Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland Itinerary

Starting in

Helsinki, Finland

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

12

Lunches included

10

Dinners included

10

Ending in

Reykjavik, Iceland

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights) Expedition Cruise ship (10 nights)

Transport

Ship , Zodiac , Plane

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!

Day 1: Helsinki, Finland

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Finland’s modern capital, where you may arrive at any time. Once settled in, why not head out and explore the city’s endless array of options? You could visit one (or more) of the many museums, galleries and restaurants on offer, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander through the vibrant Design District. For dinner, perhaps head out in the evening to sample some local, traditional dishes.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

This morning, meet up with the rest of your group, transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. Then, hop onboard the Ultramarine – your ride through the Arctic. As you embark this afternoon, expect great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Day 3-6: Exploring Spitsbergen

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundras, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brunnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Snap pictures in Poolepynten – lying on the east coast of Prins Karls Forland (Prince Charles Foreland), this flat peninsula is a great place for walrus viewing and photography. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.

Spot Arctic wildlife at 14th of July Glacier – named after France’s Bastille Day, the area around this large glacier is teeming with wildlife – and is the best place in Svalbard to catch a glimpse of the Atlantic puffin. Also nesting at certain times of year along the shore are purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese, Arctic tern and Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Get up close to Lilliehook and Monaco Glaciers – take a Zodiac cruise amid labyrinths of sparkling icebergs at Lilliehook and Monaco Glaciers, witnessing breathtaking panoramas of ice and listening to it crackle and pop. You may even spot bearded seals hauled out on the floes!

Day 7-8: Cruising at Sea

Sail south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen. Along the way, your expedition team will keep you informed with presentations about the history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds ‘on the wing.’ The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.

Day 9: Exploring Jan Mayen

North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants.

If conditions allow, as you approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7470 ft (2277 m) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea. You might also get close-up views of the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast on a Zodiac cruise along the coast of the island, searching for wildlife.

Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes and black and Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Landing on Jan Mayen will be dictated by the weather and sea. One possible site you'll visit is Kvalrossbukta, a small bay holding the remains of a 17-century whaling station. The island is home to a variety of birdlife, including a large colony of northern fulmar, which is also located here.

Another potential landing site is Olonkinbyen, Jan Mayen’s only settlement. As it’s also the location of a meteorological station, you may have the chance to learn about polar research while seeing how weather is monitored at the top of the world.

Day 10-11: Cruising at Sea

As you sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film – there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Day 12: Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

Finish your time aboard the Ultramarine and disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. When you arrive, take a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight is then free to explore Reykjavik’s city’s brightly coloured streets and exciting array of shops and restaurants.

Day 13: Reykjavik, Iceland

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. You can make your way home or spend some time exploring this fascinating city – if you need extra accommodation to extend your stay in Reykjavik, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Helsinki, , Helsinki, FINLAND

Finish point

Reykjavik, , Reykjavik, ICELAND

Important information

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, https://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.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your expedition team or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below.

Quark Expeditions: +1 647 449 5303

Is this trip right for you

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.

Why we love it

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.

Group leader

Your voyage will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader. In addition, a number of experts will be on board to add knowledge of their field to your experience. This will include a Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Glaciologist or Geologist, Polar Historian, Kayaking guide and Naturalist guides. Voyages offering other adventure activities will have additional specialist guides on board.

Safety

Safety is paramount on an Intrepid voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to approach the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group, accompanied by a Quark representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. On board you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

Travelling in the Arctic, encounters with Polar Bears are not uncommon in some areas (and one of the best reasons to go there). You will be given a briefing on Polar Bear safety on board the ship before your first shore landing. Your guides will carry fire arms and bear deterrents on all excursions. Always follow the instructions of your guide while on shore.

All ships operating in Polar waters must comply with a variety of regulations, codes and industry standards. All our ships adhere to regulations set by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) including ISM Code (Safety Management System), ISPS Code (for ship and port security), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Maritime Pollution Prevention). In addition, Quark Expeditions is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and a full member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators).

Quark Expeditions have also been externally audited for its' health and safety programme and have been awarded the British Standard BS8848

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

07 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 07 Jul 2025 to 19 Jul 2025

Additional Information

Health

Vaccination requirements do change, but generally you do not need vaccinations for this voyage but some may be required or recommended for countries you are visiting enroute to the Arctic.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for your destination contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information. You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet that records each vaccination. Always carry this with you on your travels; it could provide essential information for doctors in the event that you fall ill whilst travelling.


MOTION SICKNESS
Although our vessels are among the most stable ships in their class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.

There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board. Your vessel will have a medical clinic with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. The clinic will not be stocked with every drug or piece of equipment required for every medical problem. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. It is wise to carry an extra week’s supply of prescription medications just in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for the prescribed medication. The letter will assist our doctor on board, and any emergency medical personnel to care for you should you become ill. Please hand the letter to the expedition doctor once you are on board.

