Spitsbergen In Depth Big Islands, Big Adventure
Starting From:
$7,242 USDDuration:
14 daysThis 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 during this memorable voyage, including a visit to the remote, uninhabited Arctic desert of Nordaustlandet.
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 set foot in places few humans have. This voyage truly is the big adventure you’ve been waiting for.
![Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Islands, Big Adventure Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Islands, Big Adventure](/sites/default/files/styles/qrk_fpsc_1152x648/public/2022-08/Spitsbergen-In-Depth--Big-Islands%2C-Big-Adventure.jpg?h=d1ee6398&itok=F8OEJjAf)
Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
View numerous Arctic bird species, like puffins, Arctic terns and purple sandpipers
Take advantage of continuous daylight
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
Available Itinerary
Our portfolio of immersive itineraries allows you to choose where—and how—you’d like to explore the Arctic with the best expedition team in the Polar Regions.
- Departing From:
- Helsinki, Finland
- Starting From:
- $7,242 USD* Per person(Incl. Transfer Package)
- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Ships:
- Ocean Adventurer
![Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Islands, Big Adventure](/sites/default/files/styles/qrk_s_510w/public/2022-11/SpitsbergenInDepth_ARC24_Map.png?itok=4S2ZqrH8)
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- 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.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and 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
- An official Quark Expeditions® 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
- 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
All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.
![Photo Provided by Quark Traveller](/sites/default/files/styles/cta_image_block_llg_800x400/public/expedition-images/greelandichouses.jpg?h=517ab953&itok=n4EpJrq-)
Your Ships
Ocean Adventurer
Ice Class
1A
Cruising Speed
12 knots
in open water
Guests
128
Staff and Crew
87
The Lower Deck Twin cabins feature two lower berths, private facilities (including storage space and heated towel rack), as well as a porthole with exterior views.
- Lower Deck Twin
Guests who book the Main Deck Twin Window, Main Deck Twin Porthole and Triple suites have the advantage of easy access to the gym, which is also located on the Main Deck. Guests on the Main Deck also have direct access to the Zodiac Boarding Rooms, their starting point for exciting off-ship Adventure Options.
- Main Deck Twin Window
- Main Deck Twin Porthole
- Triple
Interacting with fellow guests, crew and members of the Expedition Team is integral to life onboard a polar vessel. Lots of socializing takes place on the Upper Deck of Ocean Adventurer. The Main Lounge, a theatre-style auditorium on the Upper Deck, is large enough to accommodate everyone onboard the vessel. It serves as the main lecture hall where you’ll attend expert presentations and films. The Captain’s Welcome and daily briefings also take place in the Main Lounge, which offers a full-service bar. At the opposite end of the ship is the Main Restaurant and the smaller, more intimate Clipper Club dining room. The Polar Boutique—full of lots of souvenirs and outdoor gear—is conveniently located on this floor, near the Reception. Superior Suites are on the Upper Deck.
- Superior
The well-appointed Deluxe Suite (two berths) and Suite (double bed), both of which have exterior-view windows, are located on the Captain’s Deck as is the ever popular Polar Library. Open 24-hours daily, the library contains polar books, reference and general reading materials in multiple languages, covering subjects such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. Guests can also choose from a selection of games. The Clinic is just adjacent to the Polar Library.
- Suite
- Deluxe
- Superior
Guests may be granted access to the Bridge, where they can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the vessel. Also on this deck are the Owner's Suites, which are furnished with a double bed and private sitting room, as well as a large panoramic window (facing aft, port or starboard depending on the specific suite).
- Owner's Suite
For clear views of your polar surroundings, you’ll want to spend time on the Observation Deck. Bring your camera and binoculars. Passing wildlife, as well as ice-laden landscapes, are frequently observed from the Observation Deck.
Possible Excursions
Departure Dates and Cabins
Sorry, there are no current departure dates for this expedition.
All we need is a little bit of information about your travel preferences and one of our Polar Travel Advisors will be in touch.
![Photo Provided by Quark Traveller](/sites/default/files/styles/cta_image_block_llg_800x400/public/expedition-images/greelandichouses.jpg?h=517ab953&itok=n4EpJrq-)