Spitsbergen Highlights: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic 2027

An 8-day Arctic expedition aboard Ultramarine, travelling from Helsinki via Longyearbyen into Svalbard’s glacier-carved fjords, walrus waters, bird cliffs, tundra landscapes and polar bear habitat.

Svalbard is often called the wildlife capital of the Arctic, and this compact expedition is designed to reveal as much of its wilderness as possible within one extraordinary week.

Spitsbergen Highlights: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic is an 8-day High Arctic journey aboard Ultramarine, created for travellers who want the essential Svalbard experience without committing to a longer circumnavigation. The voyage begins in Helsinki, continues by charter flight to Longyearbyen, then moves into the fjords, glaciers and wildlife habitats of western Spitsbergen.

The expedition is shaped by Zodiac cruising, guided hikes, expert interpretation, wildlife observation, Science & Discovery programming and optional kayaking. The route remains flexible, guided by sea, ice, weather and wildlife conditions, which is precisely what gives serious polar travel its character.

This is not a conventional cruise. It is a field-led Arctic expedition, designed around access, seasonality and the expertise of a specialist polar team.

Journey at a Glance

Expedition Name: Spitsbergen Highlights: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Region: Svalbard, Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen, western Spitsbergen, Krossfjorden, Magdalenefjorden and selected High Arctic landing areas

Duration: 8 days

Operational Start / End: Helsinki, Finland

Ship Embarkation / Disembarkation: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Ship: Ultramarine

Ship Capacity: Up to 199 guests

Staff and Crew: 140 staff and crew

Ice Class: PC6

Departure Date

25 June to 2 July 2027

Core Experience: Svalbard wildlife, glaciers, fjords, icebergs, walrus sites, polar bear habitat, Arctic birds, Svalbard reindeer, Zodiac cruising, guided hiking, photography, Science & Discovery programming and optional kayaking or paddling.

Pricing

Available on request, according to suite category, cabin availability and any special offers valid at the time of proposal or reservation.

Why This Expedition

This itinerary is designed for travellers who want a concentrated Arctic experience with strong wildlife and landscape value.

In just one week, guests enter a world of immense glaciers, deep fjords, towering cliffs, tundra vegetation, bird colonies and cold northern waters. The Expedition Team works to maximise opportunities for encounters with walruses, Arctic birds, Svalbard reindeer, polar bears and other High Arctic species, while respecting wildlife distances and local regulations.

It is especially suitable for clients who are new to polar expedition travel, have limited time, or want a shorter but still serious introduction to Svalbard.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

The journey begins in Helsinki, where guests arrive independently and check in at the included airport hotel.

The rest of the day may be used to relax before the Arctic flight or explore Helsinki’s museums, galleries, restaurants, Finnish sauna culture and Design District. The airport rail connection allows access to the city centre in approximately 40 minutes.

Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen and Embark Ultramarine

The group boards a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Spitsbergen.

On arrival, guests transfer toward embarkation. As Ultramarine sets sail, Svalbard begins to appear through glacier-topped mountains, cold fjord waters and austere Arctic light.

Days 3 to 6: Exploring Svalbard

The expedition explores the western coast of Spitsbergen, seeking the strongest daily opportunities for Zodiac cruising, shore landings, hiking, wildlife observation and photography.

In Krossfjorden, guests may encounter some of the most impressive glacier scenery in Spitsbergen. Deep within the fjord, Lilliehöök Glacier creates a dramatic polar theatre, where ice may calve into the water with a low, resonant sound.

A Zodiac excursion to Ny-London, an abandoned mining settlement, may offer a guided walk and possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer.

Further north, Monaco Glacier offers another major glacial landscape, with ice, brash water and possible marine mammal observation along the shoreline and ice edge. Possible landing or exploration areas may include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna.

At Smeerenburg, guests may see the remains of a Dutch whaling settlement established nearly 400 years ago. This was once one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, and it adds an important historical layer to the expedition.

The journey may continue into Magdalenefjorden, where snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers are reflected in clear Arctic waters.

The itinerary may conclude its field days around Alkhornet, known for towering cliffs inhabited by nesting seabirds such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots. Svalbard reindeer may also be seen in the area.

Every day remains flexible. The Captain and Expedition Team adapt the route according to weather, sea, ice and wildlife conditions.

Day 7: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki

The voyage ends in Longyearbyen, a frontier settlement on Adventfjorden and the administrative centre of Svalbard.

After disembarkation, guests transfer to the airport for the group charter flight back to Helsinki, where an included hotel night provides a calm transition before onward travel.

Day 8: Depart Helsinki

After breakfast, guests continue independently with onward flights or remain in Finland for private post-expedition arrangements.

Possible Expedition Sites

The final route is determined by sea, ice, weather and wildlife conditions. Possible areas of exploration may include:

Lilliehöök Glacier

A powerful glacier landscape for Zodiac cruising among sparkling ice, with possible bearded seal sightings on nearby floes.

