Local Guides and Storytelling
Our guides are more than just experts—they’re storytellers, adventurers, and passionate ambassadors for this incredible Arctic destination. For many of us, Svalbard isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s something you can only truly understand once you’ve been here, and our guides are here to help you experience it.
With deep roots in the local community and a genuine love for Svalbard, our guides bring every adventure to life in a way that’s both fun and unforgettable. Many of them hold science degrees and are brimming with knowledge about Svalbard’s fascinating history, unique wildlife, and natural phenomena. Whether they’re discussing the impacts of climate change, explaining the wonders of the midnight sun or polar night, or pointing out wildlife in its natural habitat, they share their insights with enthusiasm and care.
Tore Hoem | Director of Adventures
"Our guides are what make the experience unique. We are proud to say that all our guides have relevant backgrounds, education, and experience, with many coming from the Arctic Nature Guide programme. In addition, we organise our own internal guide courses before every season, focusing on first aid and first response in various scenarios."
What truly sets them apart is their personal connection to this remarkable place.
They don’t just know Svalbard—they live and breathe it. Their passion shines through in everything they do, whether guiding you through breathtaking Arctic landscapes or sharing local legends over a warm cup of coffee. Our guides aim to raise awareness and inspire action through engaging storytelling and scientific insights, ensuring every guest leaves with a deeper understanding of Svalbard's unique environment.
Setting the standard for safe and sustainable Arctic adventures
The vast majority of our guides have either completed the Arctic Nature Guide programme or undergone Svalbard Guide Training through Visit Svalbard, and many are also Certified Svalbard Guides. Ahead of each season, we organise internal guide seminars that focus on safety, field operations, and responsible travel practices. All our routines, instructions, risk assessments, and processes are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, ensuring the highest standards of quality and environmental management.
The administration of our tour production team has extensive local experience and long-term residency on Svalbard, with the head of the department, Tore Hoem, having worked in tourism and field operations on Svalbard for 27 years.
Meet the Mini-Cruise expedition team
Preparing for the Unexpected: Our Annual Guide Seminar
Every year, as the Arctic winter draws closer, we gather our team of expert guides for an intensive training seminar. This isn’t just another meeting, it’s several days of hands-on learning, teamwork, and real-life rescue simulations designed to prepare our guides for anything the winter season might throw their way.
From navigating whiteouts to performing emergency first aid in extreme conditions, our guides train in scenarios that push their skills to the limit. This year, we teamed up with Svalbard Folkehøgskole and The Governor of Svalbard for a large-scale rescue exercise: a simulated snowmobile accident requiring swift coordination, first-aid expertise, and seamless teamwork. With role-playing "patients" and unpredictable Arctic weather adding to the challenge, this was as real as training gets!
The seminar strengthens the guide's expertise, ensures seamless collaboration, and ensures that every guest exploring Svalbard with us is in the safest hands possible.
