Arctic Adventure: Hosted Svalbard Explorer 2025

From Helsinki, Finland to Helsinki, Finland

All Arctic Cruises
Spitsbergen
Hosted Journeys

Tour Description

Arctic Adventure, a 10 day expedition cruise exploring Svalbard, hosted by Rachel Williams from Viva Expeditions.

Helsinki - Helsinki, 01 June - 10 June 2025

This fascinating expedition provides a taste of everything Spitsbergen has to offer, starting with its largest settlement, Longyearbyen. The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this stirring voyage, we show you why. A key focus of this 10-day expedition will be to seek out the abundant wildlife that resides here, including walrus, reindeer, and that most iconic of Arctic denizens, the polar bear, in their natural habitat, while marveling at the surreal experience of continuous daylight. Explore the unique Arctic landscape, hike the vast and colorful tundra, learn about the history and geology of this remote wilderness, and join us on a gripping excursion to a faraway, unforgettable land.

This exciting introductory journey to the remote Norwegian island, renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife, will be onboard the Ultramarine. The Ultramarine, is new, game-changing polar vessel, which can take you to remote destinations most other ships can’t reach. Aboard Ultramarine, explore Spitsbergen in brand new ways—taking advantage of the 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size—to create the Arctic experience perfect for you.

Viva's Best Bits...

Cruise through stunning fjords and visit the immense glaciers of the north, Hike the tundra and polar desert,...then perhaps dare to take a polar plunge into the icy waters!

Have a great chance to spot the legendary polar bear - population in Svalbard is around 3000 ..plus other wonderful wildlife...Arctic foxes, Beluga, reindeers and more in their natural environment.

Explore the Arctic in comfort onboard the Ultramarine, with its spacious suites, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

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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.

Overnight in Helsinki

Day 2

Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard Embarkation

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 3-9

Exploring Spitsbergen

You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords
to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.

Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.

The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice.

The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips.

If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.

In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or
an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.

Day 10

Disembarkation in Longyearbyen Fly to Helsinki

The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic 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.

Note: Charter flight times are subject to change, arrival may be late afternoon into Helsinki, so we recommend not to book any onward travel today and instead spend the night in Helsinki (not included)

Accommodation

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
One night Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast

Food

All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner

Fees & Services

Select from a range of suites
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
All shore landings per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
A expedition parka to keep
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
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 center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device*
Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, return, economy class
International airfares, travel insurance, gratuities, laundry and other misc expenses
Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Adventure Option; Sea Kayaking (USD 795pp) & Paddling (USD 195pp)

Transportation

Ultramarine

199 Passengers

Explore Spitsbergen on foot with shore landings, walks and hikes
Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Dare to take a polar plunge above the Arctic Circle!
Multiple opportunities for wildlife photography.