THE FIRST FOUNDING EXPEDITION

trip

25 May - 01 June 2027 Book Now

departure

Longyearbyen, Svalbard

78°13′49″N 014°54′49″E

duration

10 days

group

36 people (double cabins)

For privatization request, please do not hesitate to

price

From €19.600 / person

level

All level, all conditions.

weather

0°C to -10°C

more information

GUARDIANS OF THE ARCTIC

Join a landmark expedition to Svalbard’s only private land, the northernmost on Earth, led by Birgit M. Liodden.

A journey redefining land ownership as stewardship, sailing aboard Captain Arctic, the first wind and solar powered vessel in the Arctic, and retracing the historic footsteps of pioneers.

Birgit M. Liodden, representing the private landowners, and founder of Guardians of the Arctic will share the stories of nearly 200 years of Arctic exploration.

Retrace the path of Léonie d’Aune, 1st woman to join an Arctic expedition, and celebrate 2 centuries of women shaping polar exploration.

Step into the legacy of Prince Albert I, the visionary who mapped, explored, and helped protect the Arctic.

trip highlights

THE 1ST EXPEDITION HOSTED BY SVALBARD ́S ONLY PRIVATE LANDOWNERS

As a next generation owner, Birgit is the initiator of the owner company familys ́ shift to philantropy. She will personally share the stories of how our land has been explored by famous and forgotten pioneers of Arctic exploration through nearly 200 years. How women as influenced the story of our company, land and Arctic conservation since 1839. And how she redefine the concept of land ownership in a time of turbulence, through Guardians of the Arctic.

"Join us in planting the flag for protecting and preserving Svalbard and the region for future generations, uniting the largest and most impactful foundation supporting the Arctic."

Birgit M. Liodden

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Legacy landmark Nominations

Visit two newly emerged, unnamed islands of the Recherche Lagoon and invite our community to help nominate remarkable
women to honor as we begin naming new Arctic landmarks.

In the Female Footsteps of Svalbard’s environmental History

This historic expedition follows the legacy of Léonie d’Aunet and Prince Albert I of Monaco, reconnecting Arctic exploration with purpose.

Research for the future

The founding voyage launches Selar’s citizen science efforts, supporting environmental monitoring of Svalbard’s fragile ecosystems as they evolve with the seasons and climate change.

Shipwreck adventure

Using FarSounder technology, we will map hidden shipwrecks in Bellsound and Recherche Fjord, contributing to global
seafloor mapping initiatives like Seabed 2030.

ARCTIC ADVENTURE

POLAR BEAR QUEST

A season for seeking: follow the tracks of polar bears across the ice, and maybe, cross paths.

Ice navigation

Learn the ins and outs of navigating through
ice alongside the captain.

GLACIER HIKES

Hike across majestic glaciers, navigating crevasses and icy landscapes. A unique adventure in the heart of the Arctic!

MEGA FAUNA

Walk on the steps of reindeers, meet walruses & seals, observe birds in their frozen realm.

Ny Alesund

Meet local scientists and importance of the pole in understanding the world.

DO YOU KAYAK?

Kayak through this glacial landscape and listen to the sound of waterfalls.

HIKE & SNOWSHOES

Enjoy long hikes in this unique landscape.

EXPERIENCE HISTORY-FIRSTS

Our voyage begins in Longyearbyen, and we will explore the Southwest Svalbard as we follow in the footsteps of the first scientific expedition to the Arctic, which gave name to our land, as we enter the scenic Rechercher Fjord, visiting our unique property where we will explore two recently emerged islands.

We will also venture into the Northwest, exploring the legacy footsteps of HRH Prince Albert I of Monaco, whose support enabled Norway’s first environmental expedition to Svalbard and helped fund a decade of scientific research across the archipelago, which in turn initiated the establishment of our company.

Who's ON BOARD

Research & science
Explorers
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurs
Next generation
youth activists
sustainable finance & law

KEY TOPICS

Arctic future : The role of women, youth & indigenous groups
A 100 YEARS PERSPECTIVE : impact on Svalbard ́s glaciers & wildlife
the innovators : future ocean solutions, climate adaption
DEEP OCEAN ECOSYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES
DEEP SEA MINING

A TRIBUTE AND A TURNING POINT

“I created Selar to reimagine polar exploration: slower, freer, more meaningful. When Birgit and I first spoke about this founding expedition, I immediately felt something powerful. A shared fire. A desire to bring people together, not just to see the Arctic, but to protect it.

