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.
Inclusions
- 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Helsinki with breakfast
- Roundtrip charter flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
- 10 nights expedition cruise aboard Ocean Explorer (Quark Expeditions)
- Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- Shore landing and other activities, led by experienced Expedition Leaders
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- Reduced rates! (price reflects discount)
| August 3, 2025 | Cruise Only |
| Veranda Suite | from |
| Junior Suite | from |
| Taxes & Fees Included | |
| New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. Cruise Only prices do not include airfare, transfers or hotel. The cost of airfare varies from other city gateways; please call to inquire. The prices listed are for lead-in categories (oceanview or balcony cabins may be obstructed), but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit for the cruise may be non-refundable; however, we also provide a refundable option at a slightly higher price, ensuring flexibility in your booking. Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise. |
- Spot iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
- Take advantage of continuous daylight
- Hike the tundra and polar desert
- Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
![Itinerary Map of Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway Expedition [ARC-SPE-12D2025]](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,c_fit,w_1200,h_600/quark-web/2024/09/ARC-SPE-12D2025_Svalbard-Explorer_BestHighArcticNorway_2025_Map-1.png)
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.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
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
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 12: Disembark in Longyearbyen and 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
The Best Team
When you venture into the untouched wilds of the Arctic and Antarctic, you need a great team around you. And we have the greatest. You’ll join elite guides trained at Quark Academy—which surpasses every standard imaginable for safety and preparedness in the Polar Regions—and interact directly with world-class polar experts. Our philosophy? The team that explores together, discovers more together.
We Take You Deeper
Quark Expeditions goes where others simply can’t. Or won’t. But our expert guides’ abilities to read unknown terrain means where there’s a will, there’s a way—and that way could be by kayak, Zodiac boat, helicopter, or even hot air balloon. In an environment so unpredictable, it pays to have a few backup plans. We don’t just expect the unexpected, we embrace it.
Most Innovative Itineraries
We’ve been pioneering new types of expeditions into the Polar Regions for over 30 years now. We not only offer the most itineraries, but the most varied as well. Regardless of where you venture, you can explore culture, wildlife, science, physical activity, and more. To put it simply: More places to explore, more ways to explore them.
The Most Adventure Activites
Every voyage starts on a ship, but the real adventure happens off-ship. In the polar wilds, we camp, kayak, mountain bike, hike and fly by helicopter to remote locations. We paddleboard on icy waters, and rise above the polar landscape in hot air balloons. With the most adventure options available, how you experience the Polar Regions is entirely up to you.
Small Ships
When it comes to polar expeditions, you’re only as good as where your ships can take you. And our diverse fleet of small polar vessels, which includes icebreakers and expedition ships, can take you to places larger ships can’t navigate. Equally key is our fleet of Zodiac boats, which let us make landfall where others are not able. Trust us: when you travel all the way to the edge of the world, you’ll want to reach out and touch it too.
