Arctic Expedition

Svalbard - Spitsbergen

Sail far beyond the usual in comfort and confidence aboard S/Y Quest, purpose-built for the Arctic and explorations far off the beaten track.

Embark on the voyage of a lifetime. Departures from Trondheim or Longyearbyen will lead you through majestic fjords, towering glaciers, and the spellbinding wilderness of the Arctic.

Explore Svalbard (Spitsbergen)

Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, sits high above the Arctic Circle at 78° north—roughly midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Remote, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful, it’s a place where towering glaciers meet deep fjords, polar bears roam the pack ice, and seabirds wheel above cliffs.

What makes this frozen frontier uniquely accessible by yacht is the North Atlantic Gulf Stream. This warm ocean current flows northward along the Norwegian coast and into the Arctic Ocean, keeping large parts of Svalbard’s west coast ice-free during the summer months. Thanks to this natural phenomenon, Quest can safely navigate waters that, at this latitude, would typically be locked in ice.

Expect a world where midnight sun lights the sky from April through August, where glaciers calve into sapphire fjords, and where the stillness is broken only by the call of a kittiwake or the breath of a surfacing whale. You might hike across tundra blooming with Arctic wildflowers, observe walrus hauled out on remote beaches, or witness the silent, surreal beauty of drifting sea ice.

Arctic Summer: June to August

From early June to late August, Svalbard reveals its most dynamic and life-filled season. The midnight sun shines 24 hours a day, casting an ethereal golden glow over icy landscapes and filling each moment with possibilities for exploration. As the sea ice retreats, wildlife thrives: polar bears, walrus haul out on sandy spits, and beluga whales swim through the fjords. Seabird colonies explode with activity, while Arctic foxes and reindeer roam the tundra, now carpeted in moss, lichen, and hardy wildflowers.

These months are ideal for navigating deep into the fjord systems, hiking ashore, and enjoying long, light-filled days of discovery. While conditions remain wild and ever-changing, the Gulf Stream ensures we can sail safely through much of this incredible landscape—truly one of the last great wildernesses on Earth.

Highlights

Exploration, Nature & Wildlife
With only a small group of six passengers onboard, Quest offers unparalleled access to remote fjords and ice edges. Every day brings the chance to encounter polar bears, walruses hauled out on beaches, Arctic foxes, reindeer grazing tundra slopes, and whales or seals surfacing beside the ship.

Shore Landings
Whether cruising beneath glaciers or landing ashore at abandoned whaling stations and trappers’ cabins, our excursions bring you face‑to‑face with a timeless wilderness. Optional hikes deepen your connection to Svalbard’s rugged landscapes. Walk across tundra, cruise grand glaciers, and keep watch for polar bears, walruses, reindeer, seals, whales, and soaring seabirds.

Flexible, Expedition-Driven Itineraries
Guided by ice and weather, our routes are designed to maximize wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenes—from the pack ice edge to hidden bays like Samarinvågen or Andréetangen, where walruses bask and seabirds teem.

Expert Knowledge & Onboard Enrichment
Each voyage includes daily briefings and lectures by our expedition guide — who illuminate the Arctic’s geology, ecology, and conservation challenges. Connect with the Arctic through guided talks, nature memories, and shared experiences. Learn the stories of explorers and scientific outposts as you sip hot tea against panoramic glacial backdrops.

Expedition Team & Hands-On Sailing

Discover the thrill of joining the crew in hoisting sails, navigating, and watch-keeping. No prior sailing experience? No problem! Our crew guides you every step of the way, whether you want to be fully immersed or simply relax and just take in the view from the deck.

Why Choose Quest?

Masterful Leadership: Captain Goeran’s extensive Arctic and Antarctic sailing background guarantees confidence and calm in ever-changing conditions.

Licenced guide: Our guide brings the Arctic to life—through science, history, ecology, and conservation.

Authentic Adventure: Hands-on expedition sailing brings you closer to the journey—every wave, iceberg, and wildlife sighting.

Personalized Journeys: Small groups and flexible itineraries.

Chef-Prepared Cuisine: Enjoy thoughtfully crafted meals inspired by Nordic traditions, prepared onboard by our Swedish chef.

Purpose-Built for Arctic Conditions: Quest is specifically custom-built as an expedition yacht made for the polar seas. With 4-inch of insulation, radiators in all cabins and floor heating she offers comfortable living in cold climate. Her sturdy construction blends with a design that offer spacious outdoor decks, panoramic wheelhouse, comfortable cabins, and unlimited fresh water showers due to our watermaker.

Departure dates, prices and itinerary are coming soon.