Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
15 Days Starting and ending in Helsinki, Finland
Visiting: Helsinki, Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 199
Age range:
8-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Set sail around Spitsbergen – and more of the Svalbard archipelago – on a 15-day adventure for the ages. After getting your bearings in Helsinki, Finland, you’ll start your voyage aboard the Ultramarine, where you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule of excursions to prime spots for polar bear, Arctic fox and walrus sightings. Take daily Zodiac trips to towering glacier faces and visit islands that rub shoulders with the North Pole. With an expert expedition team on board, helping you see it all, this trip is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki, Finland
Location: Helsinki
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Finland’s modern capital, where you may arrive at any time. Once settled in, why not head out and explore the city’s endless array of options? You could visit one (or more) of the many museums, galleries and restaurants on offer, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander through the vibrant Design District. For dinner, perhaps head out in the evening to sample some local, traditional dishes.
Day 2: Fly To Longyearbyen, Svalbard And Embark
Location: Longyearbyen
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
This morning, transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. You may want to visit the Svalbard or North Pole museums to learn more about the local history, or perhaps grab a beer at the Svalbard Brewery if you have time. After boarding the ship, head out on deck to enjoy the great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.
Day 3-13: Exploring Spitsbergen
Location: Spitsbergen
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Your expedition begins by sailing north, exploring Spitsbergen’s coastal fjords and smaller, outlying islands. The plan is to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, but if conditions are favourable, you'll also attempt a larger circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. Each day will be a surprise, treating you to spectacular new sightings and experiences. There are a range of excursions you might embark on, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, helicopter or shore landing.
For birders, 14th of July Bay is home to puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, and barnacle geese, while Alkefjellet’s cliffs are teeming with nesting brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Always on the lookout for wildlife, be sure to have your camera ready to capture reindeer on visits to sites like Ny-London, Hornsund, Sundneset and Alkhornet. Phippsoya and Isbukta are often home to sea ice, polar bears’ preferred habitat for hunting, which translates into great potential for you to view them in action. Alternatively, Moffen Island is a protected sanctuary for walrus, which are best viewed from the water.
Sitting at 112-mile- (180 km) long, Brasvellbreen’s glacier face makes for an impressive sight during a Zodiac cruise, stretching all the way to the horizon. Lilliehook Glacier features labyrinths of sparkling icebergs and breathtaking panoramas of ice, while at Monaco Glacier you can listen to the crackle and pop of the brash ice, search for seals and have a chance to admire a natural sculpture gallery.
If conditions allow, you’ll also visit Phippsoya and Martensoya of the Seven Islands – this small archipelago is closer to the North Pole than anywhere else in Svalbard.
Day 14: Disembark In Longyearbyen And Fly To Helsinki
Location: Longyearbyen
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, you’ll transfer to the airport for a return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package. Your tour ends on arrival at Helsinki airport.
Day 15: Helsinki
Location: Helsinki
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you can make your own way to the airport for your onward f light home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (12 nights) -
Meals
12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners -
Expedition Cruise Ship and Zodiac
The tour includes transportation on an expedition cruise ship and Zodiac for exploring Spitsbergen.
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Private Charter Flights
Group charter flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen and return are included in this trip.
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Expert Polar Team
An expert polar team is included to maximize wildlife spotting opportunities each day.
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Flexible Voyage Itinerary
The itinerary is flexible to ensure visits to places with the best conditions for wildlife spotting.
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Adventure Options
Optional activities like kayaking and hiking are available, with kayaking requiring prior booking and additional cost.
What's Not Included
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Onward Flights from Helsinki
Onward flights from Helsinki are not included and should be booked separately.
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Kayaking Additional Cost
Kayaking incurs an additional cost and must be booked prior to departure.
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Deposit and Balance Payments
A deposit of 25% is required at booking, with balances due 120 days prior to departure.
Transport
Expedition cruise ship , Zodiac
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)
Important Information
This trip starts and finishes in Helsinki, FinlandIn 2025 this trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship. The duration of the trip is 14 days.In 2026 This trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship or the Ocean Explorer ship. The duration of the trip is 15 days including a hotel night in Helsinki on day 14. The "departure and availability" section lists which ship operates each departure.Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.BOOKING CONDITIONSTo confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.Please refer to the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditionsADVENTURE OPTIONSKayaking and day paddle are available to book on this voyages. Kayaking and day paddle must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Hiking is also offered on some itineraries. This activity is at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.
Mode of Transport
Expedition cruise ship , Zodiac , Plane
Accommodation
Hotel (2 night), Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour?
During the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Arctic foxes, reindeer, polar bears, puffins, purple sandpipers, black-legged kittiwakes, pink-footed geese, barnacle geese, brunnich’s guillemots, and walrus. The tour offers great opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially in areas like Phippsoya and Isbukta, which are often home to sea ice, a preferred habitat for polar bears.
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What kind of activities are available during the tour?
The tour offers a range of activities including Zodiac cruises, shore landings, and optional activities like hiking and sea kayaking. These activities allow you to explore the stunning landscapes and get closer to the wildlife and natural beauty of Spitsbergen.
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What is the accommodation like on the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour?
Accommodation on the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour includes a hotel stay for one night in Helsinki and 12 nights on an expedition cruise ship. The cruise ship provides a comfortable base for exploring the Arctic region.
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What is the itinerary for the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour?
The tour begins in Helsinki, Finland, where you spend the first day. On the second day, you fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and embark on the expedition cruise ship. From days 3 to 13, you will explore Spitsbergen and its surrounding areas, with a flexible itinerary that maximizes wildlife spotting opportunities. The tour concludes on day 14 with a return flight to Helsinki.
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Are there any special conditions or requirements for booking the tour?
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% of the total invoice amount is required at the time of booking, with the balance due 120 days prior to departure. Kayaking is available for an additional cost and must be booked prior to departure, while hiking is offered at no additional cost and does not need to be pre-booked.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 30, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions