Arctic · From 15 Days
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation
A Rite of Passage
Starts from £15,945 GBP
£11,986 GBP
- Starting from
- Helsinki, Finland
- Ships
- Ocean Explorer, Ultramarine
- Departures
- 3 Departures between June 2026 to July 2027
From £15,945 GBP
£ 11,986 GBP
![[Hero] Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,c_fit,w_1200,h_600/quark-web/2024/09/SpitsbergenCircumnavigation_Exterior_4M9A8371_michellesole-copy_WEB_Cover-Image.jpg)
Expedition Overview
This 14-day journey offers the most extensive exploration of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, including the opportunity to witness iconic Arctic wildlife like walrus, reindeer and polar bears, a glimpse into 16th-century maritime culture at secluded landing sites, and the rare chance to appreciate breathtaking views at the birdwatching utopias 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet. If conditions allow, we will also attempt a full circumnavigation of the archipelago, which is considered a rite of passage for many Arctic enthusiastists.
The wildlife-viewing opportunities on this trip will leave you with plenty of memories and photos: the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers; Arctic birds in all their varied majesty; small herds of reindeer loping across the tundra; and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear, as it roams the edges of the pack ice. Shore excursions by Zodiac will enable you to explore places where few humans have ever set foot. This voyage truly is the big adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Highlights
Spot iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
View numerous Arctic bird species, like puffins, Arctic terns and purple sandpipers
Anticipate a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen
Explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more with included Zodiac cruising
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Hike the tundra and polar desert
Select Your Season & Itinerary
Select Season
Helsinki, Finland
15 Days · Ocean Explorer
Starts from £11,986 GBP
Helsinki, Finland
15 Days · Ultramarine
Starts from £11,986 GBP
Helsinki, Finland
15 Days · Ultramarine
Starts from £12,196 GBP
Select Itinerary
Helsinki, Finland
15 Days · Ocean Explorer
Starts from £11,986 GBP
Helsinki, Finland
15 Days · Ultramarine
Starts from £11,986 GBP
Helsinki, Finland
15 Days · Ultramarine
Starts from £12,196 GBP
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ocean Explorer (Season 2026)
Itinerary Activities
-
Included Activities
Hiking, Polar Plunge, Zodiac Cruising, Photography, Presentations -
Adventure Options
Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion
Day By Day & Map
-
Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
-
Day 3 to 13
Exploring Spitsbergen
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.
These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.
A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
-
Day 14
Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Your adventure ends 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.
-
Day 15
Onward Flight Home
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
![[ARC-CIR-14D2025] Spitsbergen Circumnavigation - A Rite of Passage](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,c_fit,w_1200,h_600/quark-web/2024/09/ARC-CIR-14D2025_Spitsbergen_Circumnavigation_Map.png)
Details for Selected Itinerary
-
Included Activities
Hiking, Polar Plunge, Zodiac Cruising, Photography, Presentations -
Adventure Options
Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion
What’s Included & Excluded
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily programme
- All shore landings as per the daily programme
- 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.)
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- 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 programme
- 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 centre and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
- 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.)
- International airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
- 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 and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Charter Flight and Hotel Package
Package valued at £1,150 GBP is included in the expedition
- Pre- and post-expedition hotel nights at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
- Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ocean Explorer (Season 2026)
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ocean Explorer (Season 2026)
-
Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
-
Day 3 to 13
Exploring Spitsbergen
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.
These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.
A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
-
Day 14
Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Your adventure ends 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.
-
Day 15
Onward Flight Home
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ultramarine (Season 2026)
Itinerary Activities
-
Included Activities
Hiking, Polar Plunge, Zodiac Cruising, Photography, Presentations -
Adventure Options
Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion
Day By Day & Map
-
Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
-
Day 3 to 13
Exploring Spitsbergen
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.
These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.
A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
-
Day 14
Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Your adventure ends 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.
-
Day 15
Onward Flight Home
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
Details for Selected Itinerary
-
Included Activities
Hiking, Polar Plunge, Zodiac Cruising, Photography, Presentations -
Adventure Options
Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion
What’s Included & Excluded
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily programme
- All shore landings as per the daily programme
- 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.)
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- 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 programme
- 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 centre and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
- 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.)
- International airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
- 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 and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Charter Flight and Hotel Package
Package valued at £1,150 GBP is included in the expedition
- Pre- and post-expedition hotel nights at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
- Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ultramarine (Season 2026)
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ultramarine (Season 2026)
-
Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
-
Day 3 to 13
Exploring Spitsbergen
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in the Svalbard archipelago. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny-London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya.
These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Searching for the iconic polar bear is a constant activity for your Expedition Team. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action.
A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
-
Day 14
Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Your adventure ends 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.
-
Day 15
Onward Flight Home
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ultramarine (Season 2026)
Itinerary Activities
-
Included Activities
Hiking, Polar Plunge, Zodiac Cruising, Photography, Presentations -
Adventure Options
Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion
Day By Day & Map
-
Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport. You will have the rest of the day to explore explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to see Helsinki city centre there is convenient rail service. Allow 40 minutes for the transfer.
-
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glaciertopped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
-
Day 3 to 13
Exploring Svalbard
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in Svalbard. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, NyLondon, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya. These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Svalbard, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thickbilled murres). Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the polar bear’s preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action. A big part of appreciating Svalbard comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
-
Day 14
Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki
Your adventure ends 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 Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.
-
Day 15
Onward flight home
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward f light home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
Details for Selected Itinerary
-
Included Activities
Hiking, Polar Plunge, Zodiac Cruising, Photography, Presentations -
Adventure Options
Sea Kayaking, Paddling Excursion
What’s Included & Excluded
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily programme
- All shore landings as per the daily programme
- 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.)
- Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- Complimentary 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
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- 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.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Transfers between Longyearbyen town centre, port, and airport on embarkation and disembarkation day
- Charter Flight & Hotel Package*
- International airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone charges may vary by location
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Charter Flight and Hotel Package
Package valued at £1,150 GBP is included in the expedition
- Pre- and post-expedition hotel nights at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
- Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ultramarine (Season 2026)
15 Days – From Helsinki, Finland on Ultramarine (Season 2026)
-
Day 1
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Arrive in the Finnish capital and make your way to the group hotel located right at Helsinki airport. You will have the rest of the day to explore explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District. If you do plan to see Helsinki city centre there is convenient rail service. Allow 40 minutes for the transfer.
-
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. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glaciertopped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
-
Day 3 to 13
Exploring Svalbard
Expect a new adventure every day as we begin our journey by heading north and around the island of Spitsbergen, exploring smaller, outlying islands. We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favorable, we will also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the archipelago, including many of the outer islands in Svalbard. Every expedition will be different, depending on the weather and ice, but some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, NyLondon, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya. These names may seem strange to you, but each site has its own unique appeal. There is no shortage of natural beauty in Svalbard, where colorful tundra meadows are complemented by immense glaciers. For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots (thickbilled murres). Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer when we visit sites like Ny-London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Phippsøya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, the polar bear’s preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view and capture them in action. A big part of appreciating Svalbard comes from understanding the history—not just how people live today, but also how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry, and you will see remains of outposts from the 16th century, plus other evidence of whaling at landing sites such as Smeerenburg.
-
Day 14
Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki
Your adventure ends 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 Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.
-
Day 15
Onward flight home
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward f light home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
Explore Activities
Activities vary by itinerary, ship, destination and are subject to weather conditions. Checkout our Itineraries to explore what’s included in each voyage.
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, helicopter, or shore landing.
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
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 customerops@exodus.co.uk.