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Photographing a Polar Bear on ice

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Contemplating walruses at a haul-out

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Cruising spectacular ice-laden channels

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Witnessing seabirds swirling overhead

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Sharing the tundra with reindeer and ptarmigans

Svalbard Explorer

Jun 19-29, 2022

11 days | Arctic | Expedition Cruise

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 is the best place in the world to see them on ice during the summer months. Atlantic Walrus and Svalbard Reindeer can also be seen well, along with a variety of other terrestrial and marine mammals. 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! We’ll sail on a customized itinerary upon the MV Polarfront, a small (12-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 for just 12 passengers. If you love big, wild spaces, please join us on this exclusive journey!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$13500 (incl. taxes and gratuities)

Group Size:

12 participants

What’s included: Services and meals as listed in the itinerary; 10-night cruise aboard the M/V Polarfront based on double occupancy; gratuities for services provided by Quest; services of your on-board Quest naturalists Marty Obbard and second Quest leader; wine aboard the vessel with dinner.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Meet in Longyearbyen
2	Embark the MV Polarfront
3 - 11	Explore the archipelago
12	Disembark, depart

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Ship Information

We have chartered the M/V Polarfront exclusively for our Quest group. Built in 1974-1975, she originally served as a Norwegian weather ship maintained by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. The last working weather ship in the world, she was retired in 2010, and found new life in 2017 when she was refurbished for expedition travel in the High Arctic. She is 55 metres long and sails at maximum speed of 10 knots. She accommodates 12 passengers and 12 crew members.

Your Tour Leaders

Martyn Obbard is an emeritus research scientist and the former resident bear biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and adjunct professor at Trent University (Peterborough, Ontario). His field work focused on Polar Bears and Black Bears, and he has published many papers detailing the demographics, genetics, and movements of these species.

Justin Peter is Quest Nature Tours' Director of Programs and senior naturalist. Justin was most recently the senior naturalist at Ontario’s world-renowned Algonquin Park, where he coordinated the park’s interpretive program and acted as lead howler for the celebrated Public Wolf Howl events.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$13500 (incl. taxes and gratuities)

Group Size:

12 participants

What You'll See:

Where You'll Stay:

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Expedition Cruise

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Svalbard Explorer