Highlights of Spitsbergen holiday
Description of Highlights of Spitsbergen holiday
Set sail on a classic Spitsbergen expedition, where dramatic landscapes and remarkable wildlife take centre stage. From towering glaciers and drifting icebergs to breathtaking fjords and tundra, each day offers a new opportunity to explore the Arctic wilderness by ship, Zodiac, or on foot. With luck and patience, you may spot iconic species like polar bears, reindeer, walrus, and Arctic foxes, as well as whales and vibrant bird colonies.
Whether cruising near sea ice or venturing ashore to historic sites, this voyage immerses you in the remote beauty of the Svalbard archipelago. Early-season departures offer the thrill of navigating vast ice floes, while later trips allow deeper exploration into the region’s untouched corners. Every moment is shaped by nature, making each journey truly unique.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore through the spectacular wilderness of Spitsbergen's west coast, with great chances of seeing polar bears
- Observe whales, walrus, seals Arctic fox, reindeer and other iconic wildlife
- Myriad birdlife including rare ivory gull and others
- Spectacular mountain and glacial scenery at every turn
- Exciting Zodiac excursions and guided shore visits
- Midnight sun
- Kayaking options available (fees apply)
Various departures available aboard The Expedition. Please enquire for full dates and rates. Lowest prices shown are per person based on sharing a triple cabin.
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Reviews
5 Reviews of Highlights of Spitsbergen holiday
Reviewed on 27 Jun 2024 by Lara Morgan
I had the time of my life - I only hit home 7 hours ago and if I could go back tomorrow then I'd fling another handful of frozen pizzas at the family and get myself straight back over to Svalbard!! Thank you for recommending this trip - I loved it! Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Jun 2024 by Caroline Huxford
It was all perfect. The ship, the staff and the wildlife. Everything was done in consideration of conservation. We collected any rubbish found on beaches. The wildlife was the priority at all times. Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Aug 2023 by Carol Cronin
I saw a polar bear, lots of walruses, seals, reindeer and an arctic fox as well as a wide variety of birds... It was excellent. It was really well organised and being on a smaller ship with around 100 passengers meant the stops were not overwhelmed with tourists. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONAs custodians of our planet, we only choose to work with partners who share our unwavering commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of travel. On this Arctic expedition, the operators of your tour have refurbished The Expedition ship with more efficient engines and upgraded systems, reducing the carbon footprint per passenger by up to 30%. The new technology also creates a quieter experience, which is better for both the environment and the marine life we encounter.
The journey uses one shared vessel for all guests, with small Zodiac boats for shore landings, reducing per-person CO2 emissions. On land, you’ll explore via human-powered activities such as guided hikes, kayaking, and nature walks, creating a zero-emission connection with the Arctic landscape.
Vegetarian and vegan dining options are available daily, and menus prioritise seasonal and locally sourced ingredients where possible. Before you travel, we share advice on making low-carbon choices to and from the embarkation point, and we encourage our travellers to apply these practices at home.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
We believe tourism should actively help protect the places it touches. That’s why we partner with operators whose animal welfare and conservation practices are of the highest standard. The operators of your tour follow strict wildlife interaction protocols, developed in partnership with World Animal Protection, The Jane Goodall Institute, and The World Cetacean Alliance, ensuring the well-being of every species encountered.
Your expedition directly supports biodiversity protection through park entry fees and scientific monitoring initiatives. For every day you travel, a tree will be planted through the “Trees for Days” initiative, a tangible step towards restoring ecosystems worldwide.
On board, the operators are eliminating single-use plastics, managing waste responsibly, and minimising pollution and water consumption. All excursions are led by expert naturalists who promote conservation, share their knowledge of Arctic ecosystems, and ensure minimal impact during landings.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYWe are committed to ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are felt locally. The operators of your tour work with local guides, suppliers, and cultural partners in the Arctic region, ensuring that communities benefit directly from your visit. Where possible, goods and services are sourced from community-based enterprises.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Our values are rooted in respect, equality, and opportunity for all. We work only with partners who uphold these principles. We are committed to inclusive travel experiences where every guest feels welcome and respected. The Expedition is LGBTQ+ friendly, and the operators follow a strict Traveller Conduct Policy which ensures a respectful and safe environment for all, including staff, partners, and local communities.
They employ local people wherever possible and engage respectfully with Indigenous Arctic communities, ensuring that tourism supports, rather than disrupts, cultural heritage. Through their non-profit partner, Planeterra, they also create income-generating opportunities for underrepresented groups worldwide.
As an agent, we extend these values to our own operations. We actively support wildlife conservation charities globally, implement sustainable practices in our workplace, and continuously monitor the sustainability of the tours we offer. By travelling with us, you join a network of responsible travellers committed to tackling climate change, protecting biodiversity, and championing inclusivity.
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