Arctic, Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition cruise, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas home to polar bears and Walrus. You’ll come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the “wildlife capital of the Arctic".
• Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
• Take advantage of continuous daylight
• Hike the tundra and explore the polar desert
• Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
• Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Highlights
• Encounter iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
• Take advantage of continuous daylight
• Hike the tundra and explore the polar desert
• Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more
• Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from icy waters.
Explore western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife. As you cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic Circle, your Expedition Team will constantly be searching for wildlife. Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so we have no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsøya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Spotting polar bears is more likely here than almost anywhere else, as the Svalbard archipelago is one of their preferred hunting areas.
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).
Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is unique arctic wildlife a polar bear resting between hunts, or abandoned sites from centuries ago.
The time to say goodbye has come. Your arctic adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
| 04 June, 2023 to 15 June, 2023 | Book now |
Triple Cabin
$14,000 AUD pp
A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin
$16,200 AUD pp
Limited Availability
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
$17,700 AUD pp
Limited Availability
A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
$19,200 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Deluxe
$21,400 AUD pp
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Superior Cabin
$21,400 AUD pp
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
Suite
$26,500 AUD pp
A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.
Owner's Suite
$28,700 AUD pp
An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.
| 22 June, 2023 to 03 July, 2023 | Book now |
Triple Cabin
$15,400 AUD pp
A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin
$17,700 AUD pp
Limited Availability
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
$20,800 AUD pp
Limited Availability
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Deluxe
$23,200 AUD pp
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Superior Cabin
$23,200 AUD pp
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
Suite
$28,600 AUD pp
A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.
Owner's Suite
$30,800 AUD pp
An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
Sold Out
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
| 28 May, 2024 to 08 June, 2024 | Book now |
Triple Cabin
$15,050 AUD pp
A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin
$17,250 AUD pp
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
$19,150 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
$20,750 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Deluxe
$22,750 AUD pp
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Superior Cabin
$22,750 AUD pp
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
Suite
$28,450 AUD pp
A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.
Owner's Suite
$30,450 AUD pp
An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.
| 15 June, 2024 to 26 June, 2024 | Book now |
Triple Cabin
$15,750 AUD pp
A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin
$18,250 AUD pp
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
$20,050 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
$21,950 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Deluxe
$23,950 AUD pp
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Superior Cabin
$23,950 AUD pp
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
Suite
$29,950 AUD pp
A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.
Owner's Suite
$32,050 AUD pp
An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.
| 30 June, 2024 to 11 July, 2024 | Book now |
Triple Cabin
$16,250 AUD pp
A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin
$18,850 AUD pp
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
$20,650 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
$22,550 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Deluxe
$24,650 AUD pp
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Superior Cabin
$24,650 AUD pp
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
Suite
$30,850 AUD pp
A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.
Owner's Suite
$33,050 AUD pp
An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.
| 30 July, 2024 to 10 August, 2024 | Book now |
Triple Cabin
$16,250 AUD pp
A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Lower Deck Twin
$18,850 AUD pp
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
$20,650 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
$22,550 AUD pp
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Superior Cabin
$24,650 AUD pp
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
Deluxe
$24,650 AUD pp
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Suite
$30,850 AUD pp
A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.
Owner's Suite
$33,050 AUD pp
An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.
Additional charges:
MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE: 995 USD pp
Ocean Adventurer
Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition
Length: 90 metres
Passenger Capacity: 118
Built / refurbished: 1975 / 1998 / 2017 - re-named to the Ocean Adventurer in June 2017
Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years and underwent refurbishments in 1999 and 2002 with the most significant being in 2017.
With the latest rounds of refurbishments guests will enjoy:
• A refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship.
• The addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites.
• All existing cabins will be furnished with all new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms.
• Main common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room will be remodeled as well as the Bar.
• Major technical enhancements – include two new Rolls Royce engines, which will significantly increase fuel efficiency and minimized carbon footprint.
Paddling Excursion
Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you. Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
Sea Kayaking
Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the regions we visit. Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage. Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
Iceland Experience Package
From the charming city of Reykjavik, to the therapeutic waters of the Blue lagoon, and the bubbling hot springs of Thingveller National Park, you will be mesmerized by the unique beauty and striking geography of this Nordic island. Iceland offers adventures for every activity and skill level – ask about the other options available to enjoy the fresh air and explore the dramatic landscape.
Discover Oslo Package
Enjoy an extra night in Norway’s vibrant capital city where you will get a guided tour of this modern, beautifully situated town. Extend the package to five days and take the unforgettable Flåm Railway past picturesque fjords and snow-capped mountains on your way to Bergen.
SAVE UP TO 31%
SAVE UP TO 31%. Valid through April 3, 2023. Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and Conditions apply, please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Voyage in selected cabin category
• Rubber boots for use throughout the voyage
• Expedition Parka to keep
• Experience Expedition leader and team
• All shore landings and zodiac cruises as specified in the itinerary
• All meals while on board the ship
• Soft Drinks, Juice, Tea and Coffee while on board the ship
• Beer and Wine with dinner
• Lectures and presentations on board held by Expedition team and guest speakers as scheduled
• Photographic journal of the expedtion
• Luggage handling on board the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance up to a maximum of USD$500,000.00 per person
• All port charges/taxes
• Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day
Exclusions
• International and Domestic airfares unless specified
• Passport and Visa costs if applicable
• Meals ashore unless specified
• Travel insurance including cancellation insurance
• Mandatory waterproof pants - required for zodiac cruises and landings
• Any items of a personal nature including medical costs incurred on board
• Phone and Internet charges incurred on board
• Gratuities
• Transfers other than those specified in inclusions
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless stated in the itinerary
• Optional excursions (Eg kayaking where available)
• Arrival and departure transfers in Oslo
• 2021 Mandatory Transfer Package. Includes: One night pre-voyage hotel night at Oslo airport hotel, with breakfast, Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo. PACKAGE PRICE: USD$995.00 per person (Correct at April 2020 - Subject to change)
• Gratuities or tips are always at your discretion. We recommend that you budget $10 to $15 per person per day, if you are pleased with the service on board. Gratuities are collected anonymously at the end of each voyage. They are distributed among staff and crew. Payment can be made in cash or charged to your shipboard account.
Expedition
12 Days from
$14,000 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
