Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic - Ocean Adventurer
Focusing on the island of Spitsbergen offers you an in-depth look at this favorite home of the mighty polar bear. Travel on a brand-new ship for this far-north expedition among the blue glaciers.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.3*
ECO SCORE
128
PASSENGERS
12
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Ocean Adventurer
The largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is known as the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” and on this unforgettable 12-day voyage, you will discover why. This journey has been designed to maximize time on the west and northern/southern tips of the island, providing you optimal chances to witness the remarkable array of creatures who call this spectacular yet forbidding environment home: whales, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds by the thousands, and that most iconic of Arctic residents, the polar bear. In addition to opportunities to observe wildlife, this itinerary allows you time to explore the vast tundra, and appreciate the natural beauty of the surprisingly colorful Arctic wilderness. Come aboard the Ultramarine for an extraordinary High Arctic adventure.
- • Spitsbergen is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts and mountain scenery.
• Enjoy sea kayaking or a more basic paddling adventure through placid, icy waters right at the level of floating, blue icebergs.
• This reliable operator with over 30 years of expeditions under their belt, always delivers a wonderful experience offered by an enthusiastic crew. An excellent choice for the casual, very active traveler.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $12,690 per person
May to June offers longer daylight hours for wildlife viewing, allowing for extended opportunities to observe polar bears as they search for food along the coastline and ice edges. As the summer progresses, melting ice exposes more of their hunting grounds, making it easier to spot them in their natural habitat.
Inquire for specific dates.
May – June;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
Piloted an Arctic-wide recycling program for cruise lines.
Conservation
Aided in eradicating invasive rodents in South Georgia to restore ground-nesting bird populations.
Carbon
Uses state of the art technology to reduce carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic journey 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.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, a true frontier town, 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.
Days 3 to 11: Exploring Spitsbergen
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 animals.
Days 3 to 11 Exploring Spitsbergen (Continued)
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. Since Svalbard’s legendary wildlife habitat is well-protected and almost entirely uninhabited, it’s one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears in their natural landscapes of ice, Arctic deserts and mountain scenery. 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 prebook 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 an ever-changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.
Day 12: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
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 Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
Please Note: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
Mandatory Transfer Package Includes:
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki hotel, with breakfast
• Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
• Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen
• Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki
Package Rate: $995 USD
(Every passenger is required to take the transfer package above if it's not included in the base rate.)
Included Activities: Walking/Hiking, Zodiac Cruising, Polar Plunge
Adventure Options: (Extra Cost)
Paddling: Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water. Sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you'll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support. (Ask your Travel Curator for more information.)
Sea Kayaking: 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. Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. (Ask your Travel Curator for more information.)
Ocean Adventurer
Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who’ve appreciated the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard—and the outdoor jacuzzi. A few years ago, Ocean Adventurer underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation involving a talented team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers and polar expedition specialists. This operator is proud of the enhancements to the much-loved polar vessel—which subsequently won the Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Overall Small Cruise Ship (500 passengers or under).
The refurbishments now enjoyed by guests include a refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship, the addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites, all existing cabins furnished with new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms, remodeling of common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room, major technical enhancements, such as two new Rolls Royce engines, which increase fuel efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.
• Capacity: 128 Guests
• Cabins: 70 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 87 Staff and Crewmembers
ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Magellan Awards "Best Overall Small Cruise Ship"
2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards – "Best Small Ship Line"
"This classic expedition vessel feels like someone's private yacht with her nautical styling and warm, friendly atmosphere. The 128-passenger size of this ship means longer shore visits and no waiting for your turn to take a zodiac to land. The expedition staff will be well-versed and very enthusiastic. This reliable operator always delivers a fantastic experience, and this much-loved ship is an outstanding option for 4-star travelers."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
If seeing polar bears in your goal, it stands to reason that spending more time in their favorite habitat means more bear sightings. This fun and reliable operator knows where to look and won't disappoint!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities; All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; All shore landings per the daily program; Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices 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.); Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition; A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; An official parka to keep; Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; All luggage handling aboard the ship; Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; Transfers between Longyearbyen town center and port on embarkation and disembarkation day.
*See itinerary for Mandatory Transfer Package inclusions.
