Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear
Highlights
- Traverse Spitsbergen’s wilds, where glaciers meet peaks and Arctic wildlife—walrus, polar bears, and more—await around every bend.
- Stroll tundra trails with summer blooms and birdsong, and see puffins, guillemots, and auks nesting on soaring Arctic cliffs.
- Brave icy Arctic waters, kayak past drifting ice, and join thrilling Zodiac landings—led by expert polar expedition guides.
Step into the realm of the midnight sun on this 8-day expedition to Svalbard, a wild Arctic frontier where glaciers calve into icy fjords, and polar bears silently roam beneath craggy peaks. This voyage focuses on the crown jewel of the archipelago—Spitsbergen—offering travelers an immersive introduction to high Arctic wildlife, dramatic geology, and the legends of polar exploration.
Timed for the height of Arctic summer, this itinerary capitalizes on long daylight hours and thinning sea ice, providing optimal conditions for wildlife viewing and flexible exploration. Expect close encounters with walrus lounging on ice floes, reindeer grazing on the tundra, and seabird colonies erupting in a cacophony of life. Vibrant wildflowers pepper the otherwise stark polar desert, offering rare color in this remote land.
Each day unfolds with spontaneity and expert-guided discovery, from Zodiac cruises beneath bird cliffs to tundra hikes through ancient landscapes. Optional kayaking offers a quieter perspective, while the famed Polar Plunge invites the truly brave. Onboard, enriching lectures reveal the region’s ecology and exploration history, deepening your connection to each icy inlet and fossil-rich hillside.
Whether it’s your first polar adventure or one more step in your journey of global discovery, this voyage is a gateway to awe—quiet, powerful, and unforgettable. You’ll leave with a profound sense of having touched the edge of the world and stepped into stories that few others have lived. Perfect for wildlife lovers, Arctic newcomers, photographers, and those seeking both comfort and adventure in one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
Ships
Standard Activities
About the Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear
Step into the realm of the midnight sun on this 8-day expedition to Svalbard, a wild Arctic frontier where glaciers calve into icy fjords, and polar bears silently roam beneath craggy peaks. This voyage focuses on the crown jewel of the archipelago—Spitsbergen—offering travelers an immersive introduction to high Arctic wildlife, dramatic geology, and the legends of polar exploration.
Timed for the height of Arctic summer, this itinerary capitalizes on long daylight hours and thinning sea ice, providing optimal conditions for wildlife viewing and flexible exploration. Expect close encounters with walrus lounging on ice floes, reindeer grazing on the tundra, and seabird colonies erupting in a cacophony of life. Vibrant wildflowers pepper the otherwise stark polar desert, offering rare color in this remote land.
Each day unfolds with spontaneity and expert-guided discovery, from Zodiac cruises beneath bird cliffs to tundra hikes through ancient landscapes. Optional kayaking offers a quieter perspective, while the famed Polar Plunge invites the truly brave. Onboard, enriching lectures reveal the region’s ecology and exploration history, deepening your connection to each icy inlet and fossil-rich hillside.
Whether it’s your first polar adventure or one more step in your journey of global discovery, this voyage is a gateway to awe—quiet, powerful, and unforgettable. You’ll leave with a profound sense of having touched the edge of the world and stepped into stories that few others have lived. Perfect for wildlife lovers, Arctic newcomers, photographers, and those seeking both comfort and adventure in one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive in Oslo
Having made your way to Oslo, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Fly to Longyearbyen, embarkation
Spitsbergen
Disembark in Longyearbyen, fly to Oslo
Route Map
Enjoy discounted rates off on select voyages
Enjoy discounted rates off on select voyages
Terms & Conditions
- — Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and is capacity controlled.
- — The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back-to-back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer.
- — The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash.
- — From prices are inclusive of discount.
- — Gratuities are on a discretionary basis – they will be added to your account at the end of each voyage at a rate of US $15 per person per day, however you will have the ability to ‘opt out’ should you choose to.
- — Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s.
- — Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica, the Arctic, and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle around brash ice and near icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.
This Kayaking Program was created by kayakers for kayakers! Our program style offers the chance to develop and enhance your skills and to connect with our expert guides and your fellow Expeditioners. Participating with the small group through your voyage will minimize wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts and maximize time on the water.
All of our Expert Guides are professional kayak guides, who have led trips around the world, specialize in the Polar Regions and have been chosen for their passion for the sport. Kayaking is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit. You have the option to discuss with the guides what you want out of your trip and they will help with recommendations on when to paddle, when to go ashore and when it’s possible to do both in one outing.
Equipment provided: Kayak booties and dry suits. If you prefer to bring your own dry suit for this activity, please contact our Activity Specialist to discuss the suitability of your equipment.
What's Included
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Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from our group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package.
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One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1.
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Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation (time permitting).
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Return charter flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen.
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Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
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All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
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Beer and house wine with dinner.
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Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
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All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
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Educational lectures and guiding services provide by Expedition Team.
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Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
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One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
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Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
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Comprehensive pre-departure information.
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Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
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Gratuities during excursions and enrichment program for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites
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Wi-Fi. *Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
What's Excluded
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International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Airport arrival or departure taxes.
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Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
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Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
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Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
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All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), on board gratuities*, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges
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Note: *A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
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