Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya
A 14-day, small-ship attempt to explore around Spitsbergen and reach the remote eastern islands, including Kvitøya when ice permits. Kvitøya is a remote, largely ice-covered island in northeast Svalbard.
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Book with experienced expedition guides. Independent advice, personal support and no EA service fee.
Why we picked it
This is one of the most substantial Svalbard programmes in EA’s range. Eleven expedition days create time to search the pack-ice edge, visit the western fjords and attempt the much less frequently reached east, while Sea Spirit keeps the operation to 114 guests.
Wildlife-focused travellers who want maximum Svalbard time with more suite space than a traditional expedition ship.
Eleven expedition days and an ambitious attempt to include Kvitøya and the wider archipelago.
A complete circumnavigation and Kvitøya are never assured. Ice can redirect the ship to an equally valid west-coast programme.
Considering this voyage? Ask our team how its cabins, activities and overall trip compare with other Arctic options.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Arctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our polar guiding experience helps you understand sea conditions, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Get practical flight, packing and preparation guidance, plus a pre-departure call with a regional guide. We can book your hotels and transfers with no extra booking fee.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
The voyage at a glance
Begin with an included Longyearbyen hotel night, board Sea Spirit the following afternoon, then spend eleven flexible days exploring Svalbard before returning to Longyearbyen.
An in-depth circuit shaped by the ice
The team normally works north from the west coast towards the pack ice before assessing Hinlopen Strait, Nordaustlandet and the eastern islands. The route then returns through southern or western Spitsbergen according to conditions.
Your expedition, day by day
This is an expedition programme rather than a fixed port schedule. The captain and expedition leader adjust the route to weather, sea ice, wildlife and local conditions.
Arrive in Longyearbyen
Meet the operator team, transfer to the included hotel and use the afternoon to explore the compact settlement and Svalbard Museum.
Embark Sea Spirit
Transfer to the ship, meet the expedition team and sail into Isfjorden beneath the midnight sun.
Northwest Svalbard
Explore glacier-lined fjords, historic sites and tundra landing areas by Zodiac and on foot while the bridge and expedition team watch continuously for wildlife.
The polar ice edge
Spend time along the mobile pack-ice boundary, scanning for polar bears, seals and seabirds. The ship’s position depends entirely on that season’s ice.
Hinlopen Strait, Nordaustlandet and Kvitøya attempt
If ice allows, work through the eastern archipelago towards the bird cliffs, polar desert and seldom-visited Kvitøya. Alternative sites preserve the expedition value when the east is blocked.
Southern and western Spitsbergen
Follow the most rewarding route back through glacier fjords and tundra. Expect a mix of Zodiac cruising, shore walks, wildlife observation and lectures.
Disembark in Longyearbyen
Leave Sea Spirit after breakfast and join the included transfer and town sightseeing before onward arrangements.
Wildlife sightings and individual landings are never guaranteed. Images illustrate the region and experience; the final sequence varies by departure.
Dates & departures
Selected published departures are shown below. Ask us to confirm the current schedule, ship and cabin availability for your preferred dates.
| Hotel arrival | Embarkation | Disembarkation |
|---|---|---|
| 7 July 2027 | 8 July 2027 | 20 July 2027 |
Plan your voyage
Ask about this voyage, check availability or request a quote. We’ll confirm the complete trip cost, inclusions and any applicable operator offers for your chosen departure.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Life aboard Sea Spirit · 114 guests
Sea Spirit is a small, all-suite expedition ship with generous cabin space, open decks, a presentation lounge, restaurant, club lounge and a fleet of Zodiacs. Its 114-guest capacity supports a relatively compact landing operation.
Operator ship film.
Operator regional film. Wildlife and landing conditions vary.
Choose your cabin
Cabin photographs are representative. Layout, outlook and bedding can vary, so we check the exact cabin before you commit.
Triple Suite
A practical shared option with three lower berths, private bathroom and exterior view.
Main Deck Suite
A spacious twin or king configuration on the Main Deck.
Single Suite
Dedicated private accommodation for one traveller.
Classic Suite
Twin or king bedding with a picture window.
Superior Suite
Additional floor space and a comfortable sitting area.
Deluxe Suite
A larger suite with a private balcony.
Premium Suite
Balcony accommodation with an expanded living area.
Owner’s Suite
The largest category, with a separate living room and private deck.
Activities and inclusions
Included
- Included Longyearbyen hotel night and listed group transfers
- Cabin accommodation, meals and all-inclusive house beverage package
- Expedition landings, Zodiac cruises, lectures and photography programme
- Expedition parka to keep, loan rubber boots and onboard Wi-Fi
- AECO fees, government taxes and port charges
Budget separately
- Flights to and from Longyearbyen
- Optional sea kayaking, if confirmed available for your departure; places must be booked separately
- Travel and emergency evacuation insurance
- Gratuities, laundry and personal purchases
Svalbard wildlife rules require a minimum distance of 500 metres from polar bears from 1 March to 30 June, and 300 metres from 1 July. This seasonal change does not relax other landing restrictions or guarantee closer encounters. The expedition team follows current rules, permissions and safe operating conditions. AECO polar bear guidance.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your wishes, dates and questions. We’ll help you choose with confidence.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Voyage information checked 2 October 2026 against the operator’s published itinerary, dates and ship information. We reconfirm the programme, fare, cabin and booking terms with your live quote.