Svalbard in Spring 8% Advantage

Svalbard in spring combines continuous daylight with a landscape still shaped by snow, glaciers and extensive sea ice. While the pack ice is often close to its annual maximum, the seasonal transition is already visible at the same time: the first meltwater channels, occasional patches of bare ground and the return of migratory birds. The expedition days on board an ice strengthened polar vessel are planned flexibly and follow weather, visibility and the ice charts updated daily, as the sea ice can shift significantly within a short period of time. The focus is on Zodiac cruises and landings whenever conditions allow, as well as observing wildlife along the ice edge and within the fjords. With binoculars and camera to hand, you will look out for polar bears, which in spring are often found where seals are present as a food source. Walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, ringed seals and bearded seals are also possible, complemented by seabirds along coasts and cliffs. Talks and expert guidance from the expedition team on board help to place the landscape, ice and ecosystems in context and to connect observations to the wider picture.

Itinerary: Svalbard in Spring

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki
Your trip begins with your arrival in Helsinki. You make your own way to the group hotel directly at the airport, which is included in the charter flight and hotel package. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can visit museums, galleries and restaurants, plan a Finnish sauna, or stroll through the Design District. For an outing to the city centre, the rail connection is a convenient option and takes around 40 minutes from the airport. In the evening, you return to the hotel.

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Day 2: Charter flight to Longyearbyen and embarkation
After breakfast, the group transfers to Helsinki Airport. From here you fly on a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, also included in the charter flight and hotel package. En route, you can see coastal areas and birch forests of southern Scandinavia give way to taiga and tundra, along with the mountain ranges of Norway and northern Sweden, and the zone where the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea meet. As you approach Svalbard, first views of snow covered ridgelines, glaciers and possibly sea ice may be possible. After landing in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in the archipelago, you are transferred to the harbour, board your expedition ship and settle into your cabin. The expedition begins as the ship departs.

Day 3 to 9: Expedition days in the Svalbard wilderness
These days focus on the Arctic spring with snow, ice and continuous daylight. Sea ice is often close to its annual maximum and shapes the route, which is set each day based on current ice charts and weather conditions, as the ice can move quickly. The aim is to find safe opportunities for exploration, Zodiac cruising, landings and wildlife encounters. Along the ice edge and in areas of drifting ice, you will often spend time on deck. In floe fields, pressure ridges and among icebergs, wildlife may appear, including polar bears hunting for seals along the ice edge. Walruses, Arctic foxes, ivory gulls, as well as ringed seals and bearded seals are also possible. On shore, many bays are still ice filled and the landscape often remains completely snow covered, while some slopes, beaches and valleys have already begun to thaw and reveal bare ground. Mosses and grasses become visible, meltwater may start as small trickles and develop into stronger runoff, and repeated freeze thaw cycles are possible, especially further north and east. As the voyage progresses, migratory birds arrive, and seabird colonies on cliffs may become active with species such as little auks, guillemots and kittiwakes. Whales are also possible, without guarantee. Later in spring, large migratory species may appear in coastal waters, while belugas are present year round and may occasionally move through the sea ice. With several expedition days available, the goal is to visit a range of fjord systems depending on conditions, including Hornsund, Bellsund, Isfjorden, Krossfjorden, Smeerenburgfjorden, Raudfjorden, Woodfjorden and Sorgfjorden. Typical features include steep mountains rising directly from the sea and glaciers that reach the coast and calve ice into the water. Regular landings and Zodiac outings are planned, sometimes on exposed rocky ground, often on snow. If conditions are safe, stepping onto sea ice may also be part of the programme.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen and return flight to Helsinki
Today your time on board comes to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen and are transferred to the airport. From there you fly back to Helsinki on the group charter flight. After arrival, an overnight hotel stay is scheduled, with both included in the charter flight and hotel package. The evening is at your leisure depending on your arrival time.

Day 11: Departure from Helsinki
After breakfast at the included hotel, the travel package ends. You make your own way to the airport for your onward flight home, or, if arranged in advance, stay longer in Helsinki.

Accommodation: You stay on Day 1 and Day 10 in a group hotel directly at Helsinki Airport, each as part of the charter flight and hotel package. During the expedition days you live on board a modern ice class expedition ship designed for polar travel, with comfortable cabins and shared spaces. Facilities include, among other things, a main dining room, lounge and observation areas, a library, fitness options and wellness areas such as a sauna and jacuzzis, depending on the ship in use. Zodiacs are used for outings and landings, and an expedition team supports activities with expert talks and interpretation.

Included:

• Charter flight and hotel package with group hotel at Helsinki Airport
• Transfers within the programme between airport, hotel and harbour
• Expedition cruise on board an ice strengthened polar vessel
• Zodiac cruises and landings as part of the expedition
• Talks and presentations by polar experts on board
• Science and learning opportunities with the expedition team
• Photography support from photo guides on board
• Meals on board according to the onboard programme

Not included:

• International travel to and from Helsinki
• Visa costs and travel insurance
• Mandatory expedition gear and personal clothing
• Onboard expenses and personal incidentals
• Optional adventure activities and trip extensions

Optional upgrades:

• Sea kayaking
• Paddling excursion
• Polar Plunge, exclusive to Ultramarine, if offered on your departure and weather dependent

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