EXPEDITIONS
Arctic Circle Arctic Norway ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS Few places are still as undiscovered as the hidden fjords of Northern Norway during wintertime. The rough, high-peaked mountains are powdered with snow and the winter light can be incredible. Even in December when the sun is not rising above the horizon, the blue pastel colours of the sky are magnificent. In addition, the mysterious landscape is often illuminated by the legendary Northern Lights during clear nights, making up for the relatively short days of daylight. Cruising through this spectacular wilderness scenery has a humbling impact on those travellers entering the great northern land, filled with wildlife and a fascinating human history. We invite you onboard the comfortable small expedition ship M/V Quest. We will cruise the sheltered coastline, inside and along a beautiful archipelago of islands, keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife and occasionally exploring the land by snowshoes. For the last couple of years huge numbers of Orcas and Humpback Whales have joined an annual hunt for herring in the North-Norwegian fjords during wintertime. We are sailing in the area where the herring feast is expected. But, as the traveling pattern of both the whales and herring is rather unpredictable we aim to be highly flexible with our schedule and route. White taled sea eagle Humpback whale
LET S EXPLORE HERITAGE ARCTIC MAINLAND EXPEDITIONS Here we travel into hidden fjords dotted with small Norwegian fishing settlements. You can expect to see orcas, humpbacked whale, sperm whale, seals, otter, sea eagles and the dancing northern lights! OPEN WHEELHOUSE A unique feature, we encourage our guests to visit the bridge. Here you can gain an authentic perspective. You can interact with the Captain, observe navigation along charted course, hear ship-to-shore communications, and listen to seafarer tales from experienced Viking mariners. ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS WITH SPECTACULAR WILDLIFE VIEWING With many years of expeditions in the Arctic, our extensive knowledge of the local coastline, weather systems, and how these variables affect the native wildlife, is a true asset. You will feel the sting of icy salt water in the wind, breaching of many species of whales, breathtaking northern lights and a taste of local history and way of living. ACTIVE EXPLORATION During our small-ship expeditions, you can look forward to an ongoing series of destination lectures, photo presentations, daily recaps, and onshore interactive walks. On land journeys, one or two field experts will share their intimate knowledge of the region, its wildlife and its cultures, while ensuring that you have a smooth and well-rounded expedition experience. SPECIAL ACCESS We are fortunate to have agreements with local friends and neighbours who have given our voyages exclusive permission to access privately-owned land, thus securing a high class experience for our guests. INSPIRING CULTURES Arctic Explorer s itineraries offer an excellent opportunity to discover and experience old coastal traditions. You ll learn methods of everyday life, hunting, and fishing from people indigenous to the region. ARCTIC & ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS With great knowledge comes great responsibility. We believe that sharing our knowledge and educating our guests through individual experience is of primary importance in the preservation of the unique wilderness that we have the privilege of exploring. At Arctic Explorer our relationship to the people in our region is crucial and we feel proud to enhance these relationships by supporting our local economy. Fishing village in the Arctic Norway FRESH COASTAL NORWEGIAN CUISINE Arctic Explorer takes pride in presenting a taste of local food from the farms and ocean along the coast. Much of the seafood you ll have the opportunity to enjoy will have been caught the same day from local fishing vessels, or by yourself. We are proud to have local breweries and distilled spirits onboard our vessels. Such native specialities contribute to the delight of a journey for those who travel with us.
