Have questions? We're here.
Walruses lounging on ice in Svalbard

Springtime in Svalbard

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard M/S Quest
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Svalbard trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
It is spring in the Arctic and it is an indescribable experience to be there and witness the archipelago spring to life. The polar bear yearlings venture out for the first time, the Arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeer still wear their winter fur and seals, and walruses can often be seen resting on the fjord ice. The little auks and the Brünnich’s guillemots have returned to their summer nests and the bird cliffs are teeming with life. This is also a great period to spot the king eider and rock ptarmigan. Join the M/S Quest on this fantastic 9-day voyage that offers you the opportunity to admire the dazzling beauty of the Arctic.
Seal pupHiking amidst the icy landscapes of Arctic SvalbardLooking out onto the ice on a Polar Quest Svalbard cruiseEnjoying the spring sunshine on a zodiac excursion in SvalbardCruising through a rock archway in SvalbardAn Arctic fox stole a snow goose eggWalruses lounging on ice in Svalbard
Highlights
  • Enjoy Alkhornet's beautiful tundra and its incredible birdlife
  • Keep your eyes open and search for the exotic wildlife, such as arctic foxes
  • Visit Prins Karls Forland to admire a magnificent and snow-covered mountain
  • Discover Danskøya, where Andrée made an attempt to reach the North Pole
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Longyearbyen

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2-8: Explore Svalbard

Start your adventure in Svalbard by exploring Longyearbyen. In the afternoon embark the expedition ship and head out through Isfjorden. Perhaps make an evening landing before continuing either south or north – all depending on the weather and the current ice situation. Here are some examples of places you may visit:

Alkhornet
At the entrance of Isfjorden is the characteristic cliff Alkhornet. Go ashore to enjoy the beautiful tundra and its birdlife with barnacle geese, Brünnich’s guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings, and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with some luck you might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.

Prins Karls Forland
This narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to many seabirds and harbour seals. 

Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden
The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. In the nearby Krossfjorden revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs.

Raudfjorden
Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by beautiful glaciers. It is also a favorite spot for seals and the bird cliffs are bursting with activity.

Virgohamna, Danskøya
Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish balloonist Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site.

Bellsund
At the beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund little auks nest by the tens of thousands. Go ashore and walk across the tundra to take a closer look at these charming birds.

Hornsund
The majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords along the west coast of Spitsbergen, where enormous glaciers calve out shimmering blue ice. This is one of the favorite haunts for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and if lucky you can spot one of them on the fjord ice.

Day 9: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Longyearbyen in the early morning and begin your journey home.

Please note: The itinerary is for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, wildlife, and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Ship/Hotel

M/S Quest

MS Quest ship
Observation Deck
Dining room

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,090 2-3 travelers
Quest's Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin with upper and lower berths. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Twin Plus
Twin Cabin Plus
Twin Cabin Plus with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Double Cabin
Double Cabin
Double Cabin with one double bed. Located on Deck 3.
Quest's Double Superior
Double Cabin Superior
Double Cabin Superior with one large double bed. Located on Deck 3.
M/S Quest Owner's Cabin
Owners Cabin
Owners Cabin with one large double bed. Located on Deck 4.
Quest's Twin Cabin
Solo Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin for solo use. Same cabins as the Twin Cabin, located on Deck 3.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 100% Climate Compensated
  • All excursions and activities
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Guiding ashore and talks on board
  • Comprehensive information material before the expedition
  • An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
  • 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
  • Flight to/from Longyearbyen

Map

When to Go

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

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

Norway Travel Guide

Top Norway Travel Destinations

Norway Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Norway

Norway Trips by Duration

Norway Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By