Expedition Itinerary - Spitsbergen Explorer

If polar bears and beluga whales top your list of must-see Arctic wildlife, choose an expedition to Spitsbergen. This remarkable island - largest in the northern archipelago called Svalbard - hosts an astonishing array of Arctic wildlife, protected within six national parks. The island itself has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Quark's 11-day Spitsbergen Explorer tour is perfect for those who prefer frequent shore landings and Zodiac cruises to longer stretches at sea. Here you'll find polar bears, reindeer, walrus and belguas, and add a bounty of sea-bird sightings to your field book - including Arctic Terns and Skua, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings. Get even closer with Quark's unique kayaking adventure package.

Interested in travelling earlier?
Check out Spitsbergen Snowshoeing - June 9 - 19, 2012 starting at $4,590

Book by April 30th and receive a $750 Air Credit.

Spitsbergen Explorer Interactive Map
Phippsoya - Named for English explorer Constantine John Phipps, who commanded bomb vessels on a 1773 expedition.
Nordaustlandet - Oft-translated as North East Land, areas not covered by ice cap are home to reindeer and walrus.
Moffen Island - First labeled on a map by Hendrick Doncker in 1655, it is an important haul-out area for walrus.
Longyearbyen - Though tourism is its bread and butter, mining still plays a role in Svalbard’s largest community.
Kvitoya - Home to monument commemorating the three men who died during the Arctic balloon expedition of 1897.
Isfjordin - In the Battle of Kringen, Scottish ships landed here in 1612 after sea routes blocked by the Danish.
Smeerenburg - Served as the center of operations during first intensive phase of the Spitsbergen whale fishery.
Alkefjellet - Basalt pillars dwarf cliffs where Thick-billed Murres/Brunnich’s Guillemots nest in the thousands.
Barentsoya - Home to many polar bears and named for Dutch explorer Willem Barents (who never saw the island).
Alkhornet - A striking landscape, where birds nest on the bedrock cliff and reindeer graze the lush vegetation.
Edgeoya - Seldom visited, the third largest island in Svalbard is named after English whaler Thomas Edge.
Greenland Sea - Northernmost part of the Atlantic, densely inhabited by organisms at base of the oceanic food chain.
Hornsund - Named for a reindeer antler, the English held a monopoly on whaling in the bay until the late 1650s.
Ny Alesund - One of the four permanent settlements on the island of Spitsbergen, and home to a research village.
Phippsoya Nordaustlandet Moffen Island Longyearbyen Kvitoya Isfjordin Smeerenburg Alkefjellet Barentsoya Alkhornet Edgeoya Greenland Sea Hornsund Ny Alesund

Day 1 - Embarkation: Longyearbyen

Your Spitsbergen Explorer tour begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement. Enjoy your first view of Spitsbergen's rugged glacier topped mountains, rising majestically from icy Arctic waters.

Day 2 -4 - West Spitsbergen, 14th of July Glacier

Zodiac-cruise past the spectacular ice cliffs of the 14th of July Glacier, keeping an eye out for Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese, Arctic Terns and more. You may spot the indigenous Svalbard reindeer, so keep your cameras handy!

Day 5 - 8 - Smeerenburg & Phippsoya

At Smeerenburg, explore Svalbard's whaling past and visit an authentic blubber oven. Next, head for the island of Phippsoya, a well-known polar bear and walrus haunt. At Tusenoyane (Thousand Islands) you'll go ashore to seek Red-throated Divers, and view the beached skeleton of an ancient whale.

Day 9 - 10 - Bourbonhamna

The narrow sound near Bourbonhamna is a favored route of beluga whales. Cruise in search for the white whales before going ashore.

Day 11 - Longyearbyen - Disembarkation

Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Extend your stay

You may like to extend your stay.

  • Oslo and BergenRequest quote

    Price Per Person (Twin Occupancy)

    This 3 night/4 day adventure includes two magnificent train rides and a cruise through a narrow fjord designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Complete details

  • Oslo HighlightsRequest quote

    Price Per Person (Twin Occupancy)

    2 nights/3 days in the Norwegian capital with a private, guided tour.

    Complete details