Arctic Highlights Adventure Tour

Sailing from Spitsbergen to Greenland, follow the ice's edge with an eye peeled to the horizon for wildlife. Navigating south, you'll explore this remote landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. This journey highlights the contrast and change in the Arctic as you move south, finally ending in Iceland, "the Land of Fire and Ice." An Inuit village, unique wildlife, and remote destinations are just some of the highlights on this truly unforgettable voyage through the Arctic.

Local Flights  

There are no local flights included in the price of this trip.

You are free to depart Reykjavik from the afternoon onward on Day 14. Do not book any morning flights out of Reykjavik.

Finishing Point Instructions  

Disembarkation will occur shortly after breakfast at the Midbakki Pier - Port of Reykjavik, which is walking distance from the downtown.

For guests departing on disembarkation day, G Adventures will provide a complimentary transfer at 0800 or at 1300 to Keflavik International Airport from the port. Guests who opt to take the 1300 transfer may explore the city in the morning and store their luggage at the port until 1230. If you are opting for the later transfer, please ensure you are back at the port by 1230 to claim your baggage.

For guests who are planning on staying in Reykjavik post trip, taxis will be available for hire at the pier to transfer them to their accommodations.

All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met.

What's Included  

14 nts aboard the G Expedition. Arrival transfer. Transfer from meeting point to ship (Longyearbyen). Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Visit to a local community (Greenland). Departure transfer (Reykjavík, depending on flight). Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka.

Group Leader Description  

A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. Our expedition ships boast an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills 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. The expedition staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.

What to Take  

Most airlines allow one checked bag and two carry-on per person. To avoid any problems on check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.

Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.

In the worlds most remote destinations that the G Expedition travels to we cannot offload our plastics, glass or tin waste for recycling. Therefore, we try to reduce what single use items that we use. You will see on the ship that every effort is being used to stop the use of single use plastic containers, bags and other items. In an effort to prevent plastic waste from entering the waste stream, we are asking for your help. We offer exceptional drinking water on the ship with refilling stations for your re-useable water containers. You will be provided a complimentary water bottle to fill up as needed. Plastic Items such as single use shampoo/conditioner plastic containers cannot be recycled, so please plan to bring any plastics back to your home countries for recycling. Please do not bring single use items that you intend to leave behind such plastic bags and throw away razors. Your participating in helping to prevent pollution and promote recycling is greatly appreciated.

Money Exchange  

Before and after the cruise:

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work overseas. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

While on board our Expedition ships, cash and most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) are accepted to clear incidental bills at the end of the cruise by the ship's Purser (ie. bar bills, laundry, crew tips, etc.).

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Optional Activities  

No optional activities

Keeping in Touch on the G Expedition  

While you are on board the G Expedition, we know that keeping in touch with your family and friends is important to you. We want to ensure you have the tools available to keep you connected in some of the most remote regions of the world. We have a satellite system, which allows our travellers to connect to the internet or make phone calls with the purchase of personal data credit. Travellers may use our computer room or use any Wi-Fi enabled device to connect to our network, which is available in public areas on Decks 4 and 5. Satellite phone service is available and private calls can be made from our phone booth. Due to using a satellite connection and travelling in remote regions, internet can be slow and sometimes unavailable. The internet connection during the Arctic season presents particular challenges due to the high latitudes of where the ship travels, and connectivity is not guaranteed nor is it ensured. No internet connection is available when the ship is in and around South Georgia Islands.

Group Leader  

One expedition team member per 10 guests.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Tipping  

Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is USD $10 - 15 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. Crew tips may be settled using most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) by the ship's Purser. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff. The Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.

Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures  

Every G Expedition cruise raises thousands of dollars for G Adventures' non-profit partner, Planeterra, supporting both the Ocean Health Fund and Planeterra's community social enterprise programs.  The Ocean Health Fund helps combat waste which threatens ocean health, conducts scientific research on ocean animals and climate change, as well as investing in programs that work with local communities to promote ocean conservation and stewardship.  Onboard the G Expedition, there are many opportunities to learn about these initiatives, to participate in Citizen Science programs, or purchase items in the gift shop from Planeterra-supported communities around the world.

