Spitsbergen, Norway is the ideal starting point for this expedition, as you fly to Barneo Ice Camp at approximately 89N. Built as a drifting polar research facility, but used by adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts alike, an expedition to Barneo has you mingling with scientists, skiers, and explorers from around the world. The highlight of the trip is reaching the North Pole, and we employ the power and Arctic-tested ruggedness of Mi8 helicopters to do just that. Celebrate your achievement with a champagne toast and a satellite phone call to anywhere in the world.
Highlights
Land on a seasonal airstrip constructed on a polar ice cap
Ride in a Mi8 helicopter to 90°N, the North Pole
Spend the night at Barneo Ice Camp, a functioning research base
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, you are met at the airport by a member of the expedition team. After settling in to your hotel, there is a briefing about Barneo Ice Camp. You are updated on current camp conditions, expedition details, and your departure the following day to 89° north. This evening the group gets together for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Barneo Ice Camp | North Pole
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Accompanied by a member of your expedition team, transfer to the airport and board the special Antonov AN-74 aircraft for the approx. 2.5 hour flight to Barneo. One of the unique thrills of this expedition is landing on the ice runway at Barneo, a seasonal air strip constructed on the polar ice cap each year, and the only facility that allows external access to the base. Shortly after arriving at camp, have lunch and attend an introductory briefing. Barneo is a functioning research base for scientists and adventurers from around the world, and it’s always a hive of activity.
After lunch, it’s destination – North Pole! The excitement mounts as you prepare for your Mi8 helicopter flight to the northernmost point on earth. Here there is only ice, and the Arctic Ocean is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) deep at this point. Weather conditions are closely monitored, and the flight is scheduled accordingly. Aim to land at 90° north. Once there, savor the moment – pose for pictures, walk around the world together, take it all in. Spend about an hour here – walking, celebrating, and capturing those moments on camera – before the approx. 30-minute helicopter flight back to camp.
Tonight, following dinner, rest up in your heated tent. Each co-ed tent houses 10-12 guests and is equipped with camp beds.
Day 3: Return to Longyearbyen, Norway
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you have some time to wander around the camp and take in the last moments of your pristine surroundings before you bid farewell to Barneo Ice Camp and return to Longyearbyen. In Longyearbyen, visit the museum, shop for souvenirs, or walk through the town, before you depart.
Dates & Prices
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Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Notes
Select a Date
IMPORTANT REMINDER: When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this expedition – please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
PLEASE NOTE: Dates of operation may be altered due to weather and ice conditions. Please bear this in mind when making international flight arrangements.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
2 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
Leadership throughout the expedition by our
experienced Expedition Leader
Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
Official Expedition Parka to Keep
Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Gratuities
One night hotel accommodation based
on double occupancy with breakfast in
Longyearbyen
Welcome dinner in Longyearbyen
Shared tent accommodation at Barneo Ice Camp
Group helicopter excursion to the North Pole
(weather dependent)
Comprehensive pre-departure information
All miscellaneous service taxes throughout the
program
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum
benefit of US$100,000 per person
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Internet & Phone Charges
Excess baggage charges
Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Airport Departure Tax
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical
travel insurance—strongly recommended
Phone and Internet charges (Longyearbyen only)
Additional overnight accommodation
Additional expenses (meals, accommodation,
international flight change fees, etc.) incurred
by delay or cancellation of activities due to suboptimal
weather
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
kevin Moore, our agent, is very knowledgeable about the tours and details, and researches quickly any follow up ?s.
Emory
4 months ago
Tilly was thorough and efficient in answering questions and getting us the right information to make a trip decision.
Nancy Turner
4 months ago
Clara Tort was fantastic to work with, very professional.
Dan Twomey
4 months ago
I've been working w/ Franny and Phen on the Heart of the Arctic Cruise next year. They've both been very friendly and helpful in answering my many questions as we work out the details for the trip. Thank you!
Nita Hoops
9 months ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.