The highlight of this five-day expedition is spending two nights at 89° north at Barneo Ice Camp. This temporary, fly-in camp site is truly one of the most unique North Pole experiences and is ideal for adventurers seeking a short, but exciting journey to the top of the world. Be one member of an exclusive group to land on the frozen runway and take up temporary residence on this unequalled floating site on the icy sea of the North Polar Basin.
Established each year to be a functioning Russian science and logistics station, the site is operated by the Expedition Center for the Russian Geographical Society. Along with fellow guests and base staff, you have the opportunity to meet scientists, pilots, mechanics, engineers, and explorers.
This expedition offers fully-guided excursions to explore the northernmost Arctic by air via helicopter, as well as on land by snowshoe and on foot. Guests can engage in lectures and presentations led by the expedition team and resident scientists, and enjoy heated facilities and hearty meals, all accessible within a short flight from Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Norway.)
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard a be greeted by a member of the Quark Expeditions team at the airport. After settling in to your hotel, there will be a briefing about Barneo Ice Camp. Be updated on expedition details, current camp conditions, and departure information for the next morning. This evening, the group will get together for a welcome dinner. Guests will receive a special edition Quark Expeditions parka (yours to keep) and will be outfitted with special cold weather boots, on loan for the expedition.
Day 2: Barneo Ice Camp
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Transfer to the airport and board the special Antonov AN-74 aircraft for the three hour flight to Barneo. One of the unique thrills of this expedition is landing on the ice runway at Barneo, a temporary air strip constructed on the polar ice cap each year, and the only facility that allows external access to the base. Shortly after arriving at camp, lunch will be served and an introductory briefing will be conducted. Barneo is a functioning research base for scientists and adventurers from around the world, and it's always a hive of activity. After dinner, relax in a well-heated tent in preparation for your exciting adventure ahead.
Day 3: North Pole
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in the North Pole today! The excitement mounts as you prepare for your Mi8 helicopter flight to the northernmost point on earth. Here there is only ice, and the Arctic Ocean is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) deep at this point. Weather conditions are closely monitored, and the flight will be scheduled accordingly. The crew will aim to land at 90° north. Once there, savor the moment – pose for pictures, enjoy a celebratory drink, walk around the world together, take it all in.
At the base, there will be lectures about polar exploration, North Pole expeditions and climate science. Later this evening, learn more about the history, geography and wildlife of the area. Presentation topics range from the first intentional drifting ice station, to arctic mammals including walrus, ringed seals, ribbon seals and polar bears. Tonight, you will also receive a certificate from the Russian Geographical Society Expedition Center, certifying you have reached the Geographic North Pole.
Day 4: Return to Longyearbyen
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, take time to wander around the camp and enjoy the pristine surroundings before returning to Longyearbyen. In Longyearbyen, you may wish to shop for souvenirs, visit the museum, or just walk through the town. A special farewell dinner is planned to swap stories and recount the details of your expedition to Barneo Ice Camp and the North Pole.
Day 5: Departure Longyearbyen
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport today for your return flight home, or spend time exploring Longyearbyen.
Dates & Prices
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $7250, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.
