13 Days | Embark a cruise to the Arctic's wild and mysterious islands
![Group of travellers cruise past an upturned iceberg in a zodiac](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt3fba3d9933614c0f/6535bae22bd193781f6be027/Quark-Expeditions_Four-Arctic-Islands_DavidMerronArctic2018-252_Credit_DavidMerron.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Travellers photographing the rocky green coast of Jan Mayen island](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltad75ff265eb3ce6d/6535bae5b8cfc6518a3562ce/Quark-Expeditions_Four-Arctic-Islands_NOR_05272018_062653-copy_Credit_CindyMillerHopkins.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Pair of polar bears approach, looking up in curiosity](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt3581b7d579e1b96f/6535bae8b53b8c556e312fea/Quark-Expeditions_Intro-to-Spitsbergen_ARC_2019.06.26-3534_Credit_MichelleSole.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Reindeer encountered close by travellers on a hike in Svalbard](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt7eb68d12d90a9ec4/6535baec0d240a348a3959a0/Quark-Expeditions_Arctic-Saga_Fair-Isle_-Faroes_-and-Spitsbergen_Birds-&-Bears_svalbard_reindeer_sundneset_13_Credit_AcaciaJohnson.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Travellers sight a huddle of walruses off the coast on a zodiac](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt3a77d6108abae66c/6535baefc1031d14a676d1ab/Quark-Expeditions_Four-Arctic-Islands_DavidMerronArctic2018-258_Credit_DavidMerron.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Explore the world’s northern reaches on an epic 13-day adventure. Setting sail aboard the Ultramarine, you’ll cruise around Spitsbergen – the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago – spotting polar bears, reindeer, spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom. A journey south will take you to the rarely visited Jan Mayen, where daily Zodiac trips get you up close to the spectacular north coast. Get back on dry land with an evening in charming Reykjavik, and toast to a true Arctic adventure!
Trip overview
![Map of Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard To Jan Mayen To Iceland including Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt3fbabdf4133e4ed2/6535badf74653c52fdd68806/BQMU_2025.gif?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
- Start
- Helsinki, Finland
- Finish
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Theme
- Polar, Wildlife
- Destinations
- Iceland, Finland, Norway, Greenland, Svalbard And Jan Mayen Islands
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 199
- Trip code
- BQMU
- Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from the quirky northernmost city of Longyearbyen to stunning fjords, towering mountains and impressive glaciers.
- Be wowed by the mysterious Jan Mayen Island. If conditions permit, you'll get the chance to explore the fog-covered island on foot.
- Board Zodiacs to cruise up to towering glaciers featuring labyrinths of sparkling icebergs and panoramas of ice.
- Learn about the history of the Arctic during in-depth presentations aboard your floating home away from home.
- 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.
- As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
- Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
- The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
- This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.
- Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group.
Boats
Itinerary
Inclusions
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Ship, Zodiac, Plane
Hotel (2 nights) Expedition Cruise ship (10 nights)
Dates and availability
Important notes
This trip starts in Helsinki, Finland and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland
1 nights pre expedition hotel is included in Helsinki, Finland on day 1
1 nights post expedition hotel is included in Reykjavik, Iceland on day 12
A Group Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen is included on day 2
This trip is onboard the Ultramarine
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking and Paddling excursions are available to book on this trip. Kayaking and paddling excursions must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Hiking is also offered on some itineraries. This activity is at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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