Svalbard in Summer: Tundra, Whales and Wildlife
An 11-day Svalbard expedition in the height of summer, with long daylight, active tundra and a choice of two modern ships.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Why we picked it
This gives travellers a modern, higher-comfort ship without losing the fundamentals of a Svalbard expedition. Seven exploration days focus on walks, Zodiac cruising, wildlife and summer ecology, with Helsinki charter logistics packaged around the voyage.
Travellers who want an active Svalbard programme, strong learning and discovery, and a modern cabin or balcony.
Two capable expedition ships, broad activity choices and a dedicated science and discovery programme.
Ocean Explorer carries up to 138 guests and Ultramarine up to 199. The guest count and onboard atmosphere differ, so compare the departure ship as well as the cabin.
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 Helsinki airport hotel, fly by private charter to Longyearbyen, then spend seven days exploring Svalbard before the return charter to Helsinki.
Seven expedition days across Svalbard
The team chooses among the west-coast fjords, northern pack ice, Hinlopen Strait and southern landing areas. Summer tundra, seabird colonies and whale watching complement the continual search for bears, walrus and reindeer.
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 Helsinki
Make your way to Quark’s included airport hotel and meet the ground team. Build in additional time if you want to explore central Helsinki independently.
Fly to Longyearbyen and embark
Take the private charter flight to Svalbard and board Ocean Explorer or Ultramarine. Briefings introduce the ship and expedition operation.
Western fjords and tundra
Look for landing sites where receding snow reveals moss campion, saxifrage and other tundra plants. Guided walks range in pace while Zodiacs explore glacier fronts and wildlife-rich shores.
Wildlife and the northern ice
Follow the day’s best conditions for walrus, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer and seabirds. If the pack-ice position allows, the ship spends time scanning the ice edge for polar bears.
Hinlopen Strait and eastern possibilities
When ice permits, the route may include Alkefjellet’s immense guillemot colony and the more austere landscapes of eastern Svalbard. The west coast provides alternatives when the strait is closed.
Southern Spitsbergen
Explore glacier valleys, historic sites and wildlife habitats on the return towards Isfjorden. Longer summer walks are possible when conditions suit.
Disembark and fly to Helsinki
Leave the ship in Longyearbyen and return to Helsinki by private charter. Confirm the charter timing before booking onward travel.
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.
| Starts | Ends | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 2 June 2027 | 12 June 2027 | Ocean Explorer |
| 9 June 2027 | 19 June 2027 | Ultramarine |
| 10 June 2027 | 20 June 2027 | Ocean Explorer |
| 17 June 2027 | 27 June 2027 | Ultramarine |
| 18 June 2027 | 28 June 2027 | Ocean Explorer |
| 26 June 2027 | 6 July 2027 | Ocean Explorer |
| 4 July 2027 | 14 July 2027 | Ocean Explorer |
| 12 July 2027 | 22 July 2027 | Ocean Explorer |
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 Ocean Explorer / Ultramarine
Ocean Explorer is a contemporary 138-guest ship with extensive glass, an observation lounge and predominantly veranda accommodation. Ultramarine carries 199 guests and adds two helicopters, 20 quick-launch Zodiacs, a large ready room and spacious suites. The operating ship is fixed by departure.
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.
Ocean Explorer Studio Single
Dedicated single accommodation with an exterior view.
Ocean Explorer Studio Veranda
A compact twin or double option with a private veranda.
Ocean Explorer Veranda Stateroom
Comfortable veranda accommodation for two.
Ocean Explorer Junior Suite
More living space and a private veranda.
Ocean Explorer Penthouse Suite
Upper-category suite with expanded space and views.
Ocean Explorer Owner’s Suite
The ship’s largest category with separate living space.
Ultramarine Explorer Triple
A shared three-berth option with private facilities.
Ultramarine Explorer Suite
Entry-level twin accommodation aboard Ultramarine.
Ultramarine Balcony Suite
Private balcony and flexible bedding configuration.
Activities and inclusions
Included
- Helsinki airport hotel night and breakfast
- Return private charter flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen
- Ship accommodation, meals and non-alcoholic beverages
- Expedition landings, Zodiac cruises, lectures and science programme
- Parka to keep and loan waterproof boots
Budget separately
- International flights to and from Helsinki
- Mandatory hotel and charter package where itemised separately
- Optional sea kayaking and paddling excursion
- Travel and evacuation insurance
- Gratuities, alcoholic drinks and personal costs
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 7 September 2026 against the operator’s published itinerary, dates and ship information. We reconfirm the programme, fare, cabin and booking terms with your live quote.