Frequently asked questions

All seasons have their charms, here is a brief summary.

May and June offer beautiful winter landscapes and a wonderful purity. It's still spring in the Arctic and the bird mountains are full of life. Landings are often fewer and shorter, but Zodiac cruises along ice and snow-covered mountains are magical.

Summer is from late June to early August. The ice around the islands loosens its grip, making it possible to travel further east in the archipelago. Whales can often be seen in the water, and on land more and more areas become snow-free, allowing more and longer hikes. The colours of the Arctic flowers are breathtaking.

Autumn arrives in Svalbard at the end of August. The sun moves closer to the horizon and the light becomes mild and soft, making for great photography. The tundra begins to change to autumn colours. After mid-August, many bird species prepare for migration. But this is just a guide, and every year in the Arctic can be different. Please also see our webinar on Svalbard with more information about this.

To the webinar!

A summer holiday in the Arctic means many hours of light therapy, as the midnight sun prevails from mid-April to the end of August. Temperatures in Svalbard during the summer months vary from a few degrees below zero to a few degrees above. Average temperatures in Longyearbyen are: May -5 C, June +2 C, July +4 C, August +3 C and September -1 C. However, temperatures can drop slightly in the more eastern parts of the archipelago, and due to winds and a lot of ice, the experienced temperatures are lower than the thermometer reads. The weather in Svalbard can change quickly and visitors are often treated to a variety of sun, clouds, fog and possibly some precipitation in the form of snow or rain.

There are just over 20 different species of mammals that live on the land, ice and sea around Svalbard. Most of these are whales. Other mammals include walrus, polar bear, various species of seal, Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.

Svalbard has a rich bird life, especially seabirds, which nest in large colonies throughout the archipelago. More than 200 bird species have been observed in Svalbard and its waters, but only a few dozen species breed. Four species make up 95 per cent of the bird life: Brünnich's Guillemot, Northern fulmar, little auk and the lack-legged kittiwake. Their huge populations reflect the richness and productivity of the sea. Nowhere else is there such a rich bird life so far north. Some other bird species you have a chance of seeing are: Barnacle goose, Brent goose, common eider, king eider, purple sandpiper, grey phalarope, Red-throated Diver, snow bunting and rock ptarmigan.

Longyearbyen has several restaurants, cafés and museums to discover. Learn more here:

Discover Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen has several types of accommodation scattered in and around the village, and we work closely with a couple of the hotels that are centrally located. Contact us for more information.

All our trips start with a hotel night. You can therefore arrive at any time you wish on the day you check in at the hotel. The following day, the group will meet for lunch and in the afternoon you will board the ship.

If you have booked our group flight, transfer to and from the airport is included. The airport in Longyearbyen is not large; it has one baggage carousel, and right outside the terminal there are both taxis and airport buses that will take you to the city centre in 10-15 minutes. The airport bus leaves when all baggage has been delivered and stops at most hotels. Tell the driver which hotel you are going to.

 Although it is not particularly common, there can sometimes be strong winds in Svalbard. However, we never venture far out into the open sea, as the risk of seasickness is obviously greater there. Our small vessels can sail relatively close to the coast, and if the wind is strong, we seek shelter in a fjord. Nevertheless, there is always a risk of seasickness, so if you are prone to it, we recommend that you bring seasickness medication with you.

There is a doctor on board the M/S Quest, but not on our vessels carrying up to 12 passengers. However, the crew and guides are trained in first aid, and the ships are always within helicopter range of Longyearbyen, which has a small hospital. If you have any concerns about your fitness for an expedition, please contact PolarQuest before booking.

On PolarQuest's expedition cruises, you will travel with Swedish/Scandinavian and English-speaking tour guides unless stated otherwise on the website. Some guides speak only English, while others speak both Swedish and English. The crew on board the M/S Stockholm speak Swedish, while the crew on other ships mainly speak English. Please note that some information may only be provided in English, but there will always be someone available to assist you if necessary. On some departures, only English or German and English are spoken on board, but this is clearly stated at the time of booking.

 All of our ships in Svalbard have windows or small, round vents, and all cabins have showers and toilets.

 We plan to go on two excursions every day, although the weather and wind conditions may prevent us from doing so. These will be either landings or rubber boat cruises. Please note that the number of landing sites in national parks and nature reserves in Svalbard is limited, so we cannot guarantee landings every day. However, a rubber boat cruise provides a fantastic, close-up experience of Svalbard. Between landings, we enjoy delicious meals and observe the area's wildlife, nature and history from the deck while listening to our guides talk about them. The itinerary is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of opportunities to see walruses on the beach or whales on the horizon. The exact itinerary also depends on weather conditions.

