arctic spitsbergen polar bear on ice dbrom

Around Spitsbergen

from £6773 excluding flights

  • 7-13 nights
  • Jun-Aug
Home Destinations Polar Arctic Around Spitsbergen

Highlights

arctic-polar-bear-walking-across-breaking-sea-ice-astk

Search for the majestic polar bear

arctic wildflowers in spitsbergen astk

Take in Spitsbergen's flora and fauna under the midnight sun

Male walrus hauled out on beach

See abundant wildlife including seals and walrus

arctic glacier front near longyearbyen spitsbergen istk

Cruise past breathtaking icebergs and sweeping glaciers

arctic spitsbergen guillemots on cliff face istk

Observe seabirds in towering cliff-side rookeries

spitsbergen ny alesund huts istk

Visit fascinating historic and scientific sites

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

discover the world escorted holiday group whale fjord iceland expertly guided white

Expertly guided

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

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska immersive exploration white

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

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.

svalbard longyearbyen coloured houses summer istock
arctic spitsbergen longyearbyen in august istk
spitsbergen arctic cottongrass near longyearbyen astk

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.

arctic spitsbergen alkefjellet by zodiac rth
spitsbergen hinlopen strait rth
arctic spitsbergen watching polar bear from deck pq

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.

  • 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 above sample itinerary is based on the 12-day voyage on the MS Quest. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.

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.

ms quest polar vessel

MS Quest

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

  • Passengers: 53
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
ultramarine expedition ship exterior

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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Greg Mortimer

This custom-built expedition ship features cutting-edge design, superior comfort for 130 passengers and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 130
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
sylvia-earle-expedition-ship-exterior

Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology for…

  • Passengers: 130
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
sea spirit stern pos

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
hondius exterior view ocnwde

M/V Hondius

The M/V Hondius is one of the strongest vessels of its category in the polar regions.

  • Passengers: 174
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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M/V Plancius

The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.

  • Passengers: 116
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
antarctica ortelius ship sailing through icy waters

M/V Ortelius

A former scientific-research vessel, the Ortelius offers the classic small ship experience.

  • Passengers: 116
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Helicopter: on selected dates
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
ocean-albatros-expedition-ship

Ocean Albatros

Part of a brand new generation of low-energy small ships, custom built for Polar expedition cruising, Ocean Albatros is the sister ship…

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

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Prices and Departures

Price from £6773 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
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

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 Prices from (pp) Special Interest
15 Jun 2025 12 days Sea Spirit £10,395
16 Jun 2025 8 days Greg Mortimer £9,895
18 Jun 2025 12 days Ocean Albatros £7,596
25 Jun 2025 14 days Ultramarine £17,400
25 Jun 2025 12 days Sea Spirit £10,395
30 Jun 2025 10 days M/V Hondius £6,773
02 Jul 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,552
02 Jul 2025 12 days Greg Mortimer £14,795
04 Jul 2025 15 days Sylvia Earle £18,395
05 Jul 2025 14 days Sea Spirit £12,195
10 July 2025 * 10 days M/V Plancius £6773
12 Jul 2025 10 days M/V Ortelius £6,773
12 Jul 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,552
17 Jul 2025 14 days Sea Spirit £12,195
21 Jul 2025 10 days M/V Ortelius £6,773
22 Jul 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,552
30 Jul 2025 10 days M/V Ortelius £6,773
05 Aug 2025 10 days M/V Hondius £6,773
07 Aug 2025 12 days Greg Mortimer £13,495
11 Aug 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,552
14 Aug 2025 10 days M/V Hondius £6,773
21 Aug 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,552

* Bilingual voyage conducted in English and German

Activity Icon Key

  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Photography

NOTES

  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Helsinki, with return flights to Longyearbyen, is included on voyages aboard the Ocean Adventurer and Ultramarine.
  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Oslo, with return flights to Longyearbyen, is included on voyages aboard the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle.
  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Longyearbyen is included on voyages aboard the MS Quest.
  • 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.

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