Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness
Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness
7 Days Starting and ending in Helsinki
Visiting: Helsinki, Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark, Exploring Spitsbergen, Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMD
Group size:
1 - 199
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
8-99 years
Interests:
From:
$7590 (USD)Tour Overview
Pack all the excitement of the epic Arctic into just a week on this seven-day cruise aboard the Ultramarine. Sail into the icy wilderness and see some once-in-a-lifetime sights on this amazing journey into Spitsbergen and the surrounding islands. Take Zodiac excursions to explore this rocky island covered in mountains, glaciers, cliffs and fjords that play host to a thriving and diverse ecosystem. Walk through a tundra covered in wildflowers, learn about the fascinating geology of the north and see the abandoned whaling towns rich with history. Chase incredible views and with an expert Expedition Team by your side, have the best chance to spot some local wildlife – including walruses, colonies of seabirds, the fabled reindeer and the iconic polar bear.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation: Hotel
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki – a city renowned for its extraordinary architecture and mix of Eastern and Western influences. If you arrive in Helsinki early, you can explore the museums, galleries and restaurants on offer or relax at a Finnish sauna. Maybe wander the vibrant Design District before retiring to your hotel.
Day 2: Fly To Longyearbyen, Svalbard And Embark
Location: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, your adventure officially begins! Meet the group in the lobby and take a transfer to the airport to board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore while your luggage is loaded onto the Ultramarine – your home for the next six days. When ready, embark on the ship and spend the afternoon meeting your Expedition Team, getting to know your fellow travellers (with a game of cards or a drink at the bar) and exploring the amazing amenities onboard.
Day 3-6: Exploring Spitsbergen
Location: Exploring Spitsbergen
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Over the next four days, you’ll sail around the shores of Spitsbergen, constantly searching for polar bears and the other natural wonders that dot this magical island. Cruise through western Spitsbergen, passing immense glaciers, deep fjords, tall mountains and abundant flora and fauna.
Sail north into Krossfjorden (you don’t want to forget your camera) to see some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehook Glacier waits for spectators. Listen in awe as big chunks break off into the icy waters below – this is a sight and sound like no other. Take Zodiac excursions to the nearby Ny-London – an abandoned mining settlement where you can take a leader-led walk and learn about the history and geology of the place. Keep your eyes out for the endemic Svalbard reindeer here, too!
After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the Monaco Glacier. With your Expedition Team, scan the shorelines for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna.
See the remains of an abandoned settlement Smeerenburg, established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, you can explore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. After, cruise to Magdalenefjorden for panoramic vistas of the snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers that are reflected in the clear waters.
Visit Alkhornet for the towering cliffs that teem with nesting seabirds, including fulmars and Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
End your days at sea by swapping stories with your shipmates and crew at the captain’s farewell dinner. What a journey!
Day 7: Disembark In Longyearbyen And Fly To Helsinki
Location: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Meals Included: breaksfast
You’ll disembark back in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki. This is where your Arctic adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Transport
- Expedition cruise ship , Zodiac
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (5 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka and waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks will be provided, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the trip notes for further important information about what to bring.
Depending on the weather, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so ensure you are dressed appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if the seas are rough.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there's an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you'll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
This trip takes place during the time of year when Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.
Polar bears are among the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore it's necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group – your leader carries equipment to protect you. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Sunday
May 19, 2025 - May 25, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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