Quest for the Ice Bear

Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard a choice of three truly exceptional small expedition ships. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and wildlife of this simply spectacular region.
9 Days
$6,090

Quest for the Ice Bear - 9 Days - $6,090

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • A full six days exploring Spitsbergen
  • Includes one night at a hotel in Longyearbyen
  • Choice of three small ships one for 53 guests and two for just 12
  • Travel in May or June when big ice is all but guaranteed
  • Hugely experienced polar guides on either vessel
  • All expeditions are 100% climate-compensated

Start from Longyearbyen and end at Longyearbyen

Landmarks potentially visited on Quest for the Ice Bear

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel for the evening.


Day 2 - 8: Expedition

The adventure begins by exploring Longyearbyen before embarking the expedition ship in the afternoon. Sailing out through Isfjorden, you are now in a part of the world where the ice and weather conditions determine the exact itinerary and the wildlife you'll see – the surprise making for all the more excitement. The ambition is to make landings or cruises every day with the Zodiacs.

Some examples of places you may visit are:

Prins Karls Forland – This narrow strip of land is covered by a magnificent and snow-covered mountain chain. The island is also home to many seabirds and harbour seals.

Virgohamna, Danskøya – Two of the most courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon and American journalist Wellman started with an airship. There are still interesting remnants from these expeditions left on this site.

North Spitsbergen – North of Spitsbergen you might meet the edge of the pack ice. Not many ships venture here and you'll be able to soak in the silence and grandeur of this icy landscape. Chances of meeting polar bears also increase as you sail along the ice floes.

Southwest Spitsbergen – The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day you can see the summit of the highest mountain Hornsundtind, measuring 1,431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt for some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals are often seen resting on the fjord ice.

Fantastic fjords – Svalbard offers the visitor countless spectacular fjords. Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and, weather dependent, you can cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pinkfooted geese nest in the area and if lucky you could see the rare king eider.

In Krossfjorden you can revel in the beautifully sculptured front of the 14th of July Glacier to the raucous greeting of the large number of kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots nesting on the nearby cliffs. A favourite spot for seals, Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty dominated by beautiful glaciers, while the bird cliffs are also bursting with activity. In Kongsfjorden, visit the scientific village of Ny-Ålesund where Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. 

Day 9: Longyearbyen

The adventure comes to an end. Early morning, you'll disembark the ship and begin your journey onwards or back home.


NOTE: The exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!


Customer review background image

What our customers think of Quest for the Ice Bear

Our guides' expertise, their experience-based guiding and joyfulness of spirit made our trip!!!! So educational and so fun!

Travelled: June 2022

Carol Copeland - USA

All kinds of opportunities to see so much wildlife and to understand how diligently Svalbard works to protect their own world.

Travelled: June 2022

Carol Copeland - USA

Well organised. Comfortable boat. Great crew and guides.

Travelled: May 2022

Mark Hunter - UK

Review:

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Single Supplement And Child Policy

Single Supplement: For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 1.7 times the cost of a single berth. However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin. 

Child Policy: At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64 lbs or 29kg and 48” or 1.2 metres must be met.

Includes

  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation during the voyage on full board basis
  • All excursions and activities by zodiac
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information 
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites

Excludes

  • Flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specific to the itinerary
  • Optional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival and departure taxes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, beverages) 
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gifts, drinks)

Questions about this Voyage?