Svalbard Explorer

We're putting the finishing touches on this exciting expedition. Click here to make sure you're among the first to get the Detailed Itinerary.

 

Svalbard remains uncharted territory for most North Americans. Situated far above Norway, this remote High Arctic archipelago is a vast wilderness area of ice sheets, cliffs, tundra and mountains, whose northern borders and channels are firmly clenched by the solid sheet of sea ice that forms each winter. It is inhabited only by that High Arctic wildlife adapted to its rigours, and here that wildlife thrives.

On this exclusively chartered expedition cruise, we course the archipelago’s rugged coastlines and inlets with a special interest in Spitsbergen, the largest island. We’ll admire and experience Svalbard’s spectacular landscapes from our vessel and through a combination of Zodiac cruises and walks, ever watchful for wildlife and for spontaneous opportunities for discovery. Polar Bears find a stronghold here, and Svalbard offers a good chance to see them while they are still coursing over sea ice. Atlantic Walrus and Svalbard Reindeer can usually be seen well. The bird life is exquisite, with the gorgeous Red Phalarope, King Eider and Ivory Gull being standouts among a variety of other sea and land birds getting on with breeding activities. The tundra flora will be awakening as well! Wildlife and scenery photographic opportunities abound as we skirt huge glaciers and jagged peaks!

We’ll sail on a customized itinerary upon the MV Polarfront, a small (16-passenger) vessel that gives us maximum maneuverability and provides the highest degree of comfort without losing that ‘expedition feel’ that Quest travellers enjoy. This is a high value and high impact experience. If you love big, wild spaces, please join us on this exclusive journey!