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Herd of Arctic reindeer

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Adventurer
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Connect with the unique Arctic wildlife as you travel to Spitsbergen for 12 days aboard Ocean Adventurer. The archipelago is home to the iconic polar bear, as well as whales, walrus, Svalbard reindeer and tens of thousands of seabirds. Exploring the tundra is a breathtaking experience—the natural beauty of the landscape is exhilarating, surprisingly colorful and so striking. See the best that Spitsbergen has to offer you via the western edge of the island, plus a few outlying northern regions.
Colorful houses of SvalbardPolar bear in the ArcticSail past bird colonies on your Arctic cruiseBearded seal in Svalbard, NorwayHerd of Arctic reindeer
Highlights
  • Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
  • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic aboard Zodiacs or with optional kayaking adventures
  • Explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
  • Hike the tundra and polar desert
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Helsinki, Finland

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

Day 2: Longyearbyen | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.​

Day 3-11: Exploring Spitsbergen

  • Ship
  • 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team constantly search for wildlife. 

Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places to visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited are 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. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling 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. See something interesting every day, whether it is unique arctic wildlife a polar bear resting between hunts or abandoned sites from centuries ago.

Day 12: Longyearbyen | Disembark | Fly to Helsinki

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Longyearbyen around 7am or 8am local time. After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team. From here, you'll be transferred you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Adventurer

Dining Room, Ocean Adventurer
Buffet Dining Room, Ocean Adventurer
Bar at the Main Lounge, Ocean Adventurer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Save up to 35%
Book your Arctic 2023 trip and save up to 35% on standard and premium cabins.

Free charter flights and free night hotel accommodation (transfer package) on either pre or post expedition on select voyages.

Additional savings of up to 10% with full payment received at time of booking on select voyages only. 

Valid on new bookings made from January 4, 2023, to April 3, 2023.

Promo is subject to availability and applies to select departures only. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.




Save up to 25%
Book your Arctic 2024 trip and save up to 25% on standard and premium cabins.

Additional savings of up to 10% with full payment received at time of booking on select voyages only. 

Valid on new bookings made from January 4, 2023, to April 3, 2023.

Promo is subject to availability and applies to select departures only. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.




Per person starting at
$8,495
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
Select a Date
Triple
Averaging 128 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths and one upper berth. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Lower Deck Twin
Averaging 133 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Lower Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Main Deck Twin with Porthole
Averaging 118 sq. ft. (11 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Main Deck Twin with Window
Averaging 139 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Superior
Averaging 142 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Deluxe
Averaging 160 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper and Captain’s Decks, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Suite
Averaging 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Captain’s Deck, it has windows with exterior views and private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have shower stalls.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Averaging 290 sq. ft. (27 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • Comprehensive Predeparture Materials, Including a Map and an Informative Reader
  • Luggage handling from the airport to the ship on the day of embarkation.
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • World-class lecture and expedition team
  • Daily activity options including cultural tours, nature walks, and Zodiac cruises
  • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear and reading materials
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Transfers Between Longyearbyen Town Center and Port on Embarkation and Disembarkation Day
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Transfer Package fees not included, prices vary by departure

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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