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. 

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Max Pax  

126

Joining Hotel  

2020 departures:
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen,
Vei 229-3,
9171 Longyearbyen
Telephone: +47 7902 3450 ?

2021 departures:
Svalbard Hotell Polfareren
Postboks 538, Longyearbyen 9171
+47 79025001

Suggested Reading  

Arctic Dreams • Barry Lopez


Historical Atlast of the Arctic Derek Hayes

A Naturalists Guide to the Arctic E.C. Pielou

Circumpolar North / Greenland Map • ITMB • With the North Circumpolar region on one side, including Iceland, and a detailed map of Greenland on the other.

North Pole, South Pole Map • Canadian Geographic

Bradt Guide Lapland • James Proctor

Who Owns the Arctic?, Understanding Sovereignty Disputes in the North • Michael Byers

A History of Arctic Exploration • Juha Nurminen

Arctic Labyrinth, The Quest for the Northwest Passage • Glyn Williams

N by E • Rockwell Kent • Edward Hoagland

Ninety Degrees North, The Quest for the North Pole • Fergus Fleming •

The Last Gentleman Adventurer • Edward Beauclerk Maurice • Lawrence Millman

The Voyage of the Narwhal • Andrea Barrett

Ultima Thule, Explorers and Natives in the Polar North • Jean Malaurie

Weird and Tragic Shores: The Story of Charles Francis Hall, Explorer • Chauncey Loomis • Andrea Barrett

Frost on My Moustache, The Arctic Exploits of a Lord and a Loafer • Tim Moore

The Ice Finders, How a Poet, a Professor and a Politician Discovered the Ice Age • Edmund Blair Bolles

The Last Imaginary Place • Robert McGhee

Near Death in the Arctic • Ceci Kuhne

The Greenlanders • Jane Smiley

The Sagas of Icelanders • Jane Smiley • Robert Kellog

After the Ice • Alun Anderson

AntARCTIC, A Tribute to Life in the Polar Regions • Michael Poliza

Arctic Eden • Jerry Kobalenko

Arctic Eden • Jerry Kobalenko

Glacier Ice • Austin Post • Edward R. LaChapelle

Islands of the Arctic • Julian Dowdeswell

Planet Arctic • Wayne Lynch

Polar Bears • Ian Stirling

The Arctic, The Complete Story • Richard Sale

The Last Polar Bear, Facing the Truth of a Warming World • Steven Kazlowski

The World of the Polar Bear • Norbert Rosing

Through the Eyes of the Vikings, An Aerial Vision of Arctic Lands • Robert B. Haas

Vanishing World, The Endangered Arctic • Mireilla De La Lez • Fredrik Granath

Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises • Mark Carwardine

Trip Specific Responsible Travel  

OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
As a leader in Sustainable Tourism, we are committed to ensuring that all of our marine expeditions operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All expeditions aboard the expedition ship meet and exceed all environmental regulations and protocols in the regions that we visit.

Staff & Crew:
Our crew and expedition team act as stewards of the environment and are well versed in the strict environmental protocols on board and on land. All of our travellers are thoroughly briefed in these protocols before being allowed to participate in excursions and are always supervised by our team when on shore.

4-Stroke Outboard Engines:
In an effort to drastically reduce environmental pollutants 4-stroke outboard engines have been installed on all of our zodiacs. Our 4-stroke outboard motors use less fuel and produce less noise pollution than 2-stroke engines. Since there is no mixing of oil and gas the exhaust is intrinsically much cleaner and friendlier to the environment.

Planeterra Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports local community projects and international charities around the world.

Sea Chart Auction:
At the end of each departure, the Captain's Sea Chart is auctioned and all proceeds are donated to international organizations through Planeterra.