Food and dietary requirements

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink.
We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

Money matters

When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need.

Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. this shoud make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document).

MEALS NOT INCLUDED
We recommend you allow US$100 per person for meals not included in the itinerary

All services onboard your ship such as communication charges, laundry, and bar charges will be added to your onboard account and are charged in US dollars. Your account can be paid with US dollars cash, traveller’s cheques or by Visa or MasterCard.

Outside of the start or end point of your expedition, cash will be of most use in the Arctic. In Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, credit cards are not readily accepted and ATM’s are virtually non-existent. On voyages that visit local towns and villages, there is the opportunity to buy souvenirs and some villages have thriving art scenes with local artisans selling their wares. In addition, some museums and sites charge entry fees and in some locations, you may wish to buy food and drink (although the meals on the ship are very good and plentiful).


TIPPING
The voyage fare does not include the customary, optional gratuity which is divided between the ships' crew, and hospitality staff. We suggest US$13 - US$15 per day as a guide. Any tip for the Expedition Team is extra to this and is at your discretion. Gratuities can be added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash on board. Full details will be provided before you settle your onboard account.


SVALBARD
Svalbard uses Norwegian Kroner as it's currency. Credit cards will be accepted in Longyearbyen but beyond the capital, cash in Norwegian Kroner will be required however, there are very few opportunities to spend money in Spitsbergen outside of Longyearbyen.

GREENLAND
The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone

The main bank, Grønlandsbanken readily exchange traveller's cheques for a commission of around US$5 and offer cash advances on Visa and MasterCard. Major credit cards are accepted in tourist resorts and restaurants and hotels. Larger towns in West Greenland now have ATMs that recognise all major foreign plastic. In small towns and remote communities, it will be essential to have cash as there will be no ATM's and credit cards are less likely to be accepted.

ICELAND
The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic krona

Banks around Austurstaeti and Bankastraeti in Reyjkavik offer the best exchange rates. Commission is higher in hotels. ATMs accept MasterCard, Cirrus, Visa and Electron and are plentiful in Reykjavik and larger towns.

CURRENCY
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies.

What to take

The Arctic usually has - relatively - mild weather conditions in high summer. Temperatures below -5ºC are not common (although wind-chill factor can significantly add to the effect.) As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and you do need warm clothing. Wet weather jacket and boots are supplied on board the ship. On shore we do aim to provide hiking and walking opportunities whenever possible, so a reasonable pair of walking shoes or boots is suggested.


The dress code on board is relaxed and casual; you will not need to dress formally for meals. The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly - a whale sighting, or seals on a nearby ice-floe or hopefully a polar bear - nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent. When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs.

Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday. Laundry facilities are available on board the ship.

Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, Trip Notes
Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets
Spare passport photos
Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card
Money belt (for travelling en route)
Small first-aid kit
Ecologically friendly laundry soap
Daypack (lightweight and waterproof)
Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
Electrical adapter plug
Toiletries/travel wipes
Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturising cream, sunhat and sunglasses (with UV protection)
Swimsuit (in case you wish to take the Polar Plunge)
Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)
2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)
Refillable water bottle
Phrase book (if travelling en route to ship)
Gloves (2 pairs minimum)
Hat that covers ears
Scarf or other face protection
Wind and waterproof pants (a few sizes larger)
Warm pants
Comfortable shoes
Long wool or cotton socks (for expeditions)
Silk or polypropylene socks (for inside the ship)
Jumpers/sweaters/fleeces
Cotton turtlenecks and t-shirts
Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras)
Plastic bags with zippers for carrying film, etc
Binoculars

Your prescritpion medication, seasickness medication and painkillers, LUGGAGE ALLOWANCES:
Please note luggage allowances on the flights in conjunction with this voyage are restricted to 20 kilos checked baggage and 5 kilos hand luggage. This will be strictly enforced.

Climate and seasonal

Information not available.

A couple of rules

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Accommodation notes

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Transport notes

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Travel insurance

Your voyage fare includes Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person. However, it is essential that you have comprehensive personal travel insurance in addition to this to cover all other eventualities.

Your fellow travellers

On your voyage, you will be travelling with up to 137 other people (depending on which ship you are on). The ships are spacious with ample deck space and public areas so it is always possible to find a spot to yourself to enjoy the scenery and some solitude. On excursions, you will travel in a zodiac with up to 10 guests on each boat. Polar travel attracts travellers of all nationalities and meeting people from other countries is one of the pleasures of life on board. The voyages will be conducted in English and clients who do not speak English will need to travel with someone able to translate for safety reasons. Some voyages may have large non English speaking groups travelling with translators so you may find that announcements are translated for their benefit and presentations may be given separately in their own language or translated.

Single occupancy is available in most cabin categories for 1.7 or 2 times the twin berth price (dependent on which cabin category). Single travellers wishing to share will be matched with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that it is not possible to share with a stranger in all cabin types. Please speak to a consultant for full details.

Itinerary disclaimer

Information not available.