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Holidays

Around Svalbard & Kvitoya

Arctic, Svalbard, Norway
Available Departures: Aug

10 days from

US$5,650

without flights
Polar
Guided Group
LEISURELY LEISURELY

Circumnavigating the Svalbard archipelago, including the rarely visited Kvitoya in the land of the midnight sun

Trip Code: PKV
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Around Svalbard & Kvitoya

Highlights
  • A visit to the ice capped island of Kvitoya at the eastern extreme of the Svalbard archipelago and a chance to see the walrus colony that call this island home
  • Opportunities to explore off ship daily with the Zodiac shore excursion team
  • Chances to hike, and on some departures kayak, on and around the islands of Svalbard
  • Surrounded by stunning Arctic wildlife including seabirds, seals, arctic foxes, and hopefully polar bears too

At a Glance
  • Group Size 1 to 132
  • 10 days sailing and wildlife viewing aboard the M/V Hondius or M/V Plancius
  • Join In Longyearbyen

Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 9 nights Boat
Overview

A ten day cruise around the archipelago of Svalbard (aka Spitsbergen), with an added visit to the farthest eastern island of Kvitoya.

This is an alternative version of the 'In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice' cruise we also operate, with a variation in the middle of the trip, heading to the less visited island of Kvitoya on the far eastern edge of the archipelago. This island is almost completely covered in a solid ice cap, save for the eastern tip of the island which has been claimed by the walruses. These tusked giants haul out in their masses for a sunbathe, and hopefully we’ll get chance to view them up close.

We’ll visit the many and varied glaciers of the islands, including the Fourteenth of July Glacier, and the Schweigaardbreen Glacier, and see the kittiwakes wheeling through the air above the calving faces of these huge ice forms. We’ll delve into the history of the world’s most northerly community of Ny Alesund, and see the haunting discarded skeletons of the beluga whales that were hunted here in the 19th century. Our trip will be packed full of incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, including sunbathing walruses in huge haul outs by the sea, noisy seabird colonies with terns, auks and guillemots passing overhead in their thousands to graze on the krill and small fish of this bountiful northern ocean, and reindeer and arctic foxes carefully camouflaged against the mottled green hillsides full of hardy summertime blooms. The highlight would of course be the potential to see the Arctic’s most impressive apex predator, the polar bear. Our expert guides will be on hand with eyes peeled and facts poised to make the most of your wildlife and historical experiences.

Is this holiday for you?

This is principally a touring, sightseeing and wildlife viewing holiday, with minimal exertion required. If you choose to go ashore, you will need to make the transfers from the ship to a Zodiac and onto land. Short walks on the islands of Spitsbergen are optional and weather dependent. You should also consider that some of the classes of accommodation involve the use of bunk-beds. Whilst on de …

This is principally a touring, sightseeing and wildlife viewing holiday, with minimal exertion required. If you choose to go ashore, you will need to make the transfers from the ship to a Zodiac and onto land. Short walks on the islands of Spitsbergen are optional and weather dependent. You should also consider that some of the classes of accommodation involve the use of bunk-beds. Whilst on deck or during excursions, you need to be prepared for cold temperatures. The itinerary remains flexible, according to the variability of the weather and sea conditions and the locations of wildlife, particularly of polar bears. On certain departures you can book kayaking, experience is essential for these kayaking excursions. All equipment is provided. Early booking is essential. Cabin upgrades are also available.

Why KE?

A polar cruise with the comfort of being aboard a 100+ passenger ice-strengthened vessel. First hand office experience of people that have been there and loved it. Paddle around the coastline of remote fjords, hike to see walrus and seabird colonies, and gaze in awe at the sheer size of the Braswellbreen Glacier. A truly breath-taking trip from a comfortable base. All meals on board, zodiac excursions and optional hikes included. Kayaking available on some departures is the only optional extra with a fee.

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Itinerary

After arriving in Longyearbyen we will have a few hours to acquaint ourselves with this small but perfectly formed and very international feeling community. Initially a whaling station, and latterly a mining community, this port now relies on the tourism and conservation industries. In the evening we board our ice-strengthened ship and set sail out of Isfjorden, bound for the open waters west of Svalbard.

