Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

Prices From £10,397pp
June to July | 14 nights

Single Cabins Available

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

Aboard: Ultramarine Ocean Explorer

A classic Arctic expedition exploring the fjords and coastline of Spitsbergen searching for polar bears, whales, walrus, birdlife and other fauna, as well as enjoying springtime floral displays on the tundra and marvelling at spectacular mountain and glacier scenery. On this extended voyage, there will be the opportunity, depending on sea and ice conditions, to circumnavigate the whole archipelago.

Various departures available aboard two different vessels. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Attempt to circumnavigate around the Svalbard archipelago!
  • Spectacular wildlife viewing, including polar bears and whales
  • Myriad birdlife
  • Hiking opportunities
  • Kayaking option available (fees apply)
  • Amazing scenery
  • Midnight sun

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation including all meals, snacks & hot drinks on board ship
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • One night hotel stay in Helsinki pre-voyage, with breakfast included
  • One night hotel stay in Helsinki post-voyage, with breakfast included
  • Charter flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen
  • Transfers in Longyearbyen
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Guided Zodiac excursions
  • Expedition parka
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary Basic Wi-Fi

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Helsinki to Longyearbyen
1 - 2Days

Helsinki to Longyearbyen

Your Arctic expedition will begin in the Finnish capital city of Helsinki where after arriving independently you can make your way to your hotel close to the airport for your overnight stay. You may wish to arrive a couple of days early to allow time to sample some of this city’s many delights.

On the morning of day 2 you will join the transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard. Upon arrival there will be some time to explore this unique Arctic town before you board your ship and settle in to your comfortable surroundings. As we set sail you will get fantastic views of the mountainous background and dramatic landscapes of this remote settlement. Your experienced expedition crew will brief you on what’s ahead as you embark on your Arctic adventure.

Spitsbergen
3 - 13Days

Spitsbergen

For the next 11 days you will immerse yourself in the beauty of Spitsbergen, on a constant search for wildlife as we cruise around this spectacular remote island. Embracing the very nature of expedition cruising there will be no particular fixed itinerary for your time in Spitsbergen. We plan to circumnavigate the island, but if conditions are favourable, we will also attempt a circumnavigation of the whole Svalbard archipelago. The routes taken will be dependent on weather and ice, but some of the areas you can expect to visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsøya, Alkefjellet and the seldom-visited Kvitøya. You will enjoy Zodiac excursions throughout, bringing you up-close to the spectacular landscapes of the island.

Each day will bring something new and exciting and your experienced expedition team will choose the best course for optimum wildlife viewing and the best places from which to get an insight into the history and geology of Spitsbergen.

The 14th of July Glacier will be of particular interest to birding enthusiasts as it is home to a multitude of species including purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and arctic terns, whilst the famous Alkefjellet cliffs are teeming with nesting Brünnich’s guillemots. This is also a great area from which to spot Polar bears as they join Arctic foxes on their hunt for free bird egg meals. Searching for polar bears, the largest land carnivores in the world, will be a constant activity throughout your expedition. Phippsøya, Isbukta & Hornsund are areas which almost guarantee a polar bear sighting, with these being their favoured places for hunting. We will also be on the lookout for reindeer, visiting sites like Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhornet where you will want to have your camera ready for shots of these beautiful animals grazing on the lands. Walrus haul-outs are also very common round Spitsbergen and you will feel an air of excitement as you come across the noisy spectacle of these lumbering giants vying for a choice spot on the coastline.

There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen and one of the very best ways to experience this is to join an optional kayaking excursion through the more isolated pockets of the area, whilst hiking excursions and shore walks will bring you up close to Spitsbergen's surprising flora. Please note, kayaking incurs an additional charge and should be booked well in advance.

Whichever course your expedition team choose for your thrilling Spitsbergen adventure you can be assured of remarkable scenic sights, from polar flora to immense glaciers, exceptional wildlife viewing and a sense of true wilderness in these beautiful lands at the top of the world.

Longyearbyen to Helsinki
14 - 15Days

Longyearbyen to Helsinki

Our arrival back into Longyearbyen signals the end of our exciting Spitsbergen cruise. A group transfer will take you to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki. Should you wish to spend more time in Longyearbyen there are numerous possibilities for more Arctic adventures so please feel free to ask for options and advice.

Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will transfer to an airport hotel for an overnight stay. After breakfast at the hotel the following morning, your itinerary will conclude.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ultramarine
First class vessel

Ultramarine

The stylish, brand-new (2021) Ultramarine Polar vessel redefines what is possible in polar expeditions, with two twin-engine helicopters allowing for the ship to offer an unrivalled portfolio of adventure activities and allowing guests to delve deeper into the Polar regions than on any other ship. Featuring sublime onboard comfort, more outdoor wildlife viewing vantage points than rival ships, cutting-edge technology and advanced safety systems, the Ultramarine is simply ahead of its game. An innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards and the most spacious suites in its category add even further to the reasons why this pristine vessel will be sure to delight intrepid Polar adventurers.

Allowing for more activities than any other vessel in its category, guests can immerse themselves in their unforgettable Polar surroundings on a huge range of optional adventures including helicopter flightseeing, camping on ice, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, alpine hiking, cross-country skiing and mountaineering to name just a few. Onboard, guests can enjoy 2 dining areas, 4 bars, a spa and fitness centre, ocean view sauna, a panorama lounge, walkaround deck, library and a lecture theatre.

7 categories of stylish cabins and suites are available, ranging from solo panorama cabins to exclusive suites with private balconies and luxurious fittings. Features of the cabins and suites include spa-inspired private bathrooms with heated floors, premium beds and linens, picture windows or private balconies and HD flatscreen TVs.

Please note: Helicopter flights are not permitted in Spitsbergen.

Ocean Explorer
vessel

Ocean Explorer

Launched in 2024, the modern and elegant Ocean Explorer has been purpose-built for polar exploration and accommodates up to 138 passengers within a range of stylish and superbly equipped cabins and suites. Each cabin or suite features a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design, and, unlike most expedition vessels, almost every cabin offers a veranda.

The ship has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology, with features including the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience, and an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

With stunning interior design throughout, adventurers can enjoy an array of high-class amenities including two outdoor jacuzzis, a dry sauna and a fitness centre. Delicious meals are served within the wonderful main dining room or Compass restaurant, and the welcoming, beautifully-lit Latitude Bar with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables is the perfect spot in which to socialise or relax after a long day of exploring. Enjoy a cocktail and a chat in the stylish observation lounge and observation deck, join an expert talk in the presentation lounge, or relax with a book in the wonderful two-story, light-filled library located at the bow as you explore the pristine wilderness of the polar regions.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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