Spitsbergen in Depth - Big Island, Big Adventure

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

The Svalbard archipelago is a wild, remote and untouched wilderness, home to incredible wildlife and scenery. On this extensive 14 day Arctic voyage, we will attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, the largest island of the archipelago, lying entirely within the Arctic Circle. And if the conditions allow, we might even attempt to circumnavigate the whole archipelago of Svalbard!

As we journey around Svalbard, making our way into bays, and channels, we will have opportunities to spot iconic Arctic wildlife. How about walrus wallowing on the shores or on top of icebergs drifting by, Arctic fox scurrying along rock faces in search of a meal, reindeer grazing on the tundra, and of course the majestic polar bears could be roaming anywhere! Learn about the fascinating early history of the region, and be wowed with sea cliffs teaming with birdlife - utopias such as 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet will amaze. Pushing through the sea ice in our ice strengthen expedition vessel and voyaging this far north is an exciting adventure in itself!

Discover why Svalbard is not only the land of the polar bear but also the ‘wildlife capital of the Arctic’ on this epic big adventure!

*Please note in 2025 this will be know as Spitsbergen Circumnavigation on Ultramarine, please ask us for more details

 

Viva's Best Bits...

"If you really want to try and see polar bear, I recommend this trip, the longer you spend in the area the better your chances! They can never be guaranteed but I was lucky enough to see 20!" Tara, Team Viva

Summer brings the “midnight sun”—sunlight 24 hours a day, so there will be plenty of time for zodiac exploration, walks, photography, wildlife and of course a polar plunge!

Shore excursions by Zodiac will enable you to set foot in places only a few humans have walked before, walk along the shore or hike up to get dramatic views, there are options for all.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Helsinki

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 your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.

Day 3-13
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, whileAlkefjellet’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. 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 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.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 12 nights Shipboard accommodation
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board, Beer and wine during dinner
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All scheduled landings & excursions
  • Included Copy 20 Arrival & disembarkation transfers in Longyearbyen
  • Included Copy 20 Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition leader & crew
  • Included Copy 20 Expedition parka to keep
  • Included Copy 20 Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
  • Included Copy 20 All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • Included Copy 20 Helsinki flight, transfer and hotel package
  • Included Copy 7 International airfares, any visas
  • Included Copy 7 Gratuities, laundry, additional drinks, telecommunication charges, travel insurance
  • Included Copy 31 Add on kayaking or paddling excursions
Transportation

Ocean Adventurer

132 Passengers

Ultramarine

199 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Walk and hiking in Spitsbergen, discover historic sites and dramatic landscapes
  • Included Attempt a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, or Svalbard
  • Included Wildlife observation: Arctic fox, walrus, reindeer and polar bears
  • Included Shore excursions & cruising by Zodiac
  • Included Dare to take a polar plunge above the Arctic circle!
  • Included Perhaps try kayaking or paddling near a glacier in these Arctic waters
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

14 days

Price from

$13,490 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a triple share cabin

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