Voyage across the Arctic Circle via the Svalbard Archipelago and north-east Greenland
Natural splendour, bountiful wildlife and a pioneering spirit all coalesce in the High Arctic, a region once reserved for only the hardiest of travellers but now open to anyone with a real yearning for adventure. Starting out from the isolated Spitsbergen outpost of Longyearbyen, this expedition heads down through the Arctic Circle, taking in the islands of the Svalbard Archipelago, the north-east coast of Greenland and the journey over the Denmark Strait to Iceland. Following in the proverbial wake of explorers past, you'll be treated to stunning sceneries of vast glacial walls, sprawling fjord systems and icebergs the size of skyscrapers. Time spent on the ship will include educational presentations on tales of polar exploration and seabird identification, while there'll be plenty of opportunities for spotting the region's famed wildlife during Zodiac excursions. This voyage across the Arctic Circle allows travellers to experience three different countries of the Arctic in a relatively short space of time.
Explore the ends of the Earth with our latest offers on 2022/23 and 2023/24 Antarctic voyages. Find out more
Terms & ConditionsSeek out unforgettable Polar Bears sightings while roaming the hunting grounds of this ruler of the Arctic
Discover the history of Greenland with explorations of the ruins of ancient Thule settlements and learn about the Inuit life in Ittoqqortoormiit
Experience how this incredible environment is ever-changing while cruising through freshly birthed icebergs in Scoresbysund
Kayaking on crisp, clear Arctic waters is a unique and intimate way of exploring this amazing region. Book early as these activities can sell out fast
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's 'Packing' section.
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 have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.
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 – your leader carries equipment to protect you.
Newly built in 2018 and designed specifically with polar cruising in mind, the beautiful World Explorer is one of our newest ships.
This sturdy expedition ship was built in 1975 and underwent an $8 million refurbishment in 2017 which included new engines and refurbished cabins...
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure – the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure – the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking is available to book on all Arctic voyages (except the North Pole). This must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. To participate in kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential. In addition, there are other included optional activities offered on some voyages such as hiking. This activity does not need to be booked in advance and no additional cost applies.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
Strict luggage limits apply, as outlined in the Essential Trip Information.
INCREASED HEALTH SCREENING MEASURES APPLY TO THIS TRIP
All customers must be fully vaccinated to join this trip and you will be required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
You will need to arrive with a negative PCR test administered within 3 days prior to day Day1 (the day you arrive at your hotel)
Quark Expeditions will also conduct an additional test on day 1 (the day prior to embarkation). We recommend you arrive between 10am-4pm on Day 1 of the itinerary as this is when Quark Expeditions testing teams are scheduled to be available at your joining point hotel.
If you are arriving late on day one and are unable to be tested by Quark at the hotel you will be required to obtain your own PCR test from a local testing facility in the gateway city and bring the covid test result with you to show Quark staff. Contact your sales agent if you need assistance booking a covid test in a gateway city.
Customers will be required to complete a health questionnaire upon arrival.
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.
View Essential Trip Information