 For most of the expedition, you will have no mobile phone coverage. This is because we will be deep in the wilderness, far from civilisation. Coverage is only available in Longyearbyen and the immediate surrounding area. However, in case of emergency, you can contact the ship via satellite phone throughout the journey.

 You can purchase a voucher for a certain number of GB on board the M/S Quest. Please note that reception may be intermittent during the expedition cruise. On our 12-passenger ships, a 'digital detox' is in effect.

 When you book a trip with us, you will always receive a list of the equipment you need for the expedition, along with tips on what clothing to bring. We recommend bringing warm base layer, one or two sturdy mid-layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers, and a pair of high-top rubber boots to participate in our expeditions. As we are going on an expedition, informal and comfortable clothing is recommended on board. You should also bring a pair of comfortable shoes with rubber soles to wear on board in case it is wet and slippery on deck. On rubber boat cruises, you will be provided with a flotation suit. This warm, full-length overall replaces the outer layer of clothing during rubber boat cruises.

We strongly recommend wearing high-top rubber boots with a lining, as you will probably need to step into the water when getting out of the rubber boat. At the beginning of the season, snow melts from the mountain peaks and runs off in small streams, so you may need to wade through these. It is a good idea to check with outdoor shops about their range, and to explain what type of trip you are going on so that they can help you find the right boots. 

 As all our small vessels have limited storage space, it is not possible to offer boots for loan on board in all sizes. However, it is possible to hire high-quality rubber boots in Longyearbyen for your Svalbard expedition, which is a convenient option for long-distance travellers who would prefer not to bring their own. For detailed information about the rental process, including prices, availability, and the city centre pick-up location, please visit the website: https://spitzbergen-reisen.no/en/shop-rental/rubber-boots

Please note that this is a local Longyearbyen company. PolarQuest is unable to answer questions about bookings made with them.

We recommend using a soft suitcase that can easily be stowed in the cabin during the journey.

Greenland is a diverse island offering everything from deep fjords and glaciers to hot springs and lush meadows. Its three main regions feature very different landscapes:

• West Greenland: This relatively flat region is home to enormous glaciers that produce some of the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere. The area is home to several picturesque fishing villages and the volcanic Disko Island, located near the town of Ilulissat, also known as the 'Town of Icebergs'.
• Southern Greenland: Here, you will find varied terrain, including narrow fjords and jagged mountains, as well as rich Arctic vegetation and wildflowers. The area is home to musk oxen and Arctic foxes, as well as many remains from Nordic culture, which give the area a sense of history and tradition.
•  East Greenland: Dramatic mountains plunge into narrow fjords, often filled with icebergs calved from glaciers. This remote area has only a few colourful settlements and boasts the magnificent Sermilik Fjord, an undiscovered gem for wilderness explorers. There are also some fantastic hiking trails here.

While many Inuit people still live a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle on the east coast, the west coast is becoming increasingly urbanised and offers greater educational and employment opportunities.

Greenland is home to seven species of land mammal, the most prominent of which are polar bears, musk oxen and arctic foxes. While these species have adapted to the challenging Arctic climate, spotting them can be difficult. Six species of seal live in the coastal areas and several species of whale, including humpback, herring and beluga, swim in the cold waters. The most common birds we are likely to see include four species of gull, fulmars and greater black-backed gulls, as well as geese. During our expeditions, we always keep an eye out for wildlife, but it is important to understand that sightings can be rare due to hunting pressure and the isolated nature of the environment. Exploring Greenland's magnificent landscapes is an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether you see any animals.

During the trip, you can enjoy rubber boat cruises among icebergs of all shapes and sizes, explore impressive glaciers, relax in a hot spring or go hiking. You will also have the opportunity to visit local villages, meet the population and gain an insight into their lives.

Yes, from the end of August onwards, we have the opportunity to witness the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, which is an incredible experience.

Due to the limited healthcare system in Greenland, and to ensure that information is available in case of emergency or illness, please fill out our health form (Medical form) and send it back to us. The form is in English.

Flights are not included in the price of our trips to western Greenland. For our trips to southern and eastern Greenland, however, we offer a mandatory flight and hotel package. See the question below for more information.

