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West Spitsbergen Explorer

from £5575 excluding flights

  • 8-11 nights
  • May-Jul
Home Destinations Polar Arctic West Spitsbergen Explorer

Highlights

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Spend more time on land exploring the tundra

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Search for the majestic polar bear

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Cruise past glaciers and icebergs in a Zodiac

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See abundant wildlife including walrus, seals and birds

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Paddle among icebergs in a kayak (optional)

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Experience the continuous daylight of the midnight sun

Why this trip...

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Choice of vessels

We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

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Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

Overview

From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region’s plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Focusing primarily on Spitsbergen’s scenic west and northern coastlines, this comprehensive expedition covers less distance in order to maximise time on land.

Regular shore excursions offer the chance to uncover the natural and human history of the island, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife as you go! You may see spot polar bears, reindeer, walrus and seabirds in their thousands. Enormous glaciers and fields of Arctic wildflowers provide a spectacular backdrop to each day’s adventures. You will have the opportunity to explore this dramatic landscape not only by ship, but also on foot and via Zodiac.

Itinerary

Fly to Oslo, Norway’s capital city where an overnight hotel stay is included before your journey to the Arctic.

In the morning you will transfer to the airport and board your charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. You will have time to explore the town before embarkation. As the ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.

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During your voyage, the expedition team will take advantage of local ice and weather conditions to explore the highlights of Spitsbergen’s west coast, focusing on a search for wildlife. Wildlife viewing opportunities are enhanced by exploring as many remote areas as possible. Spotting polar bears, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and land or sea birds can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Conditions permitting, you will be able to explore near sea ice, through fjords that lead to glaciers and icebergs, and discover bird nesting colonies, all from the platform of the ship. Alternatively, you can hop in a Zodiac to explore more closely, or be head ashore to visit historical sites and experience the tundra.

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Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen where you board the charter flight.

  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 10 day voyage on the Ocean Adventurer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.
  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage offering different departure dates and price points. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance and talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

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Ocean Explorer

A purpose-built expedition ship offering ample deck space and generously sized cabins, the Ocean Explorer’s innovative design has been meticulously crafted specifically…

  • Passengers: 138
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Ultramarine

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by…

  • Passengers: 199
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Helicopter: on board
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Ocean Adventurer

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

  • Passengers: 132
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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MS Quest

The smallest expedition ship in our polar fleet, M/S Quest offers an intimate polar experience.

  • Passengers: 53
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
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Ocean Albatros

Part of a brand new generation of low-energy small ships, custom built for Polar expedition cruising, the Ocean Albatros boasts cutting edge…

  • Passengers: 189
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Sea Spirit

This all-suite vessel couples adventure with spacious accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.

  • Passengers: 114
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Special Interest Departures

Join a leading photography expert on a West Spitsbergen Explorer voyage with a twist:

MS Quest – 12 May 2025 – Doug Allan

One of the world’s best known and respected cameramen, Doug Allan is also an award-wining Polar photographer whose love affair with ice has lasted for over forty years.

During his career, he has been on over 20 expeditions to Svalbard to film its wildlife. Doug’s filming credits feature many well known TV series, including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Operation Iceberg and Forces of Nature. His photographic awards include eight Emmys and five BAFTAs. He has twice won the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and has three Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his camerawork, as well as two Polar Medals.

Doug will share his experiences and stories as you explore the island of Spitsbergen on this 9 day voyage aboard the MS Quest.

Join Doug’s Webinar – 18:00, Tues 26 March 2024

During a virtual tour, Doug will tell you more about the magical world of Svalbard and what you have the chance to experience on this expedition. Joining Doug Allan for this webinar is Niklas Nilsson, Svalbard expert. The presentation will last approximately 35 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A session.

Register for the webinar here

Prices and Departures

Price from £5575 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

★ Voyage prices shown are standard for twin cabins but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2024 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
02 May 2024 9 days MS Quest £5,575
09 May 2024 9 days MS Quest £5,575
16 May 2024 9 days MS Quest £5,575
20 May 2024 10 days Ocean Adventurer £7,900
22 May 2024 12 days Ultramarine £13,400
23 May 2024 9 days MS Quest £5,575
28 May 2024 12 days Ocean Adventurer £9,500
30 May 2024 9 days MS Quest £6,158
01 Jun 2024 10 days Ultramarine £10,300
07 Jun 2024 10 days Ocean Adventurer £7,900
09 Jun 2024 10 days Sea Spirit £9,495
09 Jun 2024 12 days Ultramarine £13,400
13 Jun 2024 9 days MS Quest £6,158
15 Jun 2024 12 days Ocean Adventurer £10,000
16 Jun 2024 11 days Ocean Albatros £9,908
17 Jun 2024 10 days Sea Spirit £9,495
19 Jun 2024 10 days Ultramarine £10,600
30 Jun 2024 12 days Ocean Adventurer £10,300
22 Jul 2024 10 days Ocean Adventurer £7,900
30 Jul 2024 12 days Ocean Adventurer £10,300

2025 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Price from (pp)
05 May 2025 9 days MS Quest £5,908
11 May 2025 10 days Ultramarine £11,700
12 May 2025 9 days MS Quest £5,908
15 May 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £9,200
19 May 2025 9 days MS Quest £5,908
23 May 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £9,600
24 May 2025 10 days Ultramarine £11,700
26 May 2025 9 days MS Quest £5,908
31 May 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £9,600
01 Jun 2025 10 days Ultramarine £11,700
02 Jun 2025 9 days MS Quest £6,575
07 Jun 2025 10 days Sea Spirit £8,795
08 Jun 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £10,200
09 Jun 2025 10 days Ultramarine £12,200
16 Jun 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £10,200
16 Jun 2025 9 days Polar Quest £6,575
17 Jun 2025 10 days Ultramarine £12,200
24 Jun 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £10,200
02 Jul 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £10,200
10 Jul 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £10,200
18 Jul 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £10,200
26 Jul 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £10,200

Activity Icon Key

  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Photography

NOTES

  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Oslo or Helsinki, with return flights to Longyearbyen, is included on voyages aboard the Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Explorer, Ultramarine and Sea Spirit
  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Longyearbyen is included on voyages aboard the MS Quest

Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.

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