Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Artic adventure
- Start
- Helsinki, Finland
- End
- Helsinki, Finland
- Destinations
- Norway, Finland, Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands
- Meals
- 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
- Transport
- Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac
- Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)
- Days
- 14
- Group size
- Min 1
- Ages
- Min 8
- ThemeEvery trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
- Polar, Wildlife
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Orginal: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Comfort
- Physical ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
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.
Boats
View the itinerary for departures between 30 June 2026 - 14 July 2026
Itinerary
Inclusions and activities
12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac
Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)
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.
Dates and availability
Important notes
This trip starts and finishes in Helsinki, Finland.
In 2025 this trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship. The duration of the trip is 14 days and the trip will finish at Helsinki Airport.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.
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In 2026 this trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship or the Ocean Explorer ship. The duration of the trip is 15 days including a hotel night in Helsinki on day 14. The "departure and availability" section lists which ship operates each departure.
Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To 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 the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking and day paddle are available to book on this voyage. Both activities 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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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