Tromsø to Svalbard - Beyond the Arctic Circle

Tromsø to Svalbard - Beyond the Arctic Circle – 11 Days

Prices From £5,099pp
June Only | 10 nights

Tromsø to Svalbard - Beyond the Arctic Circle – 11 Days

Aboard: The Expedition

Set off on an 11-day Arctic expedition that ventures deep into the icy wilderness, starting in northern Norway and sailing through the remote reaches of the Barents Sea. This carefully crafted journey blends classic polar highlights with lesser-known gems, like seldom-visited Bear Island, for a fresh and immersive take on the high Arctic.

Explore glacier-lined fjords, rugged coastlines, and historic sites as you journey through the dramatic landscapes of Svalbard. Along the way, search for polar bears on the sea ice, spot seals hauled out on rocky shores, and watch reindeer and Arctic fox roam the tundra. With the midnight sun overhead and expert guides leading Zodiac cruises and shore landings, each day brings new opportunities for discovery in one of the wildest corners of the planet.

Highlights

  • Sail from Norway into the high Arctic, visiting the remote birding paradise of Bear Island along the way
  • Explore the dramatic landscapes of Svalbard under the midnight sun
  • Search for polar bears and other iconic wildlife including reindeer, seals, walrus and myriad birds
  • Cruise spectacular icy fjords and glacier-lined coasts
  • Learn about Viking heritage and Arctic exploration history
  • Enjoy expert-led landings, Zodiac cruises and small-group excursions

What's Included

  • All meals and accommodation on board ship
  • Shore and Zodiac excursions
  • Programme of lectures by experts
  • Expedition parka
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Land transfers to and from ship


Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Tromsø - Embark
1Day

Tromsø - Embark

Your Beyond the Arctic Circle adventure begins in the beautiful Norwegian city of Tromsø, often called “the gateway to the Arctic”. You may wish to arrive here a couple of days before embarkation to sample some of this historic and charming island city’s many highlights.

In the late afternoon, you will make your way to the meeting point to join your group transfer to the port to begin embarkation. As you settle in to your comfortable cabin, make sure to spend some time on deck soaking up the views as we leave Tromsø behind and head into the wilderness. Keep an eye out for seabirds above and marine mammals in the waters below.

At Sea & Bear Island
2 - 3Days

At Sea & Bear Island

As we leave the stunning fjords of mainland Norway behind and head towards the pristine wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago, your ship will sail to the mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island). Weather permitting there may be the chance of a Zodiac excursion along the coastline. Bear Island even from afar has spectacular views and is home to millions of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, puffins, guillemots and gulls. As we continue our sail there will be informative and entertaining lectures and presentations from your onboard experts on everything from the wildlife you can expect on the next part of your journey to the history of Arctic exploration.

South Svalbard
4 - 5Days

South Svalbard

These days will be spent navigating the striking coastline of southern Spitsbergen as we venture into South Spitsbergen National Park. This region is renowned for its soaring peaks, active glaciers, and deep fjords that slice into the island, none more dramatic than Hornsund. Zodiac cruises offer a front-row seat to this rugged Arctic seascape, where towering ice walls and snow-draped mountains surround you at every turn.

Cruising quietly along the edge of the ice in search of wildlife, you’ll hope to spot bearded seals hauled out on floes, and with luck, you may spot a polar bear patrolling the shoreline. We’ll then continue on to Bellsund, where we will explore a mix of natural and cultural sites by Zodiac and on foot. Rich in wildlife and steeped in history, this area offers a glimpse into Svalbard’s human past and thriving Arctic ecosystem.

Svalbard/Greenland Sea
6 - 10Days

Svalbard/Greenland Sea

Spend the next several days immersed in the wild realm of the polar bear, as your expedition ventures deep into Svalbard’s dramatic Arctic landscape. With no fixed itinerary, each day is shaped by the ice, weather, and most importantly, wildlife, especially the elusive polar bear. This is prime territory for sightings, and your crew will be on constant watch. Whether roaming the ice edge, resting on a glacier, or patrolling the shoreline, polar bears can appear when least expected. Patience and persistence may lead to some unforgettable moments.

Zodiac cruises offer the best chance to get closer to the action. Navigate through ice-strewn fjords and along cliffs alive with nesting seabirds, cruise near haul-outs where walrus lounge, or glide quietly past hunting grounds where polar bears may be spotted. Watch for other Arctic residents, too, from Svalbard’s unique, antler-crowned reindeer to stealthy Arctic foxes. Early-season sailings often feature larger ice floes and heightened chances for bear encounters, while later voyages can cover more ground, offering access to remote regions and even potential whale sightings near the continental shelf. Every day is a true Arctic adventure, guided by the rhythm of nature.

Longyearbyen - Disembark
11Day

Longyearbyen - Disembark

Today your thrilling expedition will come to an end as your ship sails through beautiful Isfjorden and into Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard. After disembarkation a transfer will be provided to the airport for your homeward travel or to a downtown location should you wish to spend more time in this unique Arctic town. There are a wide variety of Arctic adventures that can be enjoyed in Longyearbyen and please feel free to contact a member of the WILDFOOT team if this is something which may be of interest.

A view from Above

All Aboard

The Expedition
Mid range  adventure vessel

The Expedition

Launching for the 2025/26 season, The Expedition (formerly the famed Ocean Adventurer) combines comfort, performance, and eco-conscious innovation. Recently refurbished to enhance stability, refresh interiors, and create more space for guests and crew to connect, the ship now offers a more sustainable travel experience with a reduced carbon footprint. It features 70 well-appointed cabins and a range of inviting public spaces.

Enjoy shared meals in the spacious dining room, or unwind in the lounge, library, bar, or one of two jacuzzis. Additional amenities include a well-equipped gym, boutique gift shop, theatre-style auditorium for presentations, sun deck, and observation deck. A variety of cabin types are available, from Triple Porthole Cabins to refined suites, each offering ocean views, an ensuite bathroom with shower or bath, and tasteful furnishings.

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 lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

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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