Introduction to Spitsbergen - Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife
10 Days - Ocean Adventurer
The Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard itinerary gives you a taste of everything this region has to offer, beginning in Longyearbyen, the island’s largest settlement. Geared toward optimum wildlife viewing, this expedition provides plenty of opportunities to witness polar bears, walrus and reindeer, and the occasions to capture some amazing photographs in the continuous daylight are as bountiful as the landscape itself. While exploring the remarkable scenery and colorful tundra, you’ll also learn about the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
Take advantage of continuous daylight
Hike the tundra and polar desert
Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Day 2: Embarkation day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Day 3-9: Exploring Spitsbergen
Day 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen & fly to Oslo
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.
Day 2: Embarkation day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
Day 3 - 9: Exploring Spitsbergen
You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice.
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned historical site from centuries ago.
Day 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen & Fly to Oslo
The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
Beer and house wines during dinner
All shore landings per the daily program
Experienced expedition leaders
All zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Presentations by expedition team and special guests
Photographic journal documenting the expedition
Quark Expeditions parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Complimentary reusable water bottle
Hairdryer and bathrobe
Comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of USD$500,000 per person
Transfer between Longyearbyen town centre and port of embarkation and disembarkation day
What’s not included?
Mandatory Transfer package*
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers in Oslo
Passport and visa expenses
Governmen arrival and departure taxes
Meals ashore unless specified
Baggage, cancellations, interruption and medical travel insurance
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, beverages and other personal charges
Phone and internet charges
Gratuities
Any adventure options**
* Mandatory transfer package is USD995 and includes:
One night pre-expedition hotel at Oslo airport
Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
Arrival and departure transfer in Longyerbyen
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo
Notes
**Optional Adventure Activities
Sea kayaking: AU$1030pp / US$695pp
Paddling excursion: AU$290pp / US$195pp
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
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