeding season. Later, sail along Bråsvellbreen, an immense glacier front where summer meltwater can fall down the ice in long white streams.
Navigate Hinlopenstretet, the strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. The passage brings steep cliffs, tidewater glaciers, drifting ice and the possibility of wildlife along the shore. In the afternoon, approach Torellneset, a gravel spit known for Atlantic walrus haul outs.
Enter Liefdefjorden, a fjord framed by jagged peaks and glaciers that reach toward the sea. A guided walk may lead across tundra near the Texas Bar hunter's hut, following reindeer trails through open Arctic ground. Later, continue toward Raudfjord, where cliffs, seabirds and blue-tinged ice give the evening a quieter tone.
Explore Krossfjorden, where Lilliehöökbreen stretches across the head of the fjord and seals may rest on drifting ice. Continue toward Kongsfjorden, long associated with exploration, science and some of Svalbard's most striking mountain scenery. The final evening is held privately on board, with dinner, deck time and the last long light of the voyage.
Return to Longyearbyen for disembarkation. Depending on flight timing, there may be time to see the settlement before departure. The voyage ends back in harbour, after a week of ice, wildlife, history and the private rhythm of Aqua Lares.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, surrounded by dark mountains, Arctic air and the strange openness of the far north. Board Aqua Lares, settle into your cabin and meet the crew and guides. Dinner is served on board as the yacht leaves harbour and begins tracing the Svalbard coast.
Begin at Gravneset, where glaciers and mountains frame one of Svalbard's historic whaling cemeteries. Continue toward Smeerenburg and Sorgattet, connected to the Dutch whaling presence of the 17th century. Shore time brings the first Arctic terns, geese, tundra ground and the feeling of standing somewhere far beyond ordinary travel.
Sail toward the drifting pack ice, one of the great thresholds of the voyage. Tender excursions bring guests close to the ice field while guides watch for polar bears, seals and ivory gulls. In the afternoon, a polar plunge may be arranged before guests return to the sauna, Jacuzzi and warmth of the ship.
Explore one of Svalbard's great bird cliffs, where thousands of Brünnich's guillemots crowd the basalt ledges. Arctic foxes and glaucous gulls are often seen below the cliffs during the breeding season. Later, sail along Bråsvellbreen, an immense glacier front where summer meltwater can fall down the ice in long white streams.
Navigate Hinlopenstretet, the strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. The passage brings steep cliffs, tidewater glaciers, drifting ice and the possibility of wildlife along the shore. In the afternoon, approach Torellneset, a gravel spit known for Atlantic walrus haul outs.
Enter Liefdefjorden, a fjord framed by jagged peaks and glaciers that reach toward the sea. A guided walk may lead across tundra near the Texas Bar hunter's hut, following reindeer trails through open Arctic ground. Later, continue toward Raudfjord, where cliffs, seabirds and blue-tinged ice give the evening a quieter tone.
Explore Krossfjorden, where Lilliehöökbreen stretches across the head of the fjord and seals may rest on drifting ice. Continue toward Kongsfjorden, long associated with exploration, science and some of Svalbard's most striking mountain scenery. The final evening is held privately on board, with dinner, deck time and the last long light of the voyage.
Return to Longyearbyen for disembarkation. Depending on flight timing, there may be time to see the settlement before departure. The voyage ends back in harbour, after a week of ice, wildlife, history and the private rhythm of Aqua Lares.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, surrounded by dark mountains, Arctic air and the strange openness of the far north. Board Aqua Lares, settle into your cabin and meet the crew and guides. Dinner is served on board as the yacht leaves harbour and begins tracing the Svalbard coast.
Begin at Gravneset, where glaciers and mountains frame one of Svalbard's historic whaling cemeteries. Continue toward Smeerenburg and Sorgattet, connected to the Dutch whaling presence of the 17th century. Shore time brings the first Arctic terns, geese, tundra ground and the feeling of standing somewhere far beyond ordinary travel.
Sail toward the drifting pack ice, one of the great thresholds of the voyage. Tender excursions bring guests close to the ice field while guides watch for polar bears, seals and ivory gulls. In the afternoon, a polar plunge may be arranged before guests return to the sauna, Jacuzzi and warmth of the ship.
Explore one of Svalbard's great bird cliffs, where thousands of Brünnich's guillemots crowd the basalt ledges. Arctic foxes and glaucous gulls are often seen below the cliffs during the breeding season. Later, sail along Bråsvellbreen, an immense glacier front where summer meltwater can fall down the ice in long white streams.
Navigate Hinlopenstretet, the strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. The passage brings steep cliffs, tidewater glaciers, drifting ice and the possibility of wildlife along the shore. In the afternoon, approach Torellneset, a gravel spit known for Atlantic walrus haul outs.
Enter Liefdefjorden, a fjord framed by jagged peaks and glaciers that reach toward the sea. A guided walk may lead across tundra near the Texas Bar hunter's hut, following reindeer trails through open Arctic ground. Later, continue toward Raudfjord, where cliffs, seabirds and blue-tinged ice give the evening a quieter tone.
Explore Krossfjorden, where Lilliehöökbreen stretches across the head of the fjord and seals may rest on drifting ice. Continue toward Kongsfjorden, long associated with exploration, science and some of Svalbard's most striking mountain scenery. The final evening is held privately on board, with dinner, deck time and the last long light of the voyage.
Return to Longyearbyen for disembarkation. Depending on flight timing, there may be time to see the settlement before departure. The voyage ends back in harbour, after a week of ice, wildlife, history and the private rhythm of Aqua Lares.
Svalbard was recorded by Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz in 1596, when European ships began pushing into Arctic waters in search of new routes and resources. By the 17th century, the archipelago had become a centre of whaling, with shore stations at places such as Smeerenburg. The remains are still there, held in the ground among old graves, blubber ovens and the silence of the coast.
The islands later drew trappers, miners, scientists and polar explorers. Some built huts beneath bird cliffs. Some crossed ice and fjords in the dark months. Others came to study glaciers, weather and wildlife in a place where the edge of the habitable world feels unusually close.
Aqua Lares enters that history with a different kind of privilege. The yacht brings warmth, service and privacy into waters that once demanded hardship. It lets a small group move between sauna heat and glacier air, between private dinners and old whaling shores, between the soft interior of the ship and the difficult north outside the glass.
Starting from USD 670,000
Share your preferred timing and group requirements with our team. We will shape the charter proposal, cabin arrangements, arrival planning, onboard programme and final expedition details around the guests travelling.
Request
Norwegian is the official language. English is widely spoken in Longyearbyen and across expedition operations. The local currency is the Norwegian krone.
Central European Time, GMT+1. During summer, Svalbard observes Central European Summer Time, GMT+2.
This private charter operates from June to August. This is the Arctic summer season, with long daylight, open water routes and the strongest window for expedition cruising, wildlife watching and remote shore landings.
Svalbard is outside the Schengen visa area, but most guests travel through mainland Norway. Travellers who require a Schengen visa for Norway should make sure it allows the necessary transit and re-entry.
Most guests fly via Oslo or Tromsø to Longyearbyen Airport. Private aviation may be arranged subject to aircraft range, permits, weather and airport handling.
Dress is practical and layered. Guests should bring thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear, warm gloves, wool socks, insulated footwear, sunglasses and comfortable clothing for the yacht. Expedition outerwear requirements are confirmed before departure.
Landings, tender excursions and wildlife viewing are led by the expedition team. Guests must follow all briefings, distance rules and polar bear safety protocols.
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