Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland
Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland
13 Days Starting in Helsinki and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Helsinki, Finland, Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark, Exploring Spitsbergen, Cruising at Sea, Exploring Jan Mayen, Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland, Reykjavik Iceland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 199
Age range:
8-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
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!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki, Finland
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Accommodation: Hotel
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
Location: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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
Location: Exploring Spitsbergen
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
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
Location: Cruising at Sea
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
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
Location: Exploring Jan Mayen
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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
Location: Cruising at Sea
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
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
Location: Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , Plane
Accommodation
- Hotel (2 nights) Expedition Cruise ship (10 nights)
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, 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.
Mode of Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , Plane
Check out our Q&As
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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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions