Spitsbergen Highlights - Expedition in Brief

From Helsinki to Helsinki
  • All Arctic Cruises
  • Spitsbergen
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Discover the highlights of Spitsbergen on this exciting 7-day Arctic adventure.

This is an exciting adventure lets you explore the far north, encounter dramatic calving glaciers, deep fjords and towering cliffs teeming with birds. Visit abandoned whaling and mining settlements and learn about the early history of the region. We may see whales and seals, watch an arctic fox dart by, spend some time chilling on a beach with walrus or near grazing Svalbard reindeer and maybe the most iconic of Arctic wildlife - the majestic polar bear. 

Cruise along the west coastline to Spitsbergen in search of wildlife, spend time exploring the shorelines in zodiacs, making shore landings to walk or hike on the arctic tundra. We see if we can push our way through the pack ice to 80°N, to a walrus sanctuary on Moffen Island. The midnight sun will allow us to awake to glaciers outside, and spend 24 hours a day in search of polar bears if we wish.

There is so much all to experience in a week!

**please note the 2025 itinerary is on the Ultramarine, please ask us for more details on this trip

Viva's Best Bits...

"Kayaking in the Arctic was a surreal experience, so calm, peaceful, just the sound of my paddle dipping the water, a nearby seal, and the creaking of ice from the nearby glacier – an experience not to be missed!” Tara, Team Viva

Discover Spitsbergen, the Realm of the Polar Bear, and the largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, and witness 24-hour daylight under the midnight sun.

Shore landings allow you to walk and photograph the Arctic wildlife and tundra, like foxes, reindeer and walrus, plus there are zodiac cruises to explore glaciers and icebergs, perhaps even to spot polar bears.

Tour Itinerary

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
Helsinki Embarkation in Longyearbyen

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 town.

Day 3-6
Exploring Spitsbergen

You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.

Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.

After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). If ice conditions permit reaching 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.

At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

During your last full day of your Arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of Russia’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner.

Day 7
Disembark in Longyearbyen Helsinki

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, 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.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Shipboard accommodation
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • Included Copy 20 Beer and wine during dinner
  • Included Copy 20 Free coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders
  • Included Copy 20 All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Included Copy 20 All shore landings per the daily program
  • Included Copy 20 A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan
  • Included Copy 20 An official expedition parka to keep
  • Included Copy 20 All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • Included Copy 20 A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • Included Copy 20 Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Included Copy 20 Transfer & charter flight package
  • Included Copy 31 Optional Activities: kayaking and paddling (additional cost)
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, visas, Gratuities, Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
  • Included Copy 7 Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance — strongly recommended
Transportation

Ultramarine

199 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Dare to take a polar plunge above the Arctic Circle!
  • Included Explore the arctic on foot with shore landings, walks and hikes
  • Included Chance to kayak in the Arctic
  • Included Zodiac cruising among icebergs, near seabirds, whales and glaciers
  • Included Possible polar bear encounters
  • Included Attempt to reach 80°N
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

7 days

Price from

$6,190 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a triple share cabin

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