Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway
with Quark Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$10,795
|
Days
10
|
Nights
9
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$10,795
|
Days
10
|
Nights
9
|
Introduction
This 10-day expedition is an exciting introductory journey to the remote Norwegian island.
This journey provides ample opportunities to witness walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness, and join us on a gripping excursion to a faraway, unforgettable land. This , renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife, is now available on two ships, each providing a distinct polar experience.
Highlights include: Spot incredible wildlife including the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers, resilient Arctic birds in all their varied majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear.
Your ship: The Quark Expeditions fleet never exceed more than 200 passengers , which gives guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship. Their ice strengthened vessels are built for challenging polar environments, which takes you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
Ocean Explorer: Was built to provide a more spacious and intimate guest experience. With just 70 cabins, the accommodations are larger than on other ships and nearly all cabins have balconies. The interior was designed to provide comfort, space, and a luxurious ambience.
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.
Arctic Itineraries:
Please enquire about other itineraries in this region.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in 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 : 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, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic frontier town.
Days 3 to 9 : Exploring Spitsbergen
You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords
to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet 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. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice.
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips.
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 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.
Day 10 : Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you will 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.
Why travel to Spitsbergen?
Off Ship Adventures in the Polar Regions
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | |||
Standard Cabins priced from: | |||
7 May, Ocean Explorer |
US$10,795 |
– |
|
11 May; 1 Jun, Ultramarine |
US$13,595 |
– |
|
15 May, Ocean Explorer |
US$12,795 |
– |
|
23 May, Ocean Explorer |
US$12,695 |
– |
|
24 May, Ultramarine |
US$13,595 |
– |
|
31 May; 8, 16, 24 Jun; 2, 10 Jul, Ocean Explorer |
US$11,695 |
– |
|
9 Jun, Ultramarine |
US$13,595 |
– |
|
17 Jun, Ultramarine |
US$14,195 |
– |
|
18 Jul, Ocean Explorer |
US$11,995 |
– |
|
Mandatory Transfer Package |
US$1,195 |
Special Offer
Save up to 30%!
Save up to 20% on select departures in 2025. An additional 10% saving may be applied to specific departures (not all) when you pay in full at the time of booking.
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
2025 |
7, 11, 15, 23, 24, 31 May |
1, 8, 9, 16, 17, 24 Jun |
2, 10, 18 Jul |
Included
- Experienced Expedition Leaders throughout your voyage
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices onboard throughout your voyage
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team & guest speakers
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency evacuation insurance up to US$500,000 per person
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
Not Included
- Gratuities; recommended US$10 to US$15 per person per day
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions
- Laundry, bar, phone, internet, and other personal charges
- Mandatory transfer package (see price above) which includes: one night’s pre-expedition hotel night at a Helsinki airport hotel including breakfast; charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen; arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen; charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
Important Notes
- Quark Expeditions pricing is dynamic and is therefore subject to change until the booking is confirmed
- Please enquire for pricing in specific cabin categories, including Triple and Single options
- Please also enquire to add-on sea kayaking and/or a paddling excursion
- A luggage restriction applies on the charter flights; no excess option is available
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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