Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
Highlights
- Circle Spitsbergen’s wild coast—glaciers, fjords, and Arctic wildlife from polar bears to walrus and reindeer await.
- Sail past Alkefjellet’s soaring bird cliffs and explore Smeerenburg’s whaling relics, echoing early Arctic explorers.
- Sail beneath the midnight sun, exploring icy waters by Zodiac and the tundra on guided walks.
Set sail on this 15-day Arctic expedition that unveils the untamed majesty of Svalbard, an archipelago at the top of the world where nature reigns supreme and adventure awaits at every icy turn. Beginning in stylish Helsinki, you’ll fly north to Longyearbyen, gateway to the High Arctic, where your ship awaits to carry you deep into a landscape sculpted by glaciers, fjords, and eternal ice.
In the heart of the Arctic summer, when the sun never sets and the tundra bursts with color, you’ll journey around Spitsbergen and its outlying islands, exploring a realm where polar bears hunt across drifting sea ice and walrus haul out on remote beaches. Towering seabird cliffs at Alkefjellet erupt with life, while sites like the 14th of July Glacier reveal the raw power and beauty of the polar wilderness. From the ghostly remains of 17th-century whaling stations to the pristine stillness of Kvitøya—the “White Island”—each landing offers a new story, a new wonder, and a deeper connection to this wild, frozen frontier.
On board, expert naturalists and historians enrich your voyage with fascinating lectures about Arctic ecology, wildlife, and exploration heritage. Off-ship, you’ll venture out on exhilarating Zodiac cruises, guided hikes, and photography excursions, immersed in an environment that feels both humbling and exhilarating. As your ship threads between sculpted icebergs beneath the midnight sun, you’ll feel the profound solitude and serenity that only the true Arctic can offer.
This voyage is ideal for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and history lovers alike—anyone seeking to stand on the edge of the world and witness nature at its most elemental. Completing a near-circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is not just a travel milestone but a personal triumph, leaving you with memories of the High Arctic that will stay with you long after your return home.
Ships
Standard Activities
About the Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
Set sail on this 15-day Arctic expedition that unveils the untamed majesty of Svalbard, an archipelago at the top of the world where nature reigns supreme and adventure awaits at every icy turn. Beginning in stylish Helsinki, you’ll fly north to Longyearbyen, gateway to the High Arctic, where your ship awaits to carry you deep into a landscape sculpted by glaciers, fjords, and eternal ice.
In the heart of the Arctic summer, when the sun never sets and the tundra bursts with color, you’ll journey around Spitsbergen and its outlying islands, exploring a realm where polar bears hunt across drifting sea ice and walrus haul out on remote beaches. Towering seabird cliffs at Alkefjellet erupt with life, while sites like the 14th of July Glacier reveal the raw power and beauty of the polar wilderness. From the ghostly remains of 17th-century whaling stations to the pristine stillness of Kvitøya—the “White Island”—each landing offers a new story, a new wonder, and a deeper connection to this wild, frozen frontier.
On board, expert naturalists and historians enrich your voyage with fascinating lectures about Arctic ecology, wildlife, and exploration heritage. Off-ship, you’ll venture out on exhilarating Zodiac cruises, guided hikes, and photography excursions, immersed in an environment that feels both humbling and exhilarating. As your ship threads between sculpted icebergs beneath the midnight sun, you’ll feel the profound solitude and serenity that only the true Arctic can offer.
This voyage is ideal for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and history lovers alike—anyone seeking to stand on the edge of the world and witness nature at its most elemental. Completing a near-circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is not just a travel milestone but a personal triumph, leaving you with memories of the High Arctic that will stay with you long after your return home.
Itinerary Day to Day
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.
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and embark
Exploring Spitsbergen
Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
Onward flight home
Route Map
Save up to 10%-30% in selected departures.
Save up to 10%-30% in selected departures.
Terms & Conditions
- — The discounted percentage indicates the offer in effect at the time this deal was last updated, and may not reflect the current discounts available.
- — Each passenger's full name is required at time of booking in order to initiate a hold, or to process a confirmed booking.
- — Offer applies to voyage only, not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — If combined with a dollar value discount, this offer will be applied afterwards.
- — Only a hold booking or a confirmed booking can guarantee the offer.
- — Name changes are not allowed.
- — No cash value.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promo savings discount offer at any time without notice.
The kayak adventure option is open to all levels of experience. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sea kayaking related experience prior to kayaking in the polar regions. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to slow down and connect with the pristine natural environments and surroundings.
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
Glide through the pristine polar waters in a sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayak for an unforgettable experience in the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by an additional safety driver who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Is past kayaking experience necessary?
The Paddling Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the inflatable kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
What’s the difference between the Paddling Excursion and the Sea Kayaking Program?
The Paddling Excursion is a one-time, guided outing using stable inflatable kayaks—perfect for beginners or those wanting a short, easy experience. The Sea Kayaking Program is a more in-depth, multi-day experience with traditional sea kayaks, offering experienced kayakers a more active and immersive adventure.
Note: This activity has a minimum age requirement of 18, or, 16 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is also a weight restriction of 250 lbs.
When does the Paddling Excursion takes place, and does it conflict with shore landings?
Paddling excursions are scheduled in either a morning or afternoon excursion slot, when weather and sea conditions are ideal. You’ll embark on your paddling excursion while others are exploring in a Zodiac, or conducting a shore landing. You may get to conduct a shore landing after the excursion, however if you don’t, no need to worry as you’ll still have other opportunities to go ashore during the voyage.
What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for paddling?
Your paddle guide will only take you out when the weather is favorable and the water is calm. Your safety is always our top priority. If conditions aren’t suitable on a given day, the excursion will be postponed and rescheduled for a day with better conditions. If we’re unable to run the paddling excursion at all during your voyage due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund for the activity.
How do I book Paddling Excursion?
If you’re booking with one of our Polar Travel Advisors, just let them know you’d like to join a Paddling Excursion and they’ll be happy to add it to your booking (pending availability). If you’re booking online, you’ll have the option to add a Paddling Excursion during checkout, provided it’s available for your chosen voyage.
Already booked your expedition? No problem, just reach out to our Client Experience Team by giving us a call. They’ll confirm availability and pricing, and help you add the experience to your booking.
What you’ll need
Suggested Equipment
Base and mid-layer clothing
Wool or synthetic hiking socks
Glove liners
Hand warmers
Brimmed hat or warm hat
Scarf, buff, or neck warmer
Sunglasses
Waterproof & sweatproof sunscreen & lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
Waterproof camera and accessories
Provided Equipment
Inflatable kayak
Muck boots
Dry suit
Paddle
Gloves
Life jacket
Quark Expeditions parka
Water bottle
What's Included
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Specialist Expedition Leaders.
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Immersive Off-ship Activities.
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On-Ship Experiences & Facilities.
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Food & Beverages.
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Expedition Perks.
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Transfers.
What's Excluded
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International airfare & visa expenses.
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Mandatory travel insurance.
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Mandatory expedition gear.
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On-ship expenses.
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Adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
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