Poseidon Expeditions - your polar cruise operator

Arctic / Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya

These extended circumnavigations – which include the rarely visited northern islands and picturesque straits of the Svalbard Archipelago – provide the Sea Spirit and its guests more time to seek out Ursus maritimus in its natural habitat.

On this in-depth Arctic wildlife cruise, we’ll also venture to the jumbled, ever-shifting southern edge of the polar ice cap. Here, at the dynamic boundary between implacable ice and bountiful sea, we’ll search for polar bears stalking their prey. Whether it’s of a calving iceberg along the jagged, mountainous coastline or the otherworldly hush of a land where man is an infrequent visitor, your memories of this Svalbard expedition cruise will last a lifetime.

Poseidon Expeditions specializes in polar cruising in icy, remote regions of the world. Our goal is to take you to places few people will ever see and provide you with a unique perspective on the majestic beauty and wildlife of the region — all while you enjoy personalized service in comfortable accommodations. Our experienced expedition team – the curators for your voyage – takes great pleasure in ensuring that your Arctic trip exceeds all expectations.

Contact us to get a quote for this amazing adventure.

Why travel with Poseidon Expeditions?

Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading operators of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Since 1999, we’ve offered voyages that combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being, along with educational enrichment.

Why travel with us?
M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty

M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty

With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.

A real polar expedition

A real polar expedition

Experience active exploration of the polar regions through a variety of activities. Weather permitting, we schedule up to 3 excursions per day and offer optional kayaking and, in Antarctica, camping. Enrich your polar knowledge in an engaging and interactive way through Poseidon’s edutainment program.

25 years of polar cruising

25 years of polar cruising

Polar cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 24 years, we’ve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field. Each cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.

Thank you for choosing poseidon expeditions

Guidebook

Svalbard Travel Guide

Everything you wanted to know about Svalbard and more: useful travel tips, polar bear safety procedures and human endeavor at the northern realms of our planet. Learn about the glaciers and landscapes of Svalbard and the ways you can actively explore this pristine polar wilderness. The guidebook is complete with a detailed wildlife account and a packing checklist.

/upload/iblock/19b/Spitsbergen_guidebook_cover.jpg

GET GUIDEBOOK

 
 
 
 
 

Highlights

ARCTIC WILDERNESS

ARCTIC WILDERNESS

The unique Arctic ecosystem of Svalbard is almost entirely protected in a network of nature reserves and national parks. Our voyage takes us around Svalbard where a significant part of the land surface is reserved as special protected areas: six nature reserves, three national parks, geological reserve and bird sanctuaries. Each has its own claim to Svalbard’s magnificent natural history.

Whether by land or sea, we’ll encounter a wealth of wildlife — including polar bear, walrus, Arctic fox, reindeer, and a variety of whales and seals — in one of the High Arctic’s most pristine environments. We will also encounter a surprising variety of hardy plant life and striking geological formations throughout the archipelago.

Read more...
KVITØYA

KVITØYA

The monumental shifting of ancient ice ages built up the planes and low hills of Kvitøya. The rarely visited island is not always accessible to expedition ships, but it may provide yet another opportunity to observe polar bears in their natural habitat. While exploring Kvitøya, you can see its main attraction – walrus rookeries. The noisy cries of these massive animals drown out everything around, and you will have the opportunity to observe their life as few others will ever witness them.

This rocky island, far from civilization and almost completely covered by ice, became the final resting place of the balloon expedition of the Swedish polar explorer Salomon August Andrée.

Read more...
POLAR BEARS

POLAR BEARS

Svalbard boasts one of the Arctic’s highest concentrations of polar bears. They are the world’s largest land carnivores and have become a symbol of the imperiled Arctic wilderness. This is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat.

During our sojourn we hope to come across this majestic creature employing various strategies to catch seals. These wide-ranging and opportunistic Arctic nomads can be found at many places and times during our voyage.

Read more...

Departures

Itinerary Dates Days Activities Special Offer Rates from
Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya
In-Depth Exploration in the Land of the Polar Bear
15 Jul - 28 Jul 2024 14 Sea Kayaking Photography FLIGHTS OSLO ↔ LONGYEARBYEN INCLUDED
US$ 10 695
per person
Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya
In-Depth Exploration in the Land of the Polar Bear
05 Jul - 18 Jul 2025 14 Sea Kayaking Photography SUPER EARLY BIRD SAVINGS UP TO 20% OFF*
US$ 10 495
US$ 8 921
per person
Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya
In-Depth Exploration in the Land of the Polar Bear
17 Jul - 30 Jul 2025 14 Sea Kayaking Photography SUPER EARLY BIRD SAVINGS UP TO 20% OFF*
US$ 10 495
US$ 8 921
per person
Svalbard Circumnavigation and Kvitøya
Historical Expedition Cruise "In the Footsteps of Aviation Pioneers"
29 Jul - 11 Aug 2025 14 Sea Kayaking Photography GERMAN LANGUAGE ONLY UP TO 20% OFF*
US$ 10 595
US$ 9 006
per person

Itinerary

Activities

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY

Svalbard is the ultimate destination for photographers interested in capturing incredible images of Arctic animals and scenery. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside an experienced expert.

From polar bears to blue whales, Svalbard boasts a range of wildlife not found in other parts of the Arctic. Snowcapped mountains and blue glaciers provide a dramatic background for portraits of these charismatic Arctic creatures.

With a full itinerary of spellbinding destinations and daylight around the clock, your photo opportunities are seemingly endless. Our expert photographer will be there to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.

SEA KAYAK CLUB

The islands and fjords of Svalbard closely guard some of the world’s most magical and unique paddling opportunities. Join us for unscripted kayaking adventures as we explore remote waters that very few paddlers have experienced before.

This pristine Arctic wilderness rewards kayakers with spectacular scenery, unique marine animals, and a range of incredible paddling locations. Svalbard also offers the possibility of kayaking in the vicinity of tidewater glaciers and icebergs.

The protected and picturesque waters of the archipelago offer some of the best paddling adventures in the Arctic. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then do not miss your chance to participate in this exciting optional activity.

SEA KAYAK CLUB

request a quote


Date:
Duration:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Read more