Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

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14 Days From

$16490

$13192

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

14 Days Starting and ending in Helsinki

Visiting: Helsinki, Finland, Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark, Exploring Spitsbergen, Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BQMC

Group size:

1 - 199

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99 years

Interests:

Polar

From: $16490 $13192 Operator discount: -$3298 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Set sail around Spitsbergen – and more of the Svalbard archipelago – on a 14-day adventure for the ages. After getting your bearings in Helsinki, Finland, you’ll start your voyage aboard the Ultramarine, where you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule of excursions to prime spots for polar bear, Arctic fox and walrus sightings. Take daily Zodiac trips to towering glacier faces and visit islands that rub shoulders with the North Pole. With an expert expedition team on board, helping you see it all, this trip is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Highlights

  • Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from the quirky northernmost city of Longyearbyen to stunning fjords, towering mountains and impressive glaciers.

  • Scour sheets of ice and be rewarded with sightings of Arctic foxes, reindeer and the ruler of the Arctic – the polar bear.

  • Did someone say midnight snack? Because of the time of year, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for sightseeing any time of the day, or night!

  • With a flexible voyage itinerary, you’ll only hit the places which are worthwhile and have the best conditions, as your expert polar team maximises wildlife spotting opportunities each day.

  • Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like hiking and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Helsinki, Finland

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Finland’s modern capital, where you may arrive at any time. Once settled in, why not head out and explore the city’s endless array of options? You could visit one (or more) of the many museums, galleries and restaurants on offer, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander through the vibrant Design District. For dinner, perhaps head out in the evening to sample some local, traditional dishes.

Day 2: Fly To Longyearbyen, Svalbard And Embark

Location: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark

Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship

Meals Included: lunch, dinner

This morning, transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. You may want to visit the Svalbard or North Pole museums to learn more about the local history, or perhaps grab a beer at the Svalbard Brewery if you have time. After boarding the ship, head out on deck to enjoy the great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.

Day 3-13: Exploring Spitsbergen

Location: Exploring Spitsbergen

Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship

Your expedition begins by sailing north, exploring Spitsbergen’s coastal fjords and smaller, outlying islands. The plan is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favourable, you'll also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. Each day will be a surprise, treating you to spectacular new sightings and experiences. There are a range of excursions you might embark on, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, helicopter or shore landing.

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 brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer on visits to sites like Ny-London, Hornsund, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Phippsoya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, polar bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view them in action. Alternatively, Moffen Island is a protected sanctuary for walrus, which are best viewed from the water.

Sitting at 112-mile- (180 km) long, Brasvellbreen’s glacier face makes for an impressive sight during a Zodiac cruise, stretching all the way to the horizon. Lilliehook Glacier features labyrinths of sparkling icebergs and breathtaking panoramas of ice, while at Monaco Glacier you can listen to the crackle and pop of the brash ice, search for seals and have a chance to admire a natural sculpture gallery.

If conditions allow, you’ll also visit Phippsoya and Martensoya of the Seven Islands – this small archipelago is closer to the North Pole than anywhere else in Svalbard.

Day 14: Disembark In Longyearbyen And Fly To Helsinki

Location: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you’ll transfer to the airport for a return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package. Your tour ends on arrival at Helsinki airport.

What's Included

12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship , Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)

Important Information

This trip starts and finishes in Helsinki, Finland1 nights pre expedition hotel is included in Helsinki, Finalnd on day 1Group Charter flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen return are included on this trip.This trip will finish at Helsinki Airport on day 14 . We recommend staying an additional night in Helsinki in case of any flight delays. If you are wanting to book onward flights from Helsinki on this day please contact your sales agent for further information about the included charter flights arrival time.This trip is onboard the UltramarineYour voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.BOOKING CONDITIONSTo confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditionsADVENTURE OPTIONSKayaking is available to book on all Arctic voyages except on Icebreakers. Kayaking must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Hiking is also offered on some itineraries. This activity is at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.

Mode of Transport

Expedition cruise ship , Zodiac

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.

    Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.

    The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.

    This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.

    Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Wednesday - Tuesday

Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$16490 $13192

Operator discount: -$3298

Tuesday - Monday

Jun 30, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026
$17690 $15036

Operator discount: -$2654

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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