Arctic · From 11 Days
Svalbard Explorer
Best of High Arctic Norway
$0.00 USD
- Starting from
- Helsinki, Finland
$ 0.00 USD
Expedition Overview
This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen—the
largest island in the Svalbard archipelago—has to offer. It’s also known as
the “Wildlife Capital of the Arctic,” and we’ll show you why on this 10-day
itinerary, which offers multiple departures—except for one extended 12-day voyage.
Spotting Arctic wildlife will be a key focus of this expedition. Just imagine
photographing walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens-the
polar bear—all while marveling at the surreal spectacle of continuous daylight. On this exciting introductory journey, you’ll explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra, and learn about the history and geology of this remote Norwegian Arctic island. Our polar-obsessed guides will be on hand to answer all your questions about local wildlife.
You have two ship options for this voyage: Ultramarine, our technologically
advanced polar vessel that can access remote places most larger ships can’t
reach; and our newest ship, the state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer.
Highlights
Spot iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
Take advantage of continuous daylight
Hike the tundra and polar desert
Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Select Your Season & Itinerary
Explore Activities
Expedition Ships
Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore landing.
This cliff is a seabird colony, where Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres) raise their young. An estimated 100,000 breeding pairs reside on the basalt cliffs. The birds do not build nests; rather, they lay eggs on the bare ledges of the cliff. Witness the spectacle of thousands of birds flying to and from their cliff edge, speckling the sky and water, like a beehive on a much grander scale.
Lilliehöök GlacierIn 2005, nearly 100 years after his great- great-grandfather conducted scientific investigations here, Prince Albert II of Monaco returned to Lilliehöök Glacier to further our understanding of the Arctic clam, a species that lives for more than a century. Here, you can take a Zodiac cruise amid labyrinths of sparkling icebergs, and witness breathtaking panoramas of ice. You may even spot bearded seals hauled out on the floes.
LongyearbyenHome to 2,400 people, the administrative capital of Svalbard is situated on the southern side of Adventfjord.The settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear, the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston. Today as much as ever, this is a true frontier town.
Monaco GlacierPrince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of oceanography, led an expedition to Svalbard in 1906. His team used sophisticated photographic techniques to understand the shape and position of several glacier fronts. Monaco Glacier honors the expedition, the prince and the principality over which he reigned. While touring the glacier front by Zodiac cruise, listen to the crackle and pop of the brash ice, search for seals and have a chance to admire a natural sculpture gallery.
Nordaustlandet IslandThis is the second-largest island in the entire Svalbard archipelago, and home to the polar desert. Featured here is Bråsvellbreen, an ice cap connected to the larger Austfonna, which together form a 112-mile- (180 km) long ice cliff. Bråsvellbreen’s glacier face makes for an impressive sight during a Zodiac cruise, stretching all the way to the horizon.
HornsundThe most southerly fjord in Svalbard offers some of the most spectacular scenery, with dramatic calving glaciers, drifting pack ice and majestic peaks (the highest of which are often shrouded in mist). A Polish research station has operated on the northern shore of Hornsund since 1957. Part of Sør-Spitsbergen National Park, this pristine area is rich in wildlife— reindeer, Arctic fox and polar bears can be spotted hunting for food, while seals bask on floating ice.
Your Life Onboard
This is polar exploration at its finest. Our ships are intimate, luxurious floating hotels, packed with exciting experiences.
Enjoy panoramic views while you mingle in our comfy lounges, or head outside and chat with fellow adventurers on the wraparound deck. Our social spaces foster connections & shared experiences.
Engage with world-class experts in our auditorium. Presentations cover wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, & geology, to enhance your polar knowledge & excitement for exploration.
Enjoy onboard amenities, attend lectures, or watch for wildlife from our observation decks. Sea days offer a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and anticipation.
Find tranquility in our well-stocked library, perfect for reading or quiet contemplation. The glass-domed Observation Lounge offers a peaceful retreat to reflect & enjoy awe-inspiring polar views.
Prepare for off-ship excursions in our spacious mudroom. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a plunge in polar waters. Stay active onboard with our gym, outdoor track, and pool facilities.
Know Before You Go
For your personal safety—and to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your polar adventure—please assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking. It is essential that guests have a high level of mobility to get in and out of Zodiac boats, and for off-ship activities such as hiking on uneven terrain. Our destinations are remote. Apart from our basic ship infirmary, it could take up to 72 hours to reach adequate medical facilities. For more details to help you assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking your voyage, please review Health & Safety.
Some of our expeditions have included transfers and these will be detailed in your Invoice and Trip Brochure.
Please note that if you have an airport transfer included in your trip, it is only available if you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. Please ensure your flight information on your Passenger Forms is up to date so our ground crew know when to expect you. There will be someone with a sign in Arrivals waiting for you. Please look for them and they will direct you to our group shuttle.
If you do not have included transfers, or you are arriving before Day 1, you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Most airports we travel in and out of have good taxi ranks in the Arrivals area, or you can often prebook a transfer online.
Packing is an exciting part of the trip for many of us. You will find a handy packing list towards the end of your Trip Brochure. You will have received a copy of this when you first booked. We also have two excellent videos, which you can check out here: What to Pack
Our Protection Promise allows you to make a purchase decision that will leave you worry-free in the event your plans change down the road. Please review details for each term in our Quark Expeditions Protection Promise.
Whether you are thinking of an expedition, or you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime with Quark Expeditions, review all our FAQs for comprehensive tips to help you prepare for the Polar Regions and how to make the most out of your voyage with the most experienced expedition team in the industry. If your specific question isn’t covered below, please reach out to your Polar Travel Advisor or helpful Client Experience Team at guest@quarkexpeditions.com.