Around Spitsbergen
from £5399 excluding flights
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Highlights
Search for the majestic polar bear
Take in Spitsbergen's flora and fauna under the midnight sun
See abundant wildlife including seals and walrus
Cruise past breathtaking icebergs and sweeping glaciers
Observe seabirds in towering cliff-side rookeries
Visit fascinating historic and scientific sites
Why this trip...
Choice of vessels
We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels
Expertly guided
In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip
Immersive exploration
Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas
Overview
The aim of this expedition is to deliver the complete Spitsbergen experience, circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago’s largest island. With superb wildlife encounters on offer, this voyage also delivers unparalleled photographic opportunities with spectacular scenery throughout.
This is the 'star' voyage in our Arctic portfolio, exploring the full coastline of the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen. Renowned for wildlife watching opportunities both on land and in the marine rich coastal waters, discover this last frontier of the inhabitable world on a fabulous circular voyage.
Please note that the chance of successful circumnavigation is higher later in the season when the ice has melted and more channels are open. Early departures are better for those wanting to see the region's rich birdlife and to experience large ice-floes. All voyage itineraries are dependent on the sea-ice conditions at the time of travel.
Itinerary
Day 1 embarkation, Longyearbyen
Board your ship in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement and the world's most northerly town. Colourful, yet weathered building scatter the shoreline and house restaurants, cafes and the town's museum.
Board your ship in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement and the world's most northerly town. Colourful, yet weathered building scatter the shoreline and house restaurants, cafes and the town's museum.
Days 2-10 Spitsbergen
Over the next few days your expedition team will take advantage of local ice and weather conditions to explore the highlights of Spitsbergen, as you attempt to circumnavigate the island. Along the way you may visit the renowned basalt sea cliffs of Alkefjellet, where thick billed murres (brunnich guillemots) nest in their thousands, or visit the abandoned mining town of Pyramiden. Perhaps search for polar bears at Isbukta, beluga whales near Bourbonhamna or walrus at Moffen Island. Conditions permitting there should be plenty of opportunity to hike the Arctic tundra and enjoy Zodiac cruises in the shadow of mighty glaciers.
Over the next few days your expedition team will take advantage of local ice and weather conditions to explore the highlights of Spitsbergen, as you attempt to circumnavigate the island. Along the way you may visit the renowned basalt sea cliffs of Alkefjellet, where thick billed murres (brunnich guillemots) nest in their thousands, or visit the abandoned mining town of Pyramiden. Perhaps search for polar bears at Isbukta, beluga whales near Bourbonhamna or walrus at Moffen Island. Conditions permitting there should be plenty of opportunity to hike the Arctic tundra and enjoy Zodiac cruises in the shadow of mighty glaciers.
Day 11 disembarkation in Longyearbyen
Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. Choose to extend your stay or head to the airport for your flight home.
Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. Choose to extend your stay or head to the airport for your flight home.
Vessel Finder
There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.
Optional Activities
Prices and Departures
Price from £5399 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.
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
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
2021 Departures
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activites | Price from (pp) | Special Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 May 2021 * | 14 days | Ultramarine | £12,792 | Photography focus | |
| 21 Jun 2021 | 10 days | Sea Spirit | £6,495 | ||
| 26 Jun 2021 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | Waitlist only! | |
| 29 Jun 2021 | 12 days | Sea Spirit | £8,995 | ||
| 30 Jun 2021 * | 14 days | Ocean Adventurer | £9,992 | ||
| 01 Jul 2021 | 10 days | M/V Ortelius | £5,864 | ||
| 02 Jul 2021 | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,864 | ||
| 04 Jul 2021 | 11 days | Greg Mortimer | £7,000 | ||
| 08 Jul 2021 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 10 Jul 2021 | 10 days | M/V Ortelius | £5,864 | ||
| 13 Jul 2021 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | ||
| 14 Jul 2021 ^ | 11 days | Greg Mortimer | £7,000 | ||
| 19 Jul 2021 | 10 days | M/V Ortelius | £5,864 | ||
| 20 Jul 2021 | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,864 | ||
| 28 Jul 2021 | 10 days | M/V Ortelius | £5,864 | ||
| 28 Jul 2021 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 29 Jul 2021 | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,864 | ||
| 30 Jul 2021 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,699 | ||
| 07 Aug 2021 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 09 Aug 2021 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,699 | ||
| 16 Aug 2021 + | 10 days | M/V Plancius | £5,864 | Limited cabins! | |
| 17 Aug 2021 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 | ||
| 27 Aug 2021 | 11 days | MS Quest | £7,592 |
* Departs and finishes in Oslo, Norway
^ Departs from Longyearbyen and finishes in Kirkenes
+ Attempts to land on island of Kvitoya
2022 Departures
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Price from (pp) | Special Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Jun 2022 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | ||
| 13 Jul 2022 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,399 | ||
| 30 Jul 2022 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,699 | ||
| 09 Aug 2022 | 11 days | G Expedition | £5,699 |
Activity Icon Key
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Kayaking
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Kayak taster session
The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen - those shown are applicable to all.
Offers
Meet our expert
One of our specialists
Meet Jo C4 Arctic cruises
20 Species of whales & dolphins seen
11 Small ship cruises
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