North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Summer Solstice - Free Kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Diving (supplemented)
The best activity voyage in the Arctic aboard the Ortelius
Length
8 Days
Ship category
Classic
Ship type
Small Ship
Capacity
108 Passengers
North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free Kayak & Hiking
4 Reviews
Trip highlights
All activities are included (scuba diving with additional cost).
Learn to photograph plants and animals
Hike Spitsbergen like few travelers do
Free kayak tours among icy waters
The Polartours experience
Best price guaranteed
Observe a polar bear!
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project
Polar experts are available to answer any questions you may have.
Our Basecamp trips prioritize activities on land and near the shore while minimizing any disturbance to the local wildlife. If time and conditions allow, our expedition team will also try to spot wildlife whenever possible.A basecamp is a temporary camp used for expeditions or outdoor activities. During our designated Basecamp cruises, our ship will travel to carefully selected areas around North Spitsbergen, staying in fewer locations than our regular trips. This allows the ship to serve as a comfortable base for various outdoor activities.Hikers (H) can take on challenging hikes in the wilderness, photographers (P) can capture the stunning scenery, and kayakers (K) can explore waterways that the ship cannot reach. Passengers who do not wish to participate in these activities can still enjoy Zodiac excursions and easy to moderate walks along the shoreline, with a focus on observing wildlife.All activities are included in the trip and do not require any additional fees.
Your ship: Ortelius
Ortelius is a rugged, no-nonsense polar ship built for true exploration. Originally launched in 1989 as the Marina Tsvetaeva for the Russian Academy of Sciences, she carries the spirit of scientific discovery in every voyage. Now sailing under the Dutch flag and classed by Lloyd’s Register in London, she offers travelers a genuine expedition experience in some of the most remote corners of the world.
With the highest ice class for passenger ships (UL1, equivalent to 1A), Ortelius is built to push deep into the pack ice—reaching regions and wildlife colonies inaccessible to most vessels. She a … Read more about Ortelius
Cabins
Amenities
Lecture Theater
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Medical Services
Bar
Internet/Wifi
Helicopter Landings
Map
Itinerary
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
Day 1 - Svalbard Isfjorden
Your incredible Arctic adventure starts in Longyearbyen
You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it.
In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage. In the evening you sail for Trygghamna, where you see the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and 18th-century Pomor hunting station, both of which you can visit the next morning.
Alkhornet and Trygghamna
On the first day of our activity program, we will slowly ease into things. Blomstrandhalvøya is located on the northern side of the fjord, which will offer shelter and room to change plan in case the weather changes. In the afternoon, you visit Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. Once a mining village served by the world’s most northerly railway – you can still see its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center.
Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and Italia (1928). In the evening, we head north along the west coast and spend the night in the sheltered surroundings of Krossfjorden.
Day 3 - Svalbard Isfjorden
Exploring the North West
Alkhornet and Trygghamna
Next to our activities, we will next head toward Amsterdamoya, where you have the chance to hike past the remains of a 17th-century whaling station. You can also enjoy the beautiful panorama of Smeerenburgsleta. In the afternoon, we make for the islands around Fair Haven.
Day 4 - Svalbard Isfjorden
Rugged Raudfjorden
Alkhornet and Trygghamna
At Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you can take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears. Here we will find the right balance between safe activities and wildlilfe watching.
Day 5 - Svalbard Isfjorden
The stunning sights of Liefdefjorden
Alkhornet and Trygghamna
Depending on the weather, you could sail into Liefdefjorden and cruise within sight of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) face of Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground. If ice conditions prevent sailing here early in the season, we may use an alternate route along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Near the area of Texas Bar and Hornbaekpollen, there are also some great hikes.
Day 6 - Svalbard Isfjorden
North Spitsbergen splendors
Alkhornet and Trygghamna
This is our reserve day for activities around North Spitsbergen. Weather and wildlife permitting, we will choose the right location for another day of splendid outdoor adventures.
Day 7 - Svalbard Isfjorden
Forlandsundet or St. Johns Fjord
Alkhornet and Trygghamna
Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here, and seabirds can be found around Fuglehuken. You may also see walrus populations around Sarstangen and Poolepynten. Alternatively, we might sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation. We will arrive in Longyearbyen later that night.
Day 8 - Svalbard Isfjorden
Your unforgettable Arctic cruise comes to an end in Longyearbyen
Dates & Prices
From
Until
Info
Availability
Price
19
Jun
2026
26
Jun
2026
From
EUR 3,791
19
Jun
2026
26
Jun
2026
EUR 3,791
Preferred date unavailable? Contact us
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
What's included
Travel on the specified boat as outlined in the itinerary.
All meals, including snacks, coffee, and tea, will be provided during the voyage on the ship.
All shore excursions and activities will be conducted by Zodiac during the voyage.
There will be a program of lectures by renowned naturalists and guidance from experienced expedition staff.
Rubber boots and snowshoes will be available for use free of charge.
Transfers and handling of baggage will only be provided for passengers on select flights (recommended by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.
All additional service taxes and port charges are included in the program.
AECO fees and government taxes are also covered.
Comprehensive pre-departure materials will be provided.
What's not included
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights, is not included in the price. This also applies to any arrangements made before or after the trip, such as land transportation. You are responsible for covering the costs of your passport and visa, as well as any government taxes upon arrival and departure. Meals on land are also not included. We strongly recommend purchasing baggage, cancellation, and personal insurance. Any excess baggage charges and personal expenses, such as laundry, bar, beverage, and telecommunication charges, are also your responsibility. It is customary to leave a gratuity for stewards and other service personnel at the end of the trip, and guidelines will be provided.
Reviews
FAQ
How and when can I pay for the trip?
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
What activities can I expect on a Polar Cruise?
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
- Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
- Dinghy rides
- Kayaking
- Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
- Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
How to choose the right ship?
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
- Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
- Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
- Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
- Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
- Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
- Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
What is the booking process for a Polartours Cruise?
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
When is the best time to book?
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
What can i do to avoid seasickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free Kayak & Hiking
5.0
(4)
From
EUR 3,791
No dates selected
