Lofoten, Bear Island & Svalbard with M/S Quest 2025
Join us on an unparalleled expedition cruise from the dramatic Lofoten Islands to the icy realm of Svalbard! Aboard the comfortable 50-passenger ship, M/S Quest, and our sturdy Zodiacs, we explore Lofoten, known for its picturesque small fishing ships and breathtakingly beautiful fjords, before setting course for the legendary Bear Island. This rarely visited island, situated in the middle of the Barents Sea, is home to one of the North Atlantic's largest seabird colonies. Our next destination is Svalbard's untamed wilderness, which welcomes us with snow-covered mountain peaks, magical midnight sun, and sparkling ice formations. As we explore and enjoy the Arctic winter landscape, we keep an eye out for polar bears, walruses, seals, Arctic foxes, and other iconic wildlife. This is the perfect journey for anyone wishing to experience different parts of magnificent Norway!
- The ultimate Norway adventure
- The dramatic Lofoten Islands
- Legendary Bear Island
- The Arctic achipelago of Svalbard
- Small group - maximum 50 travellers
- 5 experienced guides
Itinerary
Day 1: Bodø
We arrive in Bodø, and in the afternoon, we board our expedition ship, M/S Quest, where we are welcomed by the guides and crew. Once we have set sail, our journey takes us towards the dramatic Lofoten Islands.
Day 2: Vedøya - Reine
After breakfast, we embark on our first excursion in our sturdy Zodiacs around the spectacular Vedøya, where we have a chance to see nesting seabirds, such as the distinctive puffin. Occasionally, we may also spot sea eagles here. Our journey continues along the southern side of what is colloquially known as the Lofoten Wall, a vast collection of rugged islands that majestically rise from the sea. We go ashore and explore the small fishing village of Reine, which quietly gazes out over Kirkefjorden. With its characteristic wooden houses framed by dramatic mountain peaks, Reine has been voted the most beautiful place in Norway. Here, we also venture out in our Zodicas to explore the surroundings.
Day 3: Trollfjorden
We continue our voyage along the Lofoten Wall and onwards through Trollfjorden, which is as magical as its name suggests. A little later, we head out to sea and set course for Bear Island. After just a few hours at sea, we reach well-known whale-watching areas that extend along the continental shelf. During our journey, we have the chance to see whales, and we are constantly on the lookout from the deck.
Day 4: Barents Sea
We continue at sea towards higher northern latitudes. During interesting lectures on board, we receive an introduction to Bear Island's intriguing history. Naturally, we keep watching for whales!
Day 5: Bear Island
With solid Zodiacs, we explore this fascinating rocky island in the middle of the Barents Sea. Its remoteness means that only a few ships each year have the opportunity to stop for a visit. On the 400-metre vertical cliffs, we find one of the North Atlantic's largest seabird colonies. Here, tens of thousands of Brünnich's guillemots nest, along with puffins, razorbills, black guillemots, kittiwakes, and glaucous gulls. If the weather and winds are favourable, we will attempt a landing on this rarely visited island.
We then continue our journey into the Arctic waters. We sail overnight and, by the following afternoon, we sight the Svalbard archipelago – one of the world's most magnificent wilderness areas.
Day 6 - 10: Svalbard
In May, Svalbard offers visitors a wondrous purity, beautiful pastel colours, and breathtaking views. The midnight sun's rays fall on glistening ice formations, the fjord ice is thick, and the mountain peaks are snow-covered. It is spring in the Arctic, and being there as Svalbard awakens to life is a powerful experience. In this Arctic archipelago, we naturally keep an eye out for polar bears, walruses, and other iconic wildlife, but above all, we enjoy the magical nature that surrounds us. It is early in the season, and our exact itinerary over the coming days will be influenced by weather and ice conditions. With our Zodiacs, we explore the enchanting winter landscape in some of Svalbard's most beautiful fjords, making landings whenever possible.
Storfjorden
In the vast Storfjorden, between Edgeøya and Spitsbergen, drift ice is often present at this time of year, and only then will we know how far north we can go. On the southern part of Spitsbergen lies Isbukta. In this spectacular bay, we enjoy magnificent views of snow-covered mountain peaks and the mighty glacier front of Vasil'evbreen. The bay is also a popular spot for ivory gulls, skuas, and bearded seals.
Hornsund & Bellsund
Majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords on the southwest coast of Spitsbergen, where glaciers calve magically blue-tinged icebergs. On the mountain slopes at beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund, tens of thousands of little auks nest. We go ashore and hike across the tundra towards the bird cliff, where we can enjoy the charming birds circling around us up close.
Isfjorden
At the entrance to Isfjorden lies the distinctive bird cliff Alkhornet, a pointed rock several hundred metres high. Here, we go ashore to enjoy the snow-covered tundra and birdlife, including barnacle geese, Brünnich's guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings, and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. In the crevices around the bird cliff, several Arctic foxes have their dens, and if we are lucky, we will see these cute, small animals frenetically searching for food.
Day 11: Longyearbyen
In the morning, we disembark in Longyearbyen, the main settlement of Svalbard, and begin our journey home.
Please note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on the ice, weather conditions, wildlife and government regulations. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
Flights
We offer group flights from Oslo to Bodø and from Longyearbyen to Oslo (limited availability). Contact us for more information!
Important: To ensure responsible tourism and protection of the environment, new regulations come into force in Svalbard on 1 January 2025. Read more about the regulations and PolarQuest's comments about these changes.
The ship M/S Quest
- Only 50 passengers
- 5 Zodiacs & 5 guides
- Beautiful panorama lounge
- Spacious outer decks, free from crowds
- Small ship with a relaxed atmosphere
- Several cabin categories
A COMFORTABLE EXPEDITION SHIP WITH A WONDERFUL CREW
The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry along the west coast of Greenland. In 2004-2005, it was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship, and in 2018, the passenger areas underwent further renovation. M/S Quest can accommodate 50 passengers, with all 24 cabins being outside cabins equipped with private facilities. The triple cabins feature upper and lower berths, while all other cabins have either two lower berths or a double bed. Each cabin includes a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious, featuring armchairs and a TV. The owner’s cabin offers a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area, and a TV.
In the dining room, you enjoy delicious meals between landings, while the panorama lounge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This lounge serves as the venue for entertaining talks about the area's flora, fauna, and history. It also features a bar and a small library. The ship boasts spacious observation decks for you to enjoy the stunning vistas. The bridge welcomes you around the clock, and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on M/S Quest.
It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.
Cabins & prices
Cabin category | Price per person | ||
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Triple cabin | upper/lower beds | USD 6 290 | |
Twin cabin | 2 twin beds | USD 7 490 | |
Twin cabin Plus | 2 twin beds | USD 7 890 | |
Double cabin | double bed | USD 7 890 | |
Double cabin Superior | separable double bed* | USD 8 590 | |
Owner’s cabin | large double bed | USD 9 290 | |
Twin cabin for single use | USD 12 290 |
Please note: It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.
*The double bed in the Superior cabins is separable.
Price includes
- 10 nights on board M/S Quest
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea
- An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
Not included
- Flight to Bodø and from Longyearbyen
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges
Departures & booking
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make a reservation.
Booking requestDeparture | Return |
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3 May 2025 | 13 May 2025 |