Senja Tromsø Alta Arctic Norway Lofoten Bodø HIDDEN FJORDS and NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS Orcas spyhopping Humpback whales feeding on herring HIDDEN FJORDS NORTHERN LIGHTS DESIGN YOUR OWN CRUISE M/V Quest 4 and 5 days 3 and 4 nights onboard Tromsø - Tromsø October - December M/V Quest and M/V Strønstad* 5 days 4 nights onboard Tromsø - Tromsø October - December GUESTS: M/V Quest and M/V Strønstad Groups from 4 to 16 pax Searching for whales Wildlife watching Northern lights On shore experience Local culture and history Northen Lights Sami Culture Northern Light Cathedral Whale and wildlife watching [ *M/V Strønstad on request ] Swimming with whales Northern Lights experience Ski by boat Your own dream adventure Orca Humpback whales feeding on herring ARCTIC NORWAY HIDDEN FJORDS AND ISLAND ADVENTURE WHALES AND NORTHERN LIGHTS SWIMING WITH WHALES M/V Quest 8 days 7 nights onboard Bødo - Alta - Tromsø October M/V Strønstad [ on request ] October - February GUESTS: M/V Strønstad [ on request ] October - February Northen Lights Sami Culture Northern Light Cathedral Whales and wildlife watching Northen Lights Sami Culture Northern Light Cathedral Whales and wildlife watching Whale experience with Northern Lights cruise Northern Lights over the fjords Humpback whale breaching
Svalbard Longyearbyen SPITSBERGEN/SVALBARD ADVENTURES Boarding the RIB boats from M/V Quest SPRINGTIME CRUISE SVALBARD ADVENTURE EXPEDITION SVALBARD LOFOTEN, BEAR ISLAND and SVALBARD DESIGN YOUR OWN CRUISE M/V Quest ONBOARD: 9 days / 7 nights May M/V Quest ONBOARD: 9 days / 7 nights June M/V Quest ONBOARD: 11 days / 10 nights July - August M/V Quest ONBOARD: 10 days / 9 nights May CHARTER: M/V Leone or M/V Strønstad GROUPS: From 4 to 16 pax Arctic wildlife Searching for polar bears Polar history Arctic wildlife Searching for polar bears Polar history Bodø - Bear Island - Svalbard Explore the Norwegian and Arctic coastline, filled with wildlife, history and local culture. Design your own expedition and explore the arctic wilderness. M/V Quest in Svalbard Arctic wildlife Searching for polar bears Polar history Puffin Arctic Tern Walrus Svalbard reindeer Taking pictures of a polar bear Fulmar Arctic fox Polar bear Bearded seal
OUR FLEET M/V QUEST Expedition Ship The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland s west coast. In 2004/2005 she was completely refurbished and now has a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. M/V STRØNSTAD Small Expedition Ship Built in 1955 as a typical local ferry and passenger ship, sailing the harsh and though waters around Lofoten and norther Norway. Today refurbished to a exclusive little ship, providing comfortable accommodations and facilities. M/V AURORA EXPLORER High Speed Passenger Catamaran Built 1999 and served as a local ferry between the islands outside Bodø. Consecutively refurbished, have sailed as tourist expedition vessel for Arctic Explorer since 2015. With big panorama windows, large outer deck, confortable seats and high speed, this is the first choice to chase whales and for wildlife experiences at the coastline of northern Norway, and a fast and comfortable transport between destinations in Spitsbergen. M/V LEONE M/V ARCTIC OCEAN RIB: NORTH EXPLORER I & II Versatile Ice Class Ship A nice little ship originally built in 1987 with ice classification, as a fishing vessel in the Baltic Sea. Rebuilt completely to a yacht style ship with nice accommodations. Targa 44 - Speed boat With ample room both inside and out, as well as outstanding performance in all conditions. Very comfortable boat yet capable to reach 35 knots. Arctic Ocean takes you to your destination with complete peace of mind. High Speed RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) With capacity for 12 passengers per boat and capable to reach 70mph, our RIB boats are ready for all short of adventures in the Arctic Norway. From Whale Safari, Fjord and Landscape cruises, Midnight Sun,... you name it! We provide all the safety gear and warm suits, balaclava, mittens and goggles. Passengers: 54 Length: 45 m Built: 1992 Cabins: 26 Ice classification. Passengers: 16 Length: 45 m Built: 1952 Cabins: 6 Passengers: 146 Length: 23,98 m Width: 9 m Built: 1999 Serv. speed: 20 kn Handicap toilet Passengers: 9-10 Length: 15 m Built: 1991 Cabins: 5 Passengers: 12 Built: 2008 Length: 14,36m Width: 4,0m Top speed: 35 kn 6 beds, 2 x wc 1 shower. Passengers: 24 (12 per boat) Max speed: 70 mph Engines: 2 350 hkmvh/rgds
DESIGN: BUENDIA MEDIA PHOTO CREDITS: DAVID GONZALEZ - BUENDIA PHOTOGRAPHY - LIGA SIRAVA - ARCTIC EXPLORER - ADRIAN NORDENBORG - MATTIAS HENNINGSSON [ ALL THE PICTURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN DURING EXPEDITIONS OR TRIPS WITH ARCTIC EXPLORER ]