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West Spitsbergen Explorer

From £5199

Excluding Flights

8-10 Nights

Apr-Aug

Overview

From spectacular vistas of 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 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

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!
The below sample itinerary is based on the 11-day voyage on the Ocean Explorer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Select voyages aboard the G Adventure embark from Tromso before sailing to Spitsbergen and ending in Longyearbyen. Please contact us for specific details.

Arrive in Finland’s capital, where an overnight stay is included. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Helsinki’s picturesque harbour, Art Nouveau architecture and thriving café culture at leisure.

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

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.

Your adventure ends back in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen, where you board the charter flight to Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll be transferred to your included hotel for the night. 

After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home or perhaps extend your stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital.

New Scientist Special Departure

Explore the world, discover the science

New Scientist, a leading science and technology platform since 1956, covers global news and big-picture questions. In collaboration with AE Expeditions, these immersive journeys feature expert-led talks, workshops and floating safaris. Discover incredible landscapes and unique wildlife, these expeditions bring science to life, fostering insightful discussions and a deeper understanding.

Travel with like-minded people explorers who share a passion for nature and discovery. Carefully curated activities take you deep into the polar environment, while onboard talks enrich your experience. Flexible itineraries adapt to conditions and wildlife sightings, ensuring the best possible encounters.

Departures:
20 June 2027
3 July 2027
8 July 2027

 

Make your Svalbard adventure unforgettable

Chat with our Travel Specialists about adding an exciting city escape to your holiday! With flights via Oslo or Helsinki, it’s the perfect chance to discover more.

Helsinki, Finland’s charming seaside capital, is a compact and easy to explore on foot or by tram. The city blends history, design, and vibrant culture. Visit the island Fortress of Suomenlinna, admire neoclassical Senate Square, Art Nouveau landmarks and buzzing harbour  cafés.

Meanwhile, Oslo is framed by fjord and forested hills, blending natural beauty with modern architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Stoll the spacious streets and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Prices

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

From £5199 Excluding Flights

8-10 Nights

Apr-Aug

The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen – those shown are applicable to all. Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.

Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works for you.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Doug
8

Canada provinces visited

10

Kilometres ran in Longyearbyen

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience