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Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland (Southbound)
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.
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Start: Helsinki, Finland
End: Reykjavik, Iceland
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 199
- Minimum age
- 8 years old
- Style
- Comfort
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Polar, Wildlife
- 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
Where you’ll stay
Ultramarine
Expedition • 199 passengers
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.
Ultramarine
Expedition • 199 passengers
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.
Why you'll love this trip
- Seek 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
Itinerary
Your arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, where you may arrive at any time today. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Helsinki is a great place to spend time in, exploring the many museums, galleries and restaurants. Perhaps relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
An arrival transfer is not included today, so please make your own way to the joining hotel.
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Accommodation
- Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with walrus, polar bears and Spitsbergen reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. When conditions are right, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
Accommodation
- Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (4)
- Lunch (4)
- Dinner (4)
While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea, you’ll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a lecture, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many things to do during your time at sea.
Accommodation
- Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.
Accommodation
- Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (4)
- Lunch (4)
- Dinner (4)
As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.
Accommodation
- Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, a transfer to a central downtown location is provided.
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
A departure transfer is not included to the airport.
Inclusions and activities
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Why choose us
We’ve led travellers around the world to share in the real, rare and remarkable, since 1989.
Over 35 years of adventure
We’re adventure travel experts with decades of experience and proud to run trips in over 100 countries.
Small groups
We keep our group sizes small and our experiences big, so you can get more out of your travels.
Locally based leaders
Leaders don’t just show off a destination, they’re the heart and soul of our trips.
Travel that gives back
The Intrepid Foundation gives back globally and our B Corp status is proof that we're dedicated to creating a positive impact.
Before you book you should know
- 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.
This trip starts from Helsinki, Finland and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland
In 2025 this trip is onboard the Ocean Explorer ship
In 2026 this trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship
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 150 days prior to departure.
Please refer to the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking and day paddle are optional activities available to book on this trip. They must be booked prior to departure and will incur 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.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Hotel (1 night) Expedition Cruise ship (13 nights)
Helsinki
Helsinki
FINLAND
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Prices can change anytime
Our prices drop or increase based on demand, seasonality, availability and market conditions.
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