Texas Bar

DEgree of difficulty

• Considered a demanding adventure, this 21 day expedition is a challenging undertaking, that requires a very high level of fitness. It is essential that distances are covered in good time, and that the itinerary is adhered to. 
• Previous kayaking experience is essential, however there will be training and acclimatisation sessions at the start of the adventure to act as a refresher course.
• For this trip, there is extreme difficulty in getting help for any emergency evacuation. Radio links are non-existent and health centres are very often far away. All guides are qualified first aiders and will always carry a full first-aid kit but it is recommended that all participants bring their own personal first aid supplies. A consultation with a doctor is a prerequisite for any trip; please explain clearly that the trip involves multiple weeks in the Arctic in weather conditions that may be very severe and require excellent health.

Eating and drinking

• This adventure is provided on a full board basis, with the exception of one evening meal in Longyearbyen, where there is chance to sample food at a local restaurant in the town. 
• All meals are based on a selection of local products and offer the opportunity to sample local delicacies. 
• A cold breakfast is provided each day, with plentiful tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
• Picnic lunches are to be prepared from a buffet style arrangement each morning,.
• Evening meals will consist of three courses, fresh fruit and vegetables will be offered each day if possible, but this is not always possible given the isolated Arctic environment.
• Participants help in the kitchen is appreciated and expected, it's a great team building activity and adds to the authenticity of the adventure as a whole. 

Accommodation during the trip 

• Camping

  Whilst on the adventure, a 3 man dome tent is provided for every two participants, suitable for the Arctic environment. A spacious teepee style tent is available for communal use and shared mealtimes whilst camping.

• Night Boat

  One night is spent aboard the cruise ship to reach the start point of the expedition.

• Longyearbyen

  Guesthouse accommodation is used in Longyearbyen, with 2, 3 or 4 bed rooms, hot showers and heating. Shared bathroom and kitchen facilities are available. 

Clothing to bring

• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket (with a hood, Gore-Tex/Nikwax or equivalent)
• Waterproof trousers (Gore-Tex/Nikwax or equivalent)
• Warm gloves and a hat
• Thermals – long-sleeved top & long johns
• Fleece/jumper
• Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
• Thin socks and thick socks (we recommend bringing 3-4 pairs of thick socks)
• Sunhat and sun cream
• Sunglasses (UV 400)

Equipment to bring

• Sleeping bag liner
• Mini toiletry kit and toilet roll
• Any personal medication
• Water bottle/flask
• Small rucksack to use as a day bag
• Head torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer)
• Your camera (with suitable protective case)
• Binoculars
• Comfortable evening outfit for Longyearbyen
• Small inflatable pillow
• Insect repellent
• Knife
• Notepad and pencil
• Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Svalbard Airport
Longyearbyen
9170
Norway

Route

• To reach Longyearbyen, there are direct flights from Oslo provided by SAS and Norwegian Airlines. Direct flights do not operate every day of the week so you may need to spend a night in Oslo before continuing your journey the next day.
• To reach Oslo from the UK, there are direct flights with British Airways from Heathrow and Norwegian Airlines have direct flights from Gatwick and Edinburgh. SAS have direct flights from Manchester.

Texas bar Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Longyearbyen

  Arrive to Svalbard to be met by representative before taking a transfer to the accommodation in Longyearbyen

• Day 2 | Longyearbyen

  A morning briefing to meet the group and guides, prepare for the adventure, with equipment checks, safety procedure explanations and examinations of the forecast. Time to explore Longyearbyen in the early afternoon before departing by boat via Isfjord, en route to the north.

• Day 3 | The north of the Svalbard Archipelago

  Cruise along the west coast of the Svalbard archipelago. The boat will drop the group on a beach during the night, depending upon weather conditions. 

• Days 4 to 21 | The great northern expedition

  Embark on 17 days of Arctic adventuring. A fully immersive adventure, touring the northernmost reaches of the land. Starting in Smeerenburg fjord, a paradise for kayaking, amongst calving glaciers, alongside wildlife and around islands of black rock, the last rocks before the North Pole. 
  Adventures take participants into lands that rarely see human visitors, where seals and walruses bask in the sun, while reindeer roam the flat lands, and polar bears stalk the land in search of prey. 
  Journey to Wood fjord to find the Texas Bar trappers hut, opposite the huge Monaco glacier. From this remote outpost, continue to the secret hot springs of Woodfjorden, where the 17 day journey through the outer fringes of Svalbard concludes, and a boat awaits to take participants back to the civilisation of Longyearbyen.

• Day 22 | Departure

  Dependent upon flight times, there may be the opportunity to explore the town of Longyearbyen, with optional activities like dog sledding or a boat trip to the abandoned Soviet mining base of Pyramiden (additional charges apply), before taking a transfer to the airport to begin the journey home. 

Included

• All transfers detailed in the itinerary
• Accommodation including two nights in a guesthouse in Longyearbyen
• Free walking tour of Longyearbyen
• All technical camping gear
• All sea-kayaking equipment
• Full supervision by an experienced professional guide
• Full board except for a last evening meal in Longyearbyen (day 22)
• Overnight boat trip across Isfjord to expedition start
• Boat trip back to Longyearbyen after expedition

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR GROUP

• 'Tepee' style mess tent with table, stools and cooking equipment
• 'Ortlieb' water belts
• Sarsat beacon
• VHF radio
• Heavy caliber rifle
• Alarm gun
• Mini-flares and penjectors for each group member
• First aid kit

Equipment provided for individuals

• Suitable tent per 2 people (3 man dome tent for maximum space & comfort)
• Self-inflating sleeping mat
• Suitable synthetic sleeping bag ( -6°C)
• Aluminium thermos flask per 2 people
• Helly Hansen fleece lined salopettes for kayaking and ashore
• Tandem sea kayak with directional rudder (per 2 people)
• Gore-tex dry suit with integrated warm fleece liner
• Pair of kayak pogies
• Spray deck
• Life jacket with two pockets
• Neoprene balaclava
• Pair of 'croc' style shoes/sandals

Not Included

• Flights to Longyearbyen
• Travel insurance
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medication
• Final evening meal in Longyearbyen (approx. £25)
• Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation on day 22 as midnight departure for the airport is required

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs