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.
