Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 12 Day Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway in Depth. This 12-day northern expedition aboard the Ocean Explorer will take you through the many amazing sights, sounds and snowy landscapes of the Arctic. As you explore icy Spitsbergen – the largest island in Svalbard – and its outlying islands, search for local wildlife like lumbering polar bears, noisy walruses and huge colonies of seabirds.
Discover the array of wild, natural landscapes as you hike tundra laced with wildflowers, see the cliffs and shores of Alkefjellet and...read more snowshoe through the abandoned whaling sites of Smeerenburg. Get a unique perspective of the rugged western coast as you pass by untouched fjords, glaciers and many different shades of ice. With an expert Expedition Team by your side, you'll have the best chance to spot local flora and fauna and learn all about the history and geology of this fascinating place along the way.
Discover the array of wild, natural landscapes as you hike tundra laced with wildflowers, see the cliffs and shores of Alkefjellet and...read more snowshoe through the abandoned whaling sites of Smeerenburg. Get a unique perspective of the rugged western coast as you pass by untouched fjords, glaciers and many different shades of ice. With an expert Expedition Team by your side, you'll have the best chance to spot local flora and fauna and learn all about the history and geology of this fascinating place along the way.
Itinerary
Tervetuloa! Welcome to Finland. Your arctic adventure begins in Helsinki. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Helsinki is a great place to spend time exploring the many museums, galleries and restaurants. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring to your hotel.
This morning, you'll meet your group and transfer to the airport to board your private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. Enjoy some free time to explore before climbing aboard the Ocean Explorer, your home for the next 11 days. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains that rise majestically from frigid waters. This is also the perfect evening to get to know your group over a drink, play some games or explore the ship's many fun amenities. (B/D)
Over the next few days, you'll cruise around this magical island in a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colourful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it's an ever- changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary. However, some of the places you may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait.
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 Brunnich's guillemots (thick-billed murres). You also may come across a walrus haul-out, which is a moment you won’t soon forget. Witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips.
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can also opt to book sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventures. (Bx9/Lx9/Dx9)
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colourful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it's an ever- changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary. However, some of the places you may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait.
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 Brunnich's guillemots (thick-billed murres). You also may come across a walrus haul-out, which is a moment you won’t soon forget. Witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips.
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can also opt to book sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventures. (Bx9/Lx9/Dx9)
It's time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates today as your adventure has come to an end. Your adventure finishes in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen after breakfast. From here, transfer to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Take a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Arctic aboard the Ocean Explorer and experience the unique 24-hour of sunlight of a Northern summer.
- Discover some incredible landscapes on Spitsbergen, from the northernmost city of Longyearbyen and the brilliantly blue 14th of July Glacier to the breathtaking fjords and mountain cliffs of the sea.
- Scour sheets of ice in search of the elusive polar bear – the ruler of the Arctic – with your expert Expedition Team by your side giving you the best tips and opportunities.
- With endless daylight, there will be endless wildlife-viewing opportunities – elusive Arctic foxes, breaching whales, lounging masses of walruses and colonies of seabirds dot the cliffs of Alkefjellet.
- Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like hiking and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Expedition cruise ship (10 nights)
- 11 Breakfasts included
- 9 Lunches included
- 10 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Intrepid Antarctica & The Arctic (2024-25)
We don’t believe in travel as simply a way to tick items off a bucket list. We take the time to get under the skin of a destination and discover what makes it unique. Of course, we all want to see a polar bear in the Arctic or king penguins on South Georgia Island, but while we’re there we’ll spend time with the Inuit people and learn about their way...more of life, or cruise around in Zodiacs to gaze at the monolithic icebergs up close. Seeing the famous landmarks and wildlife is a must, but experiencing them with a passionate expert is what makes these trips truly special.
Availability
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Guaranteed Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Exclusive Deal
Sunday
03 Aug 2025
Thursday
14 Aug 2025
Status
From: $16,090
$12,068
Save $4,022
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Veranda Stateroom | From $ 800 |
| Veranda Suite | From $ 1,700 |
| Studio Single | From $ 4,700 |
| Junior Suite | From $ 4,700 |
| Studio Veranda Single | From $ 6,300 |
| Penthouse Suite | From $ 7,800 |
| Ownerâs Suite | From $ 9,400 |
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
