12 Day Spitsbergen Tour | Explore Wildlife Capital of the Arctic Cruise
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 11,618
DELUXE | CRUISE: Sail through the amazing islands of Spitsbergen, experiencing wonderful and remarkable Arctic scenery and wildlife while aboard a ship complete with local naturalist experts. This is an exploration of wonders that you will not find anywhere else.
See the sidebar on the left, for full ship information.
Start your Arctic exploration flying to Spitsbergen to join your ship for a fascinating cruise journey through the Arctic region with its wild breathtaking beauty like no other place on earth. Moor at Longyearbyen, the island’s largest settlement. From here, you will have great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside settlement.
You will sail around this magical island in a quest to view local wildlife and to take in the austere beauty of the region. Your expedition will include Western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. The scenery is as varied as the wildlife with polar deserts and huge glaciers.
On this 11-day cruise, there is no fixed itinerary. However, you will see glacier fronts, steep walled fjords as well as walrus, polar bears, Spitsbergen reindeer and much birdlife. Some of the highlights you will experience will be the 14th July Glacier, home to purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and Arctic terns. You will visit Smeerenburg and learn about the history of the whaling industry. This is also a great place for an optional snowshoeing excursion (on selected voyages). Phippsoya is where Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, it being one of their preferred hunting areas. Here you will also come across a walrus haul-out, a moment you won’t forget. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of the coastline. Also call in at Alkhornet, where you will see reindeer and the Hinlopen Straight.
Each day you will see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned hut from centuries ago. During the cruise, you will have an experienced Expedition Leader and daily lecture programmes given by noted naturalists.
After an enthralling in-depth cruise, you will return to Longyearbyen for your departure flight.
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 11,618
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement, a true frontier town, where you'll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island's rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Ocean Adventurer |
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Ocean Adventurer
The new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years.
The new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years.
Facilities
- Activities Desk
- Bar
- Dining Room
- Exercise Room
- Internet Access
- Library
- Lounge
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
Exploring Spitsbergen
Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for animals.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since Svalbard's legendary wildlife habitat is well-protected and almost entirely uninhabited, it's one of the world's best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts and mountain scenery. The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich's guillemots (thick-billed murres).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won't soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
If you're itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can pre-book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you'll see something interesting, whether it is an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Another day exploring Spitsbergen.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Another day exploring Spitsbergen.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Spitsbergen
Another day exploring Spitsbergen.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we'll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023:
Ocean Adventurer: June 4, 22
Ultramarine: June 7
2024:
Ultramarine: May 22; June 9
Ocean Adventurer: May 28; June 15, 30; July 30
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board throughout your voyage
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special Guests as scheduled
- Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
- Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard ship
- Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation
- On embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship
- On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local designated drop-off location
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person
PRICE EXLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
OTHER INFORMATION:
Click here for a list of which vessel runs on the many Arctic and Antarctica expedition cruises. Please note that vessel scheduling can change and this list is presented as a guide only. Please contact your nearest travel agent for the most update schedule.
Adventure options available are Camping – Kayaking – Mountaineering - Cross-country Skiing - Reverse Itinerary option.
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
22 Jun 2023