Accommodation

Boat

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Our overnight journey north along the west coast of Svalbard brings us to Krossfjorden by morning. Conditions permitting, we'll board the Zodiac shore boats and head for the face of the Fourteenth of July Glacier and admire its icy blue white face. On the adjacent green slopes a vast array of flowers bloom, enjoying the rich soils provided from the guano expelled from the seabird nests in the cliffs above. Among these nests are kittiwakes and Brunnich's Guillemot, the former spending hours scooting through the sea foam looking for small fish to pick off should they swim too close to the surface. In the afternoon we'll continue north to Ny Alesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth. Like Longyearbyen, this was once a mining village, and is now a polar research centre. Arctic fox are known to inhabit this village and it's surrounds, opportunistically preying on the chicks of barnacle geese and arctic terns, both of which use the area as a breeding ground.

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The northernmost point of our voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in the Seven Islands. Here we reach 80° north, just 870 km (540 miles) from the geographic North Pole! We'll aim to spend some time here, parked among the pack ice, before wheeling around west again. Polar bears and walrus inhabit this beautiful if desolate landscape, so keep a look out for these giants of the Arctic.

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Pushing east to Nordaustlandet, you reach the area where the Italian captain Sora tried to rescue the Nobile Expedition in 1928. The focal point of today's cruise is the great glacier front of Schweigaardbreen, occasionally calving with great force into the cold depths of the arctic waters. You may also land at Firkantbukta, getting the chance to gain some altitude and take a few higher-elevation photos. Alternately, you could make a Zodiac cruise near Storøya, where you might encounter walruses.

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Today we reach the easternmost point of Svalbard, and in fact the most easterly territory of Norway, the ice capped island of Kvitoya. You may have the opportunity to land at the western tip of the island at Andreeneset, where the Swedish explorer S. A. Andree and his companions met their demise back in 1897. We may also get the chance to visit the eastern tip of this island at Kraemerpynten where a large colony of walruses usually reside.

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South of Nordaustlandet we will reach the former Nunatak area of Isisoya, which was once surrounded by glaciers, but is now an island surrounded by the freezing Arctic Ocean. We may also have time to visit Braswellbreen which is part of the largest ice cap in Europe, it's cliff face is around 180km long in total. It is a stunning sight made all the more incredible by it's impressive melt-water waterfalls.

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Boat

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After a wakeup call at 0730 (our guides take it in turns to do the wakeup call over the tannoy) and the usual amazing breakfast at 0800, we layer up our clothing and head out in the Zodiacs. The plan is to make landings in Freemansundet, though the presence of polar bears sometimes make this impossible. Potential stops on Barentsoya include the old trapper's hut at Sundneset, Kapp Waldburg's kittiwake colony, and Rindedalen where we may walk across the tundra. We might also have chance to cruise south to Diskobukta, though Kapp Lee is more likely our destination. On Kapp Lee is a walrus haul-out, Pomor ruins, and maybe a hike along Edgeoya. A jam packed day full of history, wildlife and incredible sights.

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We start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen. We'll take in views of the spire-like peaks of Hornsundtind (1,431m) and Bautaen, perfect illustrations of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales and polar bears.

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B L D

Today we find ourselves in Bellsund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are more excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. One such possibility is Ahlstrandhalvoya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted to extinction, and we have a good chance of coming across a pod today. Alternatively, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, we can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as rock slopes where little auks are breeding.

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We disembark in the morning and transfers to the airport are provided. KE Land Only package services end with a transfer to the airport.

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Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point Point
Boat

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Expert expedition staff and sailing staff
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals on board
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac

  • Travel insurance
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Tips for staff
  • Kayking excursions *select Ortelius/Hondius departures Meals other than those on board the ship
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.


TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

If flying from the UK there are low cost airlines available to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

A group transfer to/from Longyearbyen Airport is provided: Usually x1 main flight on arrival day, and x2 main flights on departure day.

On arrival day, passengers are transferred from the airport to city center where they can spend some time on their own behalf. Your luggage will be taken to the ship with a separate luggage truck.

If you are purchasing your own flights you must provide the KE office with full details of your flights. Emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals on board the ship are included, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10.

On board the ship a diverse range of international dishes are available. Meals are prepared and catered by professional chefs and all meals are included in the holiday price. Special dietary requirements, including vegetarianism, can be accommodated with advance notice (please advise at the time of booking). Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are not included and can be purchased in the dining room or the lounge areas.

