Spitsbergen Explorer: Arctic Wildlife Capital

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

On this 12 day expedition cruise, discover why Spitsbergen is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.”

Explore the Arctic over the summer months to enjoy almost 24/7 daylight - plenty of time to spot wildlife and admire stunning polar landscapes.  Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, arctic fox, walrus and reindeer, plus whales, and seabirds by their thousands. 

This 12 day itinerary is longer than many, and has been designed to maximize time on the west and northern/southern tips of the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen , so you have more time for exploration. Time to hike the hills and tundra, take zodiac cruises to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs or perhaps immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures. 

Your adventure is lead by a team of experts in the region, who will guide your throughout and keep you informed with and array of lectures and educational programmes. 

Viva's Best Bits...

Spot whales, iconic Arctic wildlife like walrus and reindeer....and of course keep your eyes out for polar bears! Svalbard is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes.

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.

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.

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrival 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 Embarkation day

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 3-11
Exploring Spitsbergen

Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for animals.

Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet 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 Svalbard’s legendary wildlife habitat is well-protected and almost entirely uninhabited, it’s one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts and mountain scenery.

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 prebook 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 12
Disembark in Longyearbyen Fly to Helsinki

The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic 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.

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What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping and ensuite
  • Included Copy 31 Same sex cabin shares available ideal for solo travellers
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • Included Copy 20 Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Included Copy 20 Guiding and leadership by expert exploration team and crew
  • Included Copy 20 All shore landings per the daily program
  • Included Copy 20 Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • Included Copy 20 A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • Included Copy 20 A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Included Copy 20 Expedition parka (yours to keep)
  • Included Copy 20 All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • Included Copy 20 Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
  • Included Copy 20 Transfer/flight package Helsinki to Longyearbyen
  • Included Copy 31 Optional Activities: kayaking (additional cost)
  • Included Copy 7 Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, visas, Gratuities, Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
Transportation

Ultramarine

199 Passengers

Ocean Adventurer

132 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Wildlife observation - polar bear, Arctic fox, reindeer, walruses and more!
  • Included Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels.
  • Included Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and land ashore
  • Included Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
  • Included Lectures on all things Artic: history, geology and wildlife
  • Included Take advantage of long hours of daylight - observe wildlife and landscapes in the midnight sun
  • Included Great for bird watching - fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills..
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Duration

12 days

Price from

$10,890 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

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