Together, we imagined this journey as both a tribute and a turning point. A return to the Recherche Fjord, not just for history’s sake, but to write a new chapter with those who dare to explore with heart.”

Sophie Galvagnon, co-founder and CEO of Selar

WELCOME TO YOUR BASECAMP

Let's unite onboard the world ́s first Arctic expedition cruise ship fueled by sun and wind founded by women.

Designed for only 36 passengers, where you can spend your entire day feeling the thrills of the Arctic, and settle in for evenings chills with good company and stories. Meet our crew—not only friendly and passionate, but also incredibly knowledgeable about the Arctic, to ensure you have the experiences of a lifetime.

THE SHIP

Your vessel

Your cabin

The lounge

COZY CABIN FOR REST & SWEET DREAMS.

TAKE A SEAT, ADMIRE THE VIEW WHILE WE'RE SAILING, AND LISTEN TO THE OTHER'S STORIES.

EXPEDITION SUMMARY

services included

Captain

GETTING THERE

Facilities and onboard equipment

GEAR

THE GUIDES

PAYMENT TERMS & REFUND POLICY

ALL-INCLUSIVE

Included:

- Everyday shore activities with a guide (zodiac cruise, snowshoes, hiking, stand up paddle, kayak, snorkeling, fishing, sauna...)

- 3 meals a day + snacks

- Wine, beer, non alcoholic beverages during meals and hot beverages

- Transfer from the airport

Not included:

- Transport / flights

WIFI NOT SO MUCH INCLUDED

Disconnection is our priority to immerse you in the Arctic wildlife and make you live the adventure of your life.

Internet will only be available in a secluded part of the ship to keep the common areas off the grid, connected solely by human interactions.

We suggest to use telegrams once a day (or less) that the crew will send for you to your loved ones.

Commandant of this expedition

NAME: GALVAGNON Sophie

POSITION: Selar's CEO, co-founder, captain & Ice specialist

EXPERIENCE : 17y of navigation

SPECIALITY: Ice navigation in uncharted areas

HONORS: Youngest woman to get the Maritime Merit

RECORD 1: 1st French woman officer on icebreakers

RECORD 2: 1st female commander of commercial polar ships

POLAR BEARS SEEN > 550

Transport advices

Svalbard is an Island, most of the people chose to arrive by plane.

We recommend you to travel with SAS Scandinaves or Norwegian airline to Longyearbyen and arrive the day of departure.

If you have time in advance, we can help you find a sailing boat to cross the Barents Sea for a full zero-emission travel option.

Our guides will greet you at the airport and accompany you to the departure port. No worries, we adjust to your flight schedule, it's a small town!

The adventure is waiting for you to begin.

Mandatory list

National identity card or passport, valid for at least 3 months after the date of return, for European Union nationals.

For other nationalities, please contact your embassy.

Common facilities

Restaurant

Lounge, bar

Exploration room

Fitness room

Sauna

Mud room

Open bridge policy

Access on outside decks

Adventure equipment (included)

Zodiacs

Kayaks

Stand up paddles

Fishing rods

Snowshoes and sticks

Gear

Similar to ski outwear

Merino under layers

Watertight & warm gloves

Neck warmer & beanie

High shoes

Sunglasses & suncream

Moisturizers and lip balms

Swimsuit (for polar plunge)

Onboard

No shoes on board policy.

Indoor shoes provided

They are more than guides — they are explorers at heart.
This expedition is led by 5 exceptional local
experts, true connoisseurs of the Svalbard
region. They don’t just know the land — they feel it. With years of field experience, a deep
connection to the territory, and a rare sensitivity, they will help you discover the Arctic through a multitude of lenses: scientific, poetic, sensory, and instinctive.

They are not just here to lead — they’re here to share. To awaken your sense of wonder. To create space for the unexpected.

Thanks to them, each day becomes a unique
journey — with small-group explorations adapted to different levels and interests, whether you’re seeking quiet contemplation or full-on adventure.