Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

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14 Days From

$16490

$14016

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

14 Days Starting and ending in Helsinki, Finland

Visiting: Helsinki, Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 199

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Polar, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Canoeing-Kayaking, Walking

From: $16490 $14016 (USD) Operator discount: -$2474 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage" tour, a breathtaking Arctic adventure that begins and ends in Helsinki, Finland. This expedition takes you to the heart of the Arctic, exploring the stunning landscapes of Spitsbergen, from Longyearbyen to majestic fjords and glaciers. Experience the thrill of spotting Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, amidst the endless daylight of the polar summer. With a flexible itinerary, your expert polar team ensures you visit the most rewarding locations for wildlife sightings. Optional activities like kayaking and hiking offer a closer look at this pristine environment. Travel aboard an expedition cruise ship, with accommodations including a hotel night in Helsinki and 12 nights on the ship. This unforgettable journey promises awe-inspiring vistas and the chance to witness the Arctic's natural wonders up close.

Highlights

  • Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from Longyearbyen to stunning fjords, towering mountains, and impressive glaciers.

  • Experience almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for sightseeing any time of the day or night.

  • Scour sheets of ice and be rewarded with sightings of Arctic foxes, reindeer, and polar bears.

  • Explore Spitsbergen’s coastal fjords and smaller, outlying islands, with potential visits to the Svalbard archipelago.

  • Visit 14th of July Bay, home to puffins, purple sandpipers, and other bird species.

  • Witness the impressive Brasvellbreen glacier face and the labyrinths of sparkling icebergs at Lilliehook Glacier.

  • Choose optional activities like hiking and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak.

Itinerary

Expand All

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 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 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.

What's Included

  • Expedition Cruise Ship and Zodiac

    The tour includes transportation on an expedition cruise ship and Zodiac for exploring Spitsbergen.

  • Private Charter Flight

    A private charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen and return is included in the tour.

  • Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

    The tour offers daily wildlife spotting opportunities with a flexible itinerary to maximize sightings.

  • Optional Adventure Activities

    Optional activities such as kayaking and hiking are available to enhance your experience.

What's Not Included

  • Additional Adventure Activity Costs

    Kayaking and day paddle activities incur an additional cost and must be booked prior to departure.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and other personal items are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.

  • Flights to and from Helsinki

    International flights to and from Helsinki are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style aboard an expedition cruise ship, complemented by Zodiac excursions for closer encounters with the stunning Arctic environment.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay with 1 night in a hotel and 12 nights aboard an expedition cruise ship, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure as you explore the Arctic landscapes.

Important Information

  • This trip starts and finishes in Helsinki, Finland
  • In 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 CONDITIONS
  • To 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, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
  • ADVENTURE OPTIONS
  • Kayaking 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • What kind of activities are available during the tour?

    The tour offers a range of activities including Zodiac cruises, helicopter excursions, shore landings, kayaking, and hiking. Kayaking and day paddles must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost, while hiking is offered at no additional cost and does not need to be pre-booked.

  • What is the accommodation like on the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour?

    Accommodation on the tour includes a hotel stay for one night in Helsinki and 12 nights on an expedition cruise ship.

  • What is the itinerary for the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour?

    The tour starts in Helsinki, Finland, with a flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, where you embark on the expedition cruise. The itinerary includes exploring Spitsbergen’s coastal fjords and islands, with potential visits to sites like 14th of July Bay, Alkefjellet, Ny-London, Hornsund, Sundneset, Alkhornet, Phippsoya, Isbukta, Moffen Island, Brasvellbreen, Lilliehook Glacier, and Monaco Glacier. The tour ends with a return flight to Helsinki.

  • What is the duration of the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation tour?

    The duration of the tour is 14 days in 2025 and 15 days in 2026, including a hotel night in Helsinki on day 14.

  • What are the booking conditions for the tour?

    To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% of the total invoice amount is required at the time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

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1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Tuesday

Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$16490 $14016 (USD)

Operator discount: -$2474 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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