Svalbard Arctic Wildlife Expeditions 2027 2028
A curated collection of Svalbard expeditions, from spring sea ice and summer tundra to Spitsbergen highlights, full circumnavigation and the rare Scotland to Spitsbergen route through puffins, pack ice and Arctic wildlife.
A curated collection of Svalbard expeditions, from spring sea ice and summer tundra to Spitsbergen highlights, full circumnavigation and the rare Scotland to Spitsbergen route through puffins, pack ice and Arctic wildlife.
Svalbard is one of the most powerful wildlife regions in the Arctic.
Set between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this remote archipelago is defined by glaciers, fjords, sea ice, tundra, bird cliffs and long Arctic daylight. It is a place where polar bears may move across the ice, walruses rest along the shore, reindeer graze the tundra and seabirds fill the cliffs in extraordinary numbers.
This collection brings together several ways to experience Svalbard: early-season voyages when snow and fast ice still shape the landscape, summer expeditions when tundra, whales and wildlife become more active, shorter high-impact journeys around Spitsbergen, a rare full circumnavigation attempt and a remarkable route from Scotland to Svalbard through puffin colonies, sea ice and remote northern waters.
Pentru Călătorii exclusive de elită clients, Svalbard is best understood as the Arctic’s wildlife capital: raw, seasonal, unpredictable and profoundly alive.
Region at a Glance
Primary Region
Svalbard, Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen, Arctic Ocean, Greenland Sea, Barents Sea and, on selected itineraries, Scotland, Orkney, Shetland and Bear Island.
Season
May to July 2027, depending on itinerary and vessel.
Duration Range
8 to 17 days.
Main Ports and Gateways
Longyearbyen, Svalbard; Helsinki, Finland, for charter flight arrangements; Aberdeen, Scotland, for the Scotland to Spitsbergen itinerary.
Ships
Ultramarin și Ocean Explorer, depending on itinerary and departure.
Core Experience: Polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, belugas, whales, seabird cliffs, fjords, glaciers, sea ice, Zodiac cruising, shore landings, hiking, sea kayaking, paddling excursions, guided photography and polar expert interpretation.
Prețuri
Available on request, according to itinerary, departure date, vessel, suite category, cabin availability and any special offers valid at the time of proposal or reservation.
Departure Availability
Selected departures operate during the Arctic 2027 season. Availability, routing, ship allocation, suite categories and optional activities should be confirmed privately before proposal.
The Expedition Portfolio
Scotland to Spitsbergen: Puffins, Sea Ice and Wildlife
This 17-day itinerary is one of the most varied Arctic journeys in the collection, beginning in Aberdeen, Scotland, and ending in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
The route starts with the cultural and natural contrasts of the Orkney and Shetland Islands, where guests may encounter puffins, seabird colonies and Neolithic history before crossing the Norwegian Sea toward Bear Island and the Svalbard archipelago.
Because the voyage operates in May, sea ice may still be present in fjords such as Storfjorden, increasing the possibility of wildlife encounters with walruses, seals, polar bears and Arctic birds. A special ornithology and history dimension gives this itinerary particular depth for travellers interested in birds, exploration and remote North Atlantic geography.
This itinerary operates aboard Ultramarin, with charter flight arrangements from Longyearbyen to Helsinki.
Svalbard in Spring: Sea Ice, Pristine Snow and Wildlife
This 11- or 12-day expedition offers a rare view of Svalbard as the Arctic awakens.
Travelling roundtrip from Longyearbyen, with charter flight arrangements to and from Helsinki, the voyage is shaped by 24-hour daylight, snow-covered mountains, expansive sea ice and the first signs of seasonal life returning to the High Arctic.
The silence begins to change as birds arrive, meltwater appears, sea ice cracks and the tundra slowly emerges from winter. It is a strong choice for travellers who want Svalbard in its more austere and elemental early-season state.
Departures are scheduled in May, aboard Ultramarin or Ocean Explorer, depending on departure.
Svalbard in Summer: Tundra, Whales and Wildlife
This 11-day itinerary presents Svalbard at its most open and biologically active.