Eastern Greenland is a true wilderness and a very remote place. Travelling there from Iceland by small boat takes around three days, crossing the Denmark Strait, which can be quite rough for a small vessel such as the M/S Balto. To avoid these days at sea and provide a more comfortable experience with full focus on Greenland's spectacular nature, we have therefore chosen to book flights between Keflavik and Kulusuk instead. The package also includes two nights' accommodation in Iceland, one before and one after the expedition. This allows for potential flight delays.

Greenland has an Arctic climate, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 10 °C. In the south, however, temperatures can sometimes rise above 20°C. As the weather can change quickly, we recommend packing warm base layer/long johns, one or two mid-layers, and windproof and waterproof clothing. High-top boots and sturdy hiking boots are also essential. You will receive an equipment list with recommendations when you book.

We recommend wearing high-top rubber boots with a lining, as you will probably need to step into the water when disembarking from the rubber boat. The significant variations in tide levels in Greenland mean that wearing boots is important. Once ashore, the terrain may be wet. Many people choose to hike in waterproof hiking boots.

The seven passenger cabins all have windows or portholes with sea views. All cabins have private facilities and are equipped with towels, soap, shampoo and hairdryers.

There is no access to the internet on board. Please note that you will not have mobile phone coverage during most of the expedition, except in the larger settlements. We recommend checking with your mobile operator before departure, as the costs of using your mobile in Greenland can be high.

We hope to see the magical Northern Lights when the weather is clear. Alta is one of the best destinations for experiencing this fascinating phenomenon.

During the trip, we hope to see both the Northern Lights and whales. When the opportunity arises, we will go on exciting rubber boat cruises and refreshing hikes to explore the beautiful islands up close. While we are between landings, we will enjoy good food and drink, relax on the deck and listen to our guides tell us about the area's wildlife, nature and history.

In recent years, groups of humpback whales and orcas have gathered in the area in search of the large shoals of herring that winter here. We have also spotted fin whales over the years.

Our trips begin in the small town of Alta, where you will spend the night in a hotel. You can fly here with either SAS or Norwegian.

We know that good food enhances the travel experience. The dining room on board the M/S Stockholm can seat all 12 passengers at once. The chef serves three meals a day: breakfast and dinner with table service, and a buffet for lunch.

As we are going on an expedition, informal and comfortable clothing is recommended on board.  During rubber boat cruises, you will be provided with a flotation suit. This is a warm, full-length overall that replaces your outer layer of clothing during rubber boat cruises. We do not use these during landings.

 The climate in Antarctica is cold, dry and windy. The further south you travel, the colder it becomes. The temperature is also affected by snow, ice and the reflection of the sea. However, on trips to Antarctica, you will never reach the harsh interior of the continent. The temperature in Antarctica is usually around 0°C. In South Georgia, you can expect temperatures a few degrees above zero, whereas in the Falkland Islands, they are around ten degrees above zero.

 It can get quite windy when crossing the open sea. If you suffer from seasickness, you should therefore consult a doctor about which medication would be most appropriate for you and what side effects you might experience. You should also try the medication before departure. Seasickness medication is available on board.

We have the chance to see 7 different penguins. Learn more about these here!

 Boasting an impressive landscape of nearly 3,000-metre-high mountain ranges, impressive glaciers and vast beaches, the South Georgia archipelago is a remarkable place. Wildlife thrives everywhere, on the beaches and cliffs, in the water and in the air. The sound of hundreds of thousands of king penguins is overwhelming. Being surrounded by these charming and often very curious creatures is an incredible experience. In South Georgia, we also encounter giant elephant seals. As there are no land-based predators here, the animals are not afraid of humans. This creates fantastic opportunities to observe them going about their daily activities without disturbing them.

 We also offer a package including return flights to Ushuaia with a stopover in Buenos Aires. While there, we will go sightseeing and have dinner at an Argentinian restaurant.

 Yes, there will be a doctor on board who is trained in emergency medical care. There will also be an infirmary available.

 As Antarctica is the world's most remote wilderness area, there is no mobile phone coverage there.

 You can set up an account to send emails for a fee.

 When you book a trip with us, you will always receive a list of the equipment you need for the expedition, along with tips on what clothing to bring. We recommend bringing warm base layer, one or two sturdy mid-layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers, and a pair of high-top rubber boots to participate in our expeditions. As we are going on an expedition, informal and comfortable clothing is recommended on board. You should also bring a pair of comfortable shoes with rubber soles to wear on deck in case it is wet and slippery.

 We strongly recommend wearing high-top, lined rubber boots, as you will probably need to step into the water when getting out of the rubber boat.

 We recommend using a soft suitcase that can easily be stowed in the cabin during the journey.