Our end goal is to minimize the potential negative impact of tourism in the areas we operate while maximizing the positive impact of instilling a widened understanding and appreciation of these regions. During our voyages, we ask all our passengers that they see their visit to these areas as a privilege and that they share their newfound knowledge and experiences with others when they return home. We also hope that by bringing people to these regions that they continue to act as ambassadors and stewards of these areas.

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 10 years for this trip.

Accommodation  

Aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 14 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. While on board our Expedition ships, please note that the currency for all purchases is USD.

My Own Room  

Please note that if you have selected the Private Cabin option at the time of booking, you will receive your own room for the duration of this cruise.

Laundry  

Aboard the G Expedition, laundry is available to be serviced by our shipboard team at an additional charge.

Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Expedition:
• Binoculars (highly recommended)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Credit cards (Please note the Expedition is cashless and only accepts credit cards for payment.)
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Drybag (To protect your camera and belongings on Zodiac landings)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Recommended for Antarctic camping)
• Fleece jacket or warm layer
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear (good gripping) (Please note that open toed shoes are not allowed in public spaces on the Expedition.)
• Hat
• Long pants/jeans
• Moisturizer/lip balm
• Moneybelt
• Motion sickness tablets
• Outlet adapter (Electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only.)
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Scarf (Or neck warmer.)
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Sunblock (Antarctica is a desert!)
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Thermal base layer
• Thermal underwear
• Toiletries (Shampoo and shower gel are provided aboard the Expedition.)
• Walking poles (if desired)
• Warm hat
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof pants (Mandatory for all Zodiac landings)
• Wool/Heavy socks

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Highlights  

Explore the edges of an ice floe by Zodiac, walk on the tundra searching for birds, keep an eye out for a variety of whale species, learn about the Arctic from lectures and on-site briefings, sail through magnificent fjords and visit a local Greenland community in Ittoqqortoormiit

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals Included  

14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners

Meals  

Onboard our expedition ships you'll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. 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, pub, or in the lounge.

Group Size Notes  

Max 134 aboard the G Expedition.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Joining Instructions  

Meeting Point:

2020 departures:
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen,
Vei 229-3,
9171 Longyearbyen
Telephone: +47 7902 3450 ?

2021 departures:
Svalbard Hotell Polfareren
Postboks 538, Longyearbyen 9171
+47 79025001


G Adventures is happy to offer you a complimentary airport transfer if you are arriving on Day 1 of the tour or have booked pre-night accommodation through G Adventures.

Joining Instructions with complimentary transfer: ?

For those arriving on Day 1 into Longyearbyen airport please collect your luggage and look for a G Expedition representative who will direct you to the bus. Please make sure you have advised your booking agent of your arrival flight details into Longyearbyen so we are expecting you. Be sure to keep all your important documents (i.e. passport) and medication in your hand luggage, as your main luggage will be transferred separately to the ship or hotel.

Pre-night booked through G: Please use your provided tour voucher to hop onto the Flybuss shuttle service that will make its way to your accommodation.

Joining Instructions without complimentary transfer:

The most cost effective way to travel from the airport to the city is by local bus that services all Longyearbyen hotels at a price of approximately 50 NOK. If you would like to take a taxi, they are available at the airport or by calling one of two taxi companies at either +47 7902 1305 or +47 7902 1375. ?

On Day 1 of the tour, there will be a baggage drop available for all passengers who are already in Longyearbyen. Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9:00 am - 01:00 pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4:00 pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

For those passengers arriving on Day 1, on a flight which lands after midday, please note that bags will be transferred with you to the ship at 4pm. ??If for some reason you cannot arrive at the meeting point, please make your own way to the Port of Longyearbyen no earlier or later than 4pm. Embarkation time is set for 4pm and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refuelling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay.

??On embarkation day, you may have to board the ship via Zodiac. You should bring clothing suitable for cold and wet conditions. Waterproof pants are recommended. Once aboard, you will find your luggage stored in your assigned cabin, please ensure that all your luggage is accounted for on arrival.

Transport  

G Expedition, Zodiac, local bus, walking.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.