9 days
This voyage provides the opportunity to get a taste of everything the Arctic has to offer, from polar bears and walrus to spectacular scenery. You’ll be treated to daily presentations by your Expedition Team on board the ship, and daily wildlife sightings on land. Hike, explore and enjoy the beauty of the Arctic on your visit to Spitsbergen.
Spitsbergen Destination Guide
Our Spitsbergen destination guide is your best resource for learning everything there is to know about the Realm of the Polar Bear. Visitors can experience some the Arctic’s best outdoor adventure, learn about a rich culture and history, explore Longyearbyen, the world’s northern-most town, and witness the midnight sun in all its glory.
The guide features details about what you can experience on our expeditions, useful travel tips and even a packing checklist.
Interested to see more of this voyage? Explore Spitsbergen in 360° Virtual Reality!
Day-by-Day Expedition in Brief
- Encounter unique arctic wildlife: polar bears, walrus, reindeer
- Take advantage of continuous daylight
- Hike the tundra
- Cruise in a Zodiac
- Enjoy optional kayak adventure opportunities
Day 1 — Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Norway
Days 2 to 8 — Exploring Spitsbergen
Day 9 — Depart Longyearbyen
Adventure Options Add an Extra Rush of Adrenaline to Your Expedition
Every Quark Arctic voyage includes great daily outdoor activities including Zodiac cruises, hiking and some also offer snowshoeing. We also offer kayaking on most of our voyages; a great way to experience the beauty of the Arctic in a more personal way. Contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser to learn more about adventure options, including physical requirements.
Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the regions we visit.
Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.
Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
Pricing subject to change based on season. Please proceed to checkout or contact a Polar Travel Adviser for more details.
Pre- and Post-Trip Options
Iceland Experience Package
From the charming city of Reykjavik, to the therapeutic waters of the Blue lagoon, and the bubbling hot springs of Thingveller National Park, you will be mesmerized by the unique beauty and striking geography of this Nordic island. Iceland offers adventures for every activity and skill level – ask about the other options available to enjoy the fresh air and explore the dramatic landscape.
Expedition Facts
The Walrus
The largest pinniped in the Arctic, the walrus has a curious scientific name. Odobenus rosmarus means ‘tooth-walking sea horse’. In case you were wondering, no the walrus does not walk on its tusks nor is it related to any horses.
Committed to Environmentally Responsible Tourism
Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism. We do everything we can to lighten our ecological footprint by working to reduce and minimize our carbon emissions. In addition to raising funds for the protection of polar environments and wildlife, Quark is an avid participant in Clean-up Svalbard, where we engage our guests in the program to clean up the beach debris on Spitsbergen trips.
Is there a Doctor in the house?
What happens if I get sick on board? All our vessels have a clinic and carry an English speaking doctor. Should you fall ill, the doctor will refer to the medical forms that you completed and returned to us, therefore it is vital that the information you provide is complete and accurate.