Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic ex. Helsinki
12 Days - Ocean Explorer
This expedition gives you even more chances to connect with unique arctic wildlife. The archipelago is home to the iconic polar bear, as well as whales, walrus, Svalbard reindeer and tens of thousands of seabirds. Exploring the tundra is a breathtaking experience—the natural beauty of the landscape is exhilarating, surprisingly colourful and so striking. See the best that Spitsbergen has to offer you via the western edge of the island, plus a few outlying northern regions.
from USD $12795 $9597pp
Home » 12 Day Ocean Explorer: Spitsbergen Explorer – Wildlife Capital of the Arctic ex. Helsinki
Itinerary Highlights
- Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
- Take advantage of continuous daylight
- Hike the tundra and explore the 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 Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
- Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and embark
- Day 3 - 11: Exploring Spitsbergen
- Day 12: Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, a true frontier town, 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 frigid waters.
Day 3 - 11: Exploring Spitsbergen
Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for animals.
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we mayvisit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet 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 Svalbard’s legendary wildlife habitat is well-protected and almost entirely uninhabited, it’s one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts and mountain scenery. 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 prebook 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 an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.
Day 12: Disembark in Longyearbyen and fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye has come. Your Arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
03 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025 | USD $9597pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Double | USD $9597pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Veranda Stateroom | USD $10197pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | USD $10722pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Veranda Mid | USD $11322pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Veranda | USD $11622pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Single | USD $12297pp | Save 25% | |
Grand Veranda Stateroom | USD $12297pp | Save 25% | |
Royal Veranda Stateroom | USD $14322pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Veranda Single | USD $15147pp | Save 25% | |
Junior Suite | USD $16272pp | Save 25% | |
Explorer Suite | USD $16872pp | Save 25% | |
Owner's Suite | USD $17397pp | Save 25% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Double
Located on Deck 3 and approximately 181 sq. f. (16.8 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Veranda Stateroom
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 173 sq. f. (16.1 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda Mid
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 214 sq. f. (19.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with either a sofa-bed or two club chairs and a coffee table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 204 sq. f. (19.0 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed*. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Grand Veranda Stateroom
Located on Decks 6 and 7 and approximately 202 sq. f. (18.8 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with either a sofa-bed or two club chairs and a coffee table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Royal Veranda Stateroom
Located on Decks 4 and 6 and approximately 230 sq. f. (21.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. Cabins have either a seperate sitting area furnished with club chairs, and coffee table or they are specially configured with the window opposite to the head of the bed. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Explorer Suite
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Owner's Suite
This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.
Ocean Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
- Infinity class vessel delivered in 2021 by SunStone Maritime Group, the largest expedition-only shipbuilding provider in the world.
- 138-passengers.
- Built for polar expeditions with an Ice Class 1A and PC6 rating.
- Staff and Crew: 105
- Length: 342 ft (104.4m)
- Draft: 17.3ft (5.3m)
- Lifeboats: 2
- Ice Class: 1A, PC6
- Registration: Bahamas
- Zodiacs: 15
- Cruising Speed: 16.5 knows, in open water
Ocean Explorer is among the most technologically-advanced ships in the industry—it features:
- Ulstein X-Bow - a unique inverted bow design to slice through rough seas, minimizing vibration for faster transits with lower fuel consumption.
- Zero-speed stabilizers that keep things smooth while sailing, but also level and steady when at rest.
- Safe Return to Port system, providing duplicate power to keep the operating and comfort systems working even in cases of engine failure
- Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters.
Whats included?
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
What’s not included?
- International airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
- Optional transfer package (see notes)
Notes
OPTIONAL TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES:
One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast
Charter Flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
Package Price: USD 995
It is also possible to join the ship on embarkation day and opt out of the transfer package services at no additional cost. If you choose this option, your expedition will commence on Day 2.
Optional Adventure Activities
- Kayaking: US$695pp
- Paddle Excursion: US$195pp