Have questions? We're here.
Polar bear in the Arctic

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Ultramarine
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Arctic trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Connect with the unique Arctic wildlife as you travel to Spitsbergen for 12 days aboard Ultramarine. Your Arctic voyage begins and ends in Helsinki, Norway’s vibrant capital city. Fly by private charter to Longyearbyen. 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 SvalbardSail past bird colonies on your Arctic cruiseHerd of Arctic reindeerBearded seal in Svalbard, NorwayPolar bear in the Arctic
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
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

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, transfer to the airport as a group and board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, 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 searches 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 are 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, transfer to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki.

Ship/Hotel

Ultramarine

Ultramarine
Ultramarine Dining Room
Bistro 487

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
$9,995
Ultramarine - Solo Panorama Cabin
Select a Date
Solo Panorama
Located on Deck 6, approximately 132 sq. ft. Features a single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Explorer Triple Cabin
Select a Date
Explorer Triple
Located on Deck 3, approximately 285 sq. ft. Features three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Explorer Suite Cabin
Select a Date
Explorer Suite
Located on Deck 3, approximately 285 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Balcony Suite Cabin
Select a Date
Balcony Suite
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Deluxe Balcony Suite Cabin
Select a Date
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Terrace Cabin
Select a Date
Terrace Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Penthouse Suite Cabin
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite
Located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Owner's Suite Cabin
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room.
Ultramarine - Ultra Suite Cabin
Select a Date
Ultra Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom.
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
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • 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.
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • 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
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Mandatory Transfer Package fees not included, prices vary by departure

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents
Jenna Fedyschyn employee head shot
Jenna F

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan

Arctic Travel Guide

Favorite Arctic All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By