Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
June 22 - July 02 2026
10 Nights
Price from per person
£9,356
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Embark on a 14-day adventure through the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, offering the most comprehensive exploration of Spitsbergen. This journey provides the opportunity to encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, including walruses, reindeer, and polar bears, and to delve into 16th-century maritime culture at secluded landing sites. You'll also have the rare chance to enjoy stunning views at birdwatching havens like the 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet. If conditions permit, we will attempt a full circumnavigation of the archipelago, a true rite of passage for Arctic enthusiasts.
This expedition promises unforgettable wildlife-viewing experiences, capturing the walrus with its impressive tusks and whiskers, the diverse majesty of Arctic birds, small herds of reindeer traversing the tundra, and the iconic polar bear patrolling the pack ice. Shore excursions by Zodiac will take you to places rarely seen by human eyes. This voyage is the ultimate Arctic adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Start your Arctic journey in Helsinki, a city celebrated for its remarkable architecture and fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences. Should you arrive ahead of schedule, take the opportunity to discover the array of museums, art galleries, and dining spots, unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna, or stroll through the lively Design District. Your stay at an included hotel will ensure a restful night before the adventure.
This morning, we'll head to the airport and catch our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Spitsbergen. As we embark on our ship and begin our voyage, take in the breathtaking first sights of the island's imposing, glacier-crowned mountains ascending dramatically from the icy waters.
Anticipate a new adventure every day as we embark on our journey around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring its smaller, outlying islands. Our goal is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, and if conditions permit, we'll extend our route to include many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Each expedition is unique, adapting to the ever-changing weather and ice conditions. Possible destinations include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet, and the rarely visited Kvitøya.
Though the names may be unfamiliar, each site offers its own distinct charm. Spitsbergen is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with its colorful tundra meadows and colossal glaciers. Bird enthusiasts will find joy at 14th of July Bay, home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are crowded with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Always on the lookout for wildlife, keep your camera ready to capture reindeer at sites like Ny-London, Sundneset, and Alkhornet. The search for the iconic polar bear is a constant endeavor for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta, often home to sea ice, offer prime opportunities to observe these majestic predators in their natural hunting grounds.
Understanding Spitsbergen's history enhances the experience, offering insights into both modern life and early exploration. Whaling was a significant industry, and you'll encounter remnants of 16th-century outposts and other whaling artifacts at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
The moment has arrived to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow travellers. Your journey concludes where it all started, in the charming, historic town of Longyearbyen. We'll provide transportation to the airport for your group's return charter flight to Helsinki, which is included in your transfer package.
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
Zodiac inflatable boats are integral to every expedition and perfect for exploring the polar wilderness. Zodiacs are used to ferry you to the shore and mini explorations amidst icebergs, whales, and seabirds. Throughout your expedition, they enable you to reach secluded spots only accessible by these sturdy watercraft.
Driven by our expert team of knowledgeable polar guides, we will explore the Zodiac daily as part of your expedition.
Immerse yourself in the thrill of hiking across the polar wilderness, led by our seasoned polar guides. Wander the vast tundra, marvel at the majestic glaciers, and come face-to-face with the land's inhabitants, including reindeer and Arctic foxes, in their natural habitat. It's an adventure that brings you into the heart of the Arctic's untamed beauty.
During each voyage, we carve out a special moment for the Polar Plunge, a thrilling dive into the icy waters, scheduled just once for those daring enough to leap. Our Expedition Leader and Captain are always on the lookout, assessing the weather and sea conditions to pick the perfect spot and moment for this exhilarating experience. Whether it's from the shore, off the gangway, or the edge of a Zodiac, participants, clad in tethered harnesses for safety, leap into the chilly embrace of the polar sea amid the cheers and encouragement of their fellow adventurers and the Expedition Team.
Safety is our top priority during the Polar Plunge. The onboard physician is always present to oversee the event, ensuring everyone's well-being. Additionally, our guides, suited in survival gear, patrol the waters in Zodiacs, ready to assist as guests make their splash into the frigid waters, whether it's a bold jump or an adventurous cannonball.
Experience the beauty of the polar regions from the intimacy of a sea kayak. The onboard Sea Kayak Program gathers adventurers with a shared passion to explore the stunning landscapes of fjords, glacial fronts, or intricate sea ice formations together.
This program welcomes both novices and experienced kayakers to discover the polar regions from a distinctive vantage point. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the goal is to get kayaking as frequently as possible. Sea kayaking adventures typically begin with a Zodiac boat transferring participants from the ship to an optimal launch site. After exploring the waters, kayakers are brought back to the ship via Zodiac.
For safety, a Zodiac operated by a dedicated driver remains close at hand to provide help if needed. These kayak trips usually last from one and a half to three hours, blending adventure with unparalleled natural beauty.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places on sea kayaking do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
Our Paddle Excursion Program offers guests the opportunity to explore unforgettable Arctic and Antarctic locations from a water-level perspective using stable, two-person, inflatable kayaks. These rugged and comfortable crafts provide an intimate way to experience the polar regions like never before. Onboard, you will receive comprehensive instruction and equipment, including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience, with each group accompanied by a safety driver in another kayak for added support.
Excursions typically last at least one hour and are available once per voyage. Each group consists of 10 paddlers, guided by one instructor and supported by a safety Zodiac driver. The timing and location of each Paddle Excursion are carefully selected based on wind, weather, and water conditions to optimize your adventure.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places on sea kayaking do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
Starting from per person
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Deck 3
175-186 sq. ft. 1-2
One double bed made up of two twin berths
Deck 3
177 sq. ft. 1
One double bed made up of two twin berths
Deck 4
168-195 sq. ft. 1-2
One double bed made up of two twin berths
Deck 4
203-272 sq. ft. 1-2
One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed
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Deck 4
200-205 sq. ft. 1-2
One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Deck 6
173 sq. ft. 1-2
One double bed made up of two twin berths
Deck 6
195-205 sq. ft. 1-2
One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Deck 6
296-299 sq. ft. 1-2
Two rooms
One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Deck 4
Deck 6
189-272 sq. ft. 1-2
One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Deck 7
238 sq. ft.
1 One twin single
Deck 7
269 sq. ft. 1-2
Two rooms
One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Deck 7
443 sq. ft. 1-2
Two rooms
One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our Travel Experience Team.
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
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