Operating during June and July, the voyage begins and ends in Longyearbyen, with charter flight arrangements to and from Helsinki. With warmer temperatures, long daylight and receding snow cover, guests have increased opportunities for shore exploration, Zodiac cruising and wildlife observation.
The Arctic summer may bring wildflowers, tundra colour, whales, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds and, with luck, polar bears. This itinerary is well suited to travellers who want a more active, varied and visibly alive Arctic landscape.
Departures may operate aboard Ultramarin or Ocean Explorer.
Spitsbergen Highlights: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic
This 8-day itinerary is designed for travellers who want the strongest possible Svalbard experience within a shorter timeframe.
The journey begins and ends in Longyearbyen, with charter flight arrangements to and from Helsinki, and operates aboard Ultramarin.
The route is focused on maximising time in the Svalbard wilderness: fjords, glaciers, wildlife habitats, Zodiac cruising, hiking and opportunities to observe walruses, Arctic birds, reindeer, polar bears and other iconic species of the High Arctic.
It is a compact expedition, but still genuinely polar in character.
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
This 15-day itinerary is the most comprehensive Svalbard expedition in the collection.
The journey begins and ends in Longyearbyen, with charter flight arrangements to and from Helsinki, and operates aboard Ultramarin.
The defining ambition is a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. When sea ice and weather allow, this creates a rare complete encounter with the island’s coastline, fjords, landing sites, maritime history and wildlife habitats.
Highlights may include walruses, reindeer, polar bears, historic sites and major birdwatching locations such as 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet.
Ships and Expedition Expertise
The Svalbard collection operates aboard small polar vessels designed for access, observation and off-ship exploration.
Ultramarin carries up to 199 guests with 140 staff and crew and has a PC6 ice classification. It offers spacious suites, extensive observation decks, 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, onboard wellness spaces, a Science Hub and refined expedition facilities. Its helicopters do not operate in Svalbard, so exploration in this region is centred on ship, Zodiac, shore and kayak access.
Ocean Explorer carries up to 138 guests with 105 staff and crew and has 1A, PC6 ice classification. Its modern design includes the ULSTEIN X-BOW, extensive observation spaces, Scandinavian-style cabins, a Discovery Library, spa, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzis.
Across the programme, guests are guided by polar specialists in wildlife, glaciology, history, marine biology, ecology, ornithology, photography and expedition operations.
What the Expedition Programme Includes
Inclusions vary by itinerary, vessel, suite category and departure, but the core framework may include:
A 3-in-1 polar expedition parka to keep
Loan of waterproof neoprene muck boots
Leadership by an experienced polar expedition team
Zodiac cruising and shore landings
Guided walks and hikes
Educational programming and expert presentations
Three meals daily, plus snacks
Complimentary select beer, wine and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Basic Wi-Fi where satellite service permits
Taxes and port charges
Online photo journal after the voyage
Included hotels where applicable
Port transfers to and from the vessel
Entrance fees to relevant parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic sites
Optional activities vary by departure and may include sea kayaking, paddling excursions, polar plunge and guided photography.
Extension Possibilities
Depending on routing, a private pre- or post-expedition extension in Helsinki can be arranged.
This may include Nordic architecture, the Design District, waterfront culture, Finnish sauna ritual, Nuuksio National Park, glacial lakes, ancient forests and medieval Porvoo.
Perspectivă exclusivă de călătorie de elită
Pentru Călătorii exclusive de elită clients, Svalbard is the ideal Arctic choice for travellers who place wildlife first.
The region offers extraordinary polar drama within a relatively focused geography: bears, walruses, reindeer, seabird cliffs, glaciers, fjords, sea ice and midnight sun. The choice between itineraries should be shaped by season, desired intensity, time available and appetite for a full circumnavigation.
This is not a passive cruise product. It is an expedition framework built around expert judgement, weather, ice, wildlife and the ability to respond intelligently to conditions in real time.
A request begins with preferred travel window, desired duration, wildlife priorities, vessel preference, suite category and optional activity interests.
