group of adventure travelers in yellow jackets line up below a jagged mountain while on a day tour of the spitsbergen explorer small ship cruise trip
lone arctic reindeer grazing on the tundra with snowy mountains behind it
adventure travelers on the spitsbergen in depth small ship cruise trip in a zodiac skiff on icy water with an iceberg in the distance
group of travelers with yellow jackets led by two guides in red on a shore excursion of the spitsbergen explorer arctic small ship cruise trip
people in yellow jackets sit in inflatable rafts to view a group of walruses laying on sea ice beyond them on a cloudy day in the arctic
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

The Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic expedition offers so many chances to connect with unique Arctic wildlife. The archipelago is home to the iconic polar bear, as well as whales, walrus, Svalbard reindeer and tens of thousands of seabirds.

Begin and end in Helsinki, Finland. Helsinki is renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. The bulk of this expedition-style voyage is spent exploring, observing and taking in the beauty of the High Arctic. With no set agenda other than to see wildlife and glacial beauty, nine whole days are dedicated to exploring south, west and north Spitsbergen, with no rush and no agenda. Expert guides and naturalist leaders are enthusiastic about spotting polar bears on the hunt, walruses hauling out, reindeer foraging and incredible bird species nesting, which means they are constantly searching for Arctic wildlife.

Only the most interesting stops might interrupt the wildlife search, including the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Strait. With or without animal sightings, exploring the tundra is a breathtaking experience—the natural beauty of the landscape is exhilarating, surprisingly colorful and striking. See the best that Spitsbergen has to offer via the western edge of the island, plus a few outlying northern regions. The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and now you can discover why.

The Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic expedition begins and ends in Helsinki, Finland with round-trip charter flights to and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard and is aboard the 128-guest Ocean Adventurer or 199-guest Ultramarine, both ice-stable ships equipped for personal and intimate Arctic exploration.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Svalbard polar bear cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic Itinerary

This 12-day Arctic expedition around Spitsbergen begins and ends in Helsinki, Finland with round-trip charter flights to and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic route map.
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Day 1
Arrive Helsinki, Finland

This Arctic voyage begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If arriving early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at the included airport hotel.

Accommodations

Airport Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, transfer to the airport and board the private group charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, with some time to explore before embarkation. As the ship sets sail, enjoy the first views of Svalbard’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer, Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 11
Exploring Spitsbergen

Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape is just as varied as the wildlife. While cruising around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, the expedition team constantly searches for wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the possible visitor sites include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Strait.

Each destination is selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Spotting polar bears is more likely here than almost anywhere else, as the Svalbard archipelago is one of their preferred hunting areas. 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.

For those itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, book the sea kayaking or paddling additional 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, see something interesting, whether it is unique Arctic wildlife a polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned sites from centuries ago.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer, Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Disembark Longyearbyen, Fly to Helsinki, Finland & Depart

The time to say goodbye to the expedition team and shipmates has come. The adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Helsinki.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $995 in 2024 and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen, and charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals and snacks on board; soft drinks and juices on board; select beer and house wine during dinner; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; 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 to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person; transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day.

Exclusions

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), or insurance of any kind; excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone and internet charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options or excursions.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – $1,250 fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic voyage begins and ends in Helsinki, Finland (HEL), with group charter flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Helsinki anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. An arrival transfer is not needed, as the Day 1 hotel is at the airport. On Day 12 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport or hotel. Plan flights to depart Helsinki no earlier than three hours following arrival of your group charter flight from Longyearbyen on Day 12. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Longyearbyen is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the flights to and from Helsinki. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Helsinki; there is no option to pay for additional luggage. On Day 12 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Helsinki, or to your independently arranged hotel in Longyearbyen.

Activities

Hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included. Various optional activities may be available on your Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic cruise, for guests aged 16 and older, at the following per person costs in 2024: sea kayaking for $695 and one-time paddling excursion for $195. Sea kayaking is arranged in small groups of 10 people, multiple times per voyage, and only conducted during calm weather conditions. You must have some prior kayaking experience, including the capability to do a wet exit. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Contact AdventureSmith for more details and to reserve your spot on these adventure activities.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ocean Adventurer: Superior, Deluxe, Suite & Owner’s Suite
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite, Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

May 22 - Jun 02, 2024
Ultramarine • 12 days
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From $6842USD
Per Person
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May 28 - Jun 08, 2024
Ocean Adventurer • 12 days
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From $6452USD
Per Person
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Jun 09 - Jun 20, 2024
Ultramarine • 12 days
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From $9766USD
Per Person
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Jun 15 - Jun 26, 2024
Ocean Adventurer • 12 days
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From $7711USD
Per Person
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Jun 30 - Jul 11, 2024
Ocean Adventurer • 12 days
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From $6932USD
Per Person
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Jul 30 - Aug 10, 2024
Ocean Adventurer • 12 days
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From $7921USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ocean Adventurer

A handsome and refurbished expedition ship, the Ocean Adventurer combines travel to the Arctic with superior onboard comfort for her 128 passengers.

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires March 31st, 2024
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Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

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