Four Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland
Perfect for first-time visitors to the Arctic, this voyage highlights four spectacular destinations near the top of the world and provides an unforgettable taste of the region, featuring giant icebergs, towering mountains, granite cliffs, iconic wildlife, traditional Inuit culture and more.
Your adventure begins in the remote Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife such as polar bears and walrus. From there, sail south to the mysterious, volcanic Jan Mayen, a nature reserve so remote that few have ever been fortunate enough to explore this Arctic treasure. The next stop is Greenland’s beguiling east coast, where you will cruise deep into Scoresbysund to marvel at the overwhelming beauty of the world’s largest fjord system, gaze in awe at unimaginably vast icebergs, and admire the diversity of the flora and fauna that have fascinated explorers and visitors for centuries—and seize the opportunity to explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements. Your epic adventure culminates with a journey under the midnight sun to Reykjavik, where you can soak up Icelandic culture in a city that never sleeps.
- Search for iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer
- Explore the wildlife heaven of Spitsbergen, the volcanic Jan Mayen and the breathtaking Greenlandic fjord system all in one trip
- Visit a remote Inuit community
- Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, icebergs and more
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
自选活动
Walking/Hiking
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.
Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.
No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings
Trekking poles are available upon request Bring your Quark Parka and collapsible water bottle provided at embarkation (they’re yours to keep) Muck boots (loaned to you for the duration of your expedition)Other recommended gear/clothing
Base and mid-layer clothing Waterproof breathable pants Wool or synthetic hiking socks Warm hat Brimmed hat Sunglasses Waterproof and sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30) Backpack, preferably water-resistant (or with a rain cover) Warm gloves Camera and accessories
Paddling Excursion
Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you. Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
Pricing subject to change based on season. Please proceed to checkout or contact a Polar Travel Adviser for more details.
Sea Kayaking
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in the Arctic, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. Quark Expedition guides attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.
Provided gear
Sea kayaks (single or double) Paddle Spray-skirt Drysuit Insulated rubber gloves and pogies* PFD (personal flotation device) Neoprene booties 10L dry bag Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)Other recommended gear/clothing
Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton) Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater Fleece pants Liner socks Thick wool socks Neckwarmer Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish) Warm hat Sunglasses Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag) Waterproof backpack or a drybag
探险行程前后的旅行安排
Oslo, Norway
Green spaces. Viking heritage. Classic museums. Accessible fjords. What more could you ask for in a capital city? Oslo is situated on Norway’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. The city proper has a population of 672,061 (with 1.3 million in the greater metropolitan area). Many of the cultural institutions, such as the Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Sip Museum, are on the Bygdøy Peninsula.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Not only is Reykjavík the social and cultural hub of Iceland, but it’s also one of the most walkable capitals in the world. Most of the city’s main attractions and venues can be reached on foot, which is not surprising for a capital with only 230,000 inhabitants. Iceland’s entire population is about 360,000. The country’s Viking roots are traced in Reykjavík's major museums, yet the city, located on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay, is the perfect base for anyone with a yearning to connect with nature and the outdoors. The range of options includes whale watching, geothermal pools, glacier walking, and kayak tours.
