Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic
with Quark Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$10,695
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$10,695
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
Introduction
The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this unforgettable 12-day voyage, you will discover why.
The archipelago is home to the iconic polar bear, as well as whales, walrus, Svalbard reindeer and tens of thousands of seabirds. Exploring the tundra is a breathtaking experience – the natural beauty of the landscape is exhilarating, surprisingly colorful and so striking.
Highlights include: Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer; take advantage of continuous daylight; hike the tundra and explore the polar desert; cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more; and immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures.
Your Ship: The Quark Expeditions fleet never exceed more than 200 passengers per vessel, which gives guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship. Their ice strengthened vessels are built for challenging polar environments, taking you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
Ultramarine:The newest ship in the fleet and equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, offering a robust portfolio of activities and and the most spacious suites in its category. Features include breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other ships its size.
Ocean Adventurer: A long been a favourite among guests with ample outdoor deck space, numerous cosy spots to socialize onboard, plus the outdoor jacuzzi.
Arctic Itineraries:
Please enquire about other itineraries in this region.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Helsinki
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.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, 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 icy waters.
Days 3 to 11 : 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 wildlife.
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places you may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsoya, 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. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Spotting polar bears is more likely here than almost anywhere else, as the Svalbard archipelago is one of their preferred hunting areas.
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). 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. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options. In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colourful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is unique arctic wildlife, a polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned sites from centuries ago.
Day 12 : Longyearbyen > 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.
Important Reminder
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
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2024 | |||
22 May, 9 Jun, Ultramarine | |||
Explorer Suite |
US$15,495 |
||
Balcony Suite |
US$17,195 |
||
Deluxe Balcony Suite |
US$20,195 |
||
28 May, Ocean Adventurer | |||
Lower Deck Twin |
US$10,695 |
||
Main Deck Porthole |
US$11,895 |
||
Superior Suite |
US$14,295 |
||
15 Jun, Ocean Adventurer | |||
Lower Deck Twin |
US$11,295 |
||
Main Deck Porthole |
US$12,495 |
||
Superior Suite |
US$15,195 |
||
30 Jun, 30 Jul, Ocean Adventurer | |||
Lower Deck Twin |
US$11,695 |
||
Main Deck Porthole |
US$12,895 |
||
Superior Suite |
US$15,695 |
||
*Please enquire for other cabin categories |
Special Offer
Save up to 50%!
Save from 30% to 50% on select departures in 2024. Savings apply to the voyage-only cost.
Offer applies to new bookings only, savings vary per departure and cabin category, and are based on availability at the time of booking. Offer may be removed at any time without notice.
Please enquire about specific departure dates and rates.
Departs
2024 |
22, 28 May; 9, 15 Jun; 30 Jun; 30 Jul |
Included
• Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
• Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
• Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel with breakfast, charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen, charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki.
Not Included
• International airfares
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance – strongly recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges
• Gratuities
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Adventure Options
Gratuity
• Gratuities are voluntary and may be given at the end of your cruise for shipboard staff and crew
• We recommend that you budget US$10 to US$15 per person per day, if you are pleased with the service on board
Important Notes
• Baggage allowance on charter flight is 20 kg checked and 5 kg carry-on
• Single cabin prices available on request
• Due to local regulations in Svalbard, flightseeing and other helicopter-supported adventure options are not available on these voyages
• This itinerary is not offered in 2025
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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