arctic spitsbergen polar bear on ice dbrom

Around Spitsbergen

from £6455 excluding flights

  • 7-15 nights
  • May-Aug
Home Destinations Polar Arctic Around Spitsbergen

Highlights

arctic canada polar bear mother and cub on ice edge ac

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

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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

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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.

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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
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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 11-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
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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
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
greg mortimer at sea

Greg Mortimer

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 120
  • 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.

  • Passengers: 126
  • 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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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
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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

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Special Interest Departures

On the following special departure, join a leading photography expert for an Around Spitsbergen voyage with a twist:

MS Quest – 09 July 2024 – 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 some of his experiences and stories as you attempt to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen on this 12 day voyage aboard the MS Quest.

 

Prices and Departures

Price from £6455 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

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) Special Interest
10 May 2024 14 days Ultramarine £14,550
10 Jun 2024 15 days Hondius £9,364
10 Jun 2024 15 days Sylvia Earle £13,295
13 Jun 2024 15 days Plancius £9,364
19 Jun 2024 12 days Greg Mortimer £10,995
24 Jun 2024 10 days Hondius £6,455
25 Jun 2024 16 days Ortelius £10,045 Includes Bear Island
25 Jun 2024 12 days Sea Spirit £11,395
03 Jul 2024 10 days Hondius £6,455
04 Jul 2024 10 days Plancius £6,455
05 Jul 2024 12 days Sea Spirit £11,095
09 Jul 2024 12 days MS Quest £8,492
10 Jul 2024 10 days Ortelius £6,455
10 Jul 2024 14 days Ocean Adventurer £12,750
12 Jul 2024 10 days Hondius £6,455
13 Jul 2024 10 days Plancius £6,455
15 Jul 2024 14 days Sea Spirit £12,895
19 Jul 2024 12 days MS Quest £8,492
21 Jul 2024 10 days Hondius £6,455
22 Jul 2024 10 days Plancius £6,455
27 Jul 2024 14 days Sea Spirit £12,895
28 Jul 2024 10 days Ortelius £6,455
08 Aug 2024 10 days Hondius £6,455
08 Aug 2024 12 days MS Quest £8,492
09 Aug 2024 10 days Plancius £6,455
11 Aug 2024 12 days Greg Mortimer £10,395
18 Aug 2024 12 days MS Quest £8,492

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 £8,579
25 Jun 2025 14 days Ultramarine £17,200
25 Jun 2025 12 days Sea Spirit £10,395
30 Jun 2025 10 days Hondius £6,773
02 Jul 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,908
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
09 Jul 2025 10 days Hondius £6,773
12 Jul 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,908
17 Jul 2025 14 days Sea Spirit £12,195
18 Jul 2025 10 days Hondius £6,773
22 Jul 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,908
27 Jul 2025 10 days Hondius £6,773
05 Aug 2025 10 days Hondius £6,773
07 Aug 2025 12 days Greg Mortimer £13,495
11 Aug 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,908
14 Aug 2025 10 days Hondius £6,773
21 Aug 2025 12 days MS Quest £8,908

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 and Ultramarine.
  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Longyearbyen is included on voyages aboard the  MS Quest, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle.
  • 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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To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.