Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

14 daysNo reviews yet
Polar
Wildlife
From
EUR €12,360

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Artic adventure

Set sail around Spitsbergen – and more of the Svalbard archipelago – on a 14-day adventure for the ages. After getting your bearings in Helsinki, Finland, you’ll start your voyage aboard the Ultramarine, where you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule of excursions to prime spots for polar bear, Arctic fox and walrus sightings. Take daily Zodiac trips to towering glacier faces and visit islands that rub shoulders with the North Pole. With an expert expedition team on board, helping you see it all, this trip is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Map of Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite Of Passage including Finland, Norway and Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands
Trip code: BQMC
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
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Polar, Wildlife
Style
Basix: 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 rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

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

Ultramarine
Ultramarine
BOAT TYPE: ExpeditionPASSENGERS: 199
If you’re looking to take your polar adventure to the next level, Ultramarine is designed to help you discover amazing new places and see the very best of the spectacular polar regions. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine helps travellers access a wide variety of activities while featuring spacious suites, incredible public spaces, and a huge range of outdoor wildlife viewing vantage points. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. Other features include an all-inclusive bar and a helicopter landing pad, with sightseeing flights included in the voyages. Please note: Helicopter operations are not permitted in certain regions such as Svalbard and South Georgia. These restrictions are in place to protect the landscape and wildlife of these areas.
Explore features
Ocean Explorer exterior from a distance with a large iceberg in the foreground
Ocean Explorer
BOAT TYPE: ExpeditionPASSENGERS: 138
The Ocean Explorer is the new way to see the Polar region in style. Purpose-built for exploration, this ship features a fleet of modern Zodiacs, large windows perfect for spotting Polar wildlife, two outdoor Jacuzzis, modern cabins in Scandinavian design, private verandahs in almost all rooms, a spacious gym and sauna and a two-storey, light-filled library. Coupled with plenty of outdoor viewing areas, this ship is the perfect setting for avid photographers, marine enthusiasts and sustainability-conscious explorers.
Explore features
This itinerary is valid for departures from 25 June 2025 to 08 July 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 30 June 2026 - 14 July 2026

Itinerary

Map of Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite Of Passage including Finland, Norway and Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands

Inclusions and activities

Meals

12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

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

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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.
.
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.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

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Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
From
EUR €12,360