Water is drinkable from the taps on this holiday. Please fill your personal bottles for your day in the morning. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

 

Depending on departure, you will either board the M/V Ortelius, M/V Plancius or M/V Hondius for the duration of your trip. Each are 100+ passenger vessels originally designed as ice-strengthened polar science expedition ships with re-inforced hulls and comfortable living quarters. Standard accommodation is quad berth cabin with porthole. All cabins have en-suite facilities. All accommodation is on a sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will share a cabin with other clients of the same sex. Upgrades are available to triple or twin berth with porthole, twin berth with window, and superior/ suite. Depending on availability, it is also possible to arrange a single cabin. Please contact the office for upgrade and single cabin prices. Please note that if you wish to upgrade ensure that you book early to avoid disappointment.

A carefully chosen professional and qualified team will lead your voyage. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. The expedition staff will work conscientiously with you, on deck and in the field, to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table.

It is not practical to set a recommended amount for personal spending money on a holiday like this. All meals while on board and the daily Zodiac excursions, are included in the trip price. The main extra spend on board will be on drinks and this will vary greatly from person to person. On board ship, bar bills can be put on a tab and paid at the end of the cruise by credit or debit card or in cash Euros. You will also need some money for any meals taken in Longyearbyen and for tips.

Please note - You will not be able to exchange your foreign money to Norwegian krone in Svalbard. Many of Longyearbyen’s stores and restaurants will however accept almost any debit or credit card. You will find an ATM in the post and bank building, in the middle of the pedestrian street.

It is not practical to set a recommended amount for personal spending money on a holiday like this. All meals while on board and the daily Zodiac excursions, are included in the trip price. The main extra spend on board will be on drinks and this will vary greatly from person to person. On board ship, bar bills can be put on a tab and paid at the end of the cruise by credit or debit card or in cash Euros. You will also need some money for any meals taken in Longyearbyen and for tips.

Please note - You will not be able to exchange your foreign money to Norwegian krone in Svalbard. Many of Longyearbyen’s stores and restaurants will however accept almost any debit or credit card. You will find an ATM in the post and bank building, in the middle of the pedestrian street.

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution in one envelope at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew and staff. You will receive detailed guidelines aboard. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. It is better for the crew and staff, if you can give them cash, either US Dollars or Euros. You may give individually and / or communally as a personal ‘thank you’ to one or more of the ship’s personnel. As a guide, we recommend you allow $15 - 20 per day for tips to your crew and expedition staff.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Your baggage will be kept in your cabin with you and there is a finite amount of space, a soft bag is the most suitable as they are easier to store in the cabin. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.  Please note that you should be able to carry your own luggage.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

The unit of currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

This holiday is part of our Explore International range. Participants on these trips can book through KE or through one of our international partners. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get your holiday up and running quickly. Led by an English-speaking guide, the cosmopolitan nature of these groups can be an important part of the experience!

Extensions

Extension Details

Sea Kayaking - Arctic

1 Day

Going eye to eye with an inquisitive whale is a rare and special moment that will carve itself into your memory. Kayaking isn't just an outdoor adventure, it's an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. You'll venture out to sheltered bays and areas known for calmer waters and take part in group kayaking trips led by our experienced and skilled leaders. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment!

Extension Code: KPSD
Sharing Price from
US$450
Single Traveller Price from
US$450
Deposit Per Person from
US$200

Extension Itinerary

We will endeavour to provide our kayaking activities as often as the ship's schedule, weather and ice conditions permit. On Ortelius: min. 4, max. 14 kayakers. On Hondius min. 4, max. 28 kayakers. The standard kayak program makes use of hard shell double seat kayaks. Basic kayaking experience is helpful, but it is not a requirement. The purpose of our kayak excursions is to enjoy the scenery, wildlife and the sounds.

Whats Included
  • Tandem kayaks and single kayaks (though we will predominantly use tandem kayaks
  • depending on participant numbers and experience) Paddles with anti-drip rings Basic (4-mm neoprene) wetsuits in different sizes Kayak spray decks Personal floatation devices (PFD) Neoprene booties & neoprene mittens
What's Not Included
  • Additional non-specialist clothing for paddling (gloves and socks etc) - see kit list
DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Around Svalbard & Kvitoya
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: PKV /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Mon 4 Aug and ends on Wed 13 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,530
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Around Svalbard & Kvitoya
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: PKV /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Thu 14 Aug and ends on Sat 23 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,530
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Longyearbyen. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Longyearbyen Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to 'Joining Arrangements and Transfers' for further details.

Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE


Optional Kayaking

Our kayaking option is only available on some departures. If you wish to add some kayaking to your experience, the perfect way to silently coast along the fjords, or get up close to the seacliffs, glaciers and shore bound wildlife, then please speak to our sales team to ensure you are booked on to the correct departure. Read the 'Extend Your Holiday' tab for more information.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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