Longyearbyen

The administrative capital of Svalbard and a true frontier town, originally founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear and linked to Arctic coal history.

Moffen Island

A protected walrus sanctuary, viewed from the ship with binoculars in order to respect wildlife protections.

Monaco Glacier

Named in honour of Prince Albert I of Monaco’s early scientific expedition work in Svalbard. Zodiac cruising here may reveal brash ice, seals and sculptural glacial forms.

Worsleyneset

A colourful tundra-covered headland with Arctic flora such as moss campion, saxifrage and Arctic mouse-ear chickweed.

Smeerenburg

A historic whaling site that preserves the memory of 17th-century Arctic maritime activity.

Alkhornet

A dramatic cliff landscape with seabird nesting areas and possible reindeer sightings.

Ultramarine: Built for Polar Exploration

Ultramarine is a purpose-built polar vessel designed for remote expedition travel.

The ship accommodates up to 199 guests, supported by 140 staff and crew, and carries a PC6 ice classification. Its expedition infrastructure supports fast off-ship operations, wildlife viewing, expert-led learning and recovery between excursions.

Key features include:

PC6 ice classification

20 quick-launching Zodiacs

Spacious suites

Exceptional wildlife-viewing areas

Science Hub

Polar presentation spaces

Fine dining and relaxed dining venues

Panorama Lounge and Bar

Tundra Spa with VOYA treatments

Morning stretch classes

Sauna

Fully equipped fitness centre

Health-conscious dining

Advanced sustainability systems

Although Ultramarine is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, helicopters do not operate on Svalbard voyages. Exploration on this itinerary is centred on ship, Zodiac, shore landing, hiking and optional kayaking or paddling.

Science & Discovery

The onboard Science Hub gives the expedition a deeper educational dimension.

Guests may interact with scientists, researchers and Expedition Guides, use interactive learning displays and participate in citizen science activities. These may include seabird surveys on deck, whale observation, water sampling and field-based learning connected to Arctic ecosystems.

This scientific layer is particularly relevant in Svalbard, where glaciers, wildlife, sea ice, fjords and climate-sensitive habitats are closely connected.

Included Activities

Activities are always subject to weather, sea, ice, safety and landing conditions, but may include:

Zodiac cruising

Shore landings

Guided hiking

Presentations by polar experts

Science & Discovery programming

Photography guidance

Polar plunge, scheduled once per expedition if conditions permit

Wildlife observation from ship, shore and Zodiac

Optional Adventure Activities

Optional activities are subject to availability, weather and advance booking.

Possible options include:

Sea kayaking

Paddling excursion

Sea kayaking is designed for guests with prior kayaking experience and may operate several times during the voyage, conditions permitting.

Paddling excursion offers a gentler one-time experience on stable sit-on-top kayaks, suitable for guests with minimal or no kayaking experience.

Inclusions

Rates generally include:

A 3-in-1 expedition parka to keep

Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team

Zodiac transfers and cruising according to the daily programme

Shore landings according to the daily programme

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping

All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board

Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner

Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers

Science & Discovery programming where scheduled

Photographic journal documenting the expedition

Loan of waterproof expedition boots for landings and Zodiac cruising

Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin

Basic Wi-Fi access on one device, where service permits

Service taxes and port charges throughout the programme

Luggage handling aboard the ship

Transfers between Longyearbyen town centre, port and airport on embarkation and disembarkation days

The Charter Flight and Hotel Package generally includes:

Pre- and post-expedition hotel nights at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast

Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen

Arrival and departure transfers in Longyearbyen

Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki

Exclusions

Rates generally do not include:

International airfare

Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki

Passport and visa expenses

Government arrival and departure taxes not specifically mentioned

Travel insurance, including baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical cover

Excess baggage fees on international and domestic flights

Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising

Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified

Phone charges

Voluntary gratuities for shipboard staff and crew

Additional overnight accommodation

Optional adventure activities not listed as included

Extension Possibilities

Because the journey begins and ends through Helsinki, a private Finland extension can be arranged before or after the expedition.

Options may include:

Helsinki design and architecture

Finnish sauna ritual

Nordic dining

Nuuksio National Park

Glacial lakes and ancient forests

Medieval Porvoo

Private cultural or wellness arrangements in Finland

Exclusive Elite Travel Perspective

For Exclusive Elite Travel clients, Spitsbergen Highlights: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic is the strongest choice for travellers seeking a compact, high-impact introduction to Svalbard.

Its value lies in concentration. In only eight days, the itinerary brings together glaciers, fjords, walrus habitat, seabird cliffs, tundra walks, possible polar bear sightings and the operational discipline of a serious polar expedition.

This is particularly well suited to first-time Arctic travellers, time-sensitive clients, wildlife lovers and families or private groups seeking a shorter expedition with authentic High Arctic depth.

A request begins with suite category, physical comfort with Zodiac operations and hiking, optional kayaking or paddling interest, and any desired private arrangements before or after the voyage.

Available via Private Consultation