This 11 or 12-day active adventure begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway’s Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago. The aim of this expedition is to explore the coastline of the largest island in the group, Spitsbergen. The exact course depends on local weather and ice conditions. We expect to explore magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs past towering sea cliffs and encounter polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat. Optional kayaking is available.

This small community of 1,000 souls is the largest community in the Svalbard islands. Please arrive in the morning as embarkation is in the early afternoon.

This expedition’s goal is to explore the largest island in the archipelago, Spitsbergen, but we may visit some lesser islands if conditions permit. We’ll be sailing in a clockwise direction, hoisting our Zodiacs over the side for cruising or shore explorations from time to time

Lying on the west coast of Spitsbergen, this magnificent ice cliff with the unusual name will be explored by Zodiacs cruising in the waters at its base. We’ll also visit Ny Alesund an international Arctic research station with a population of about 80 scientists and support staff. Birders should have their binoculars handy as this is known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.

On the northwest coast of Spitsbergen is Smeerenburg, once known as Blubber Town. Dutch whalers established the community in the 17th century. Blubber ovens, whalebones, and other remains of the whaling industry are still visible.

The temperature drops as we sail northward, crossing 80N, 965km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary that we plan to visit on this expedition. On previous visits we have spotted polar bear and Sabine Gulls, in addition to walrus!

There are so many islands in Svalbard that certain areas are known as Seven Islands and Thousand Islands. As we explore, you can expect to hike through geological formations five hundred million to a billion years old. Our Expedition Team will relate engrossing tales of Arctic exploration. We’ll be on the alert for beluga whales near Bourbonhamna. The “white whales” are the only whales able to nod and turn their heads sideways.

Disembarkation will be in Longyearbyen.

* Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
* All breakfasts, lunches and dinners 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.)
* All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program.
* Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
* Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
* Photographic Journal on DVD.
* A pair of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
* Hair dryer in every cabin.
* Organized group transfers to and from the airport for charter flights (where applicable); and to and from the ship for embarkation.
* Coffee, tea, bottled water, and cocoa available around the clock.
* Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader.
* All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

* Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
* Hotel accommodation.
* Passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes charged locally.
* Any meals ashore.
* Cancellation and travel insurance. (Please note that emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory).
* Excess baggage charges.
* Laundry, bar, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and other personal charges.
* Telecommunications charges.
* Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel (guidelines will be provided).

• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
• All shore landings and excursions per the daily program.
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• Photographic Album on DVD.
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
• Hair dryer in every cabin.
• A Quark Expeditions parka.
• Coffee, tea, cocoa and bottled water available around the clock.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum of $100,000 per person.
• On Day 1 of the tour, group transfers from the airport to the ship for embarkation, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation – plus all baggage handling aboard ship.

• Any airfare, however for some departures, economy seats on our charter flights must be purchased in conjunction with the voyage. The applicable per person cost is indicated.
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes
• Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation
• Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
• Excess baggage charges
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
• Telecommunications charges
• The customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for Hospitality Team Members, ship’s crew and Expedition Team members.

Map of Voyage