Ortelius, Arctic

Name: Diving: North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores (Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen)
Start: 2025-06-26
End: 2025-07-03
Location: Arctic

10.0 Exceptional
- Internet
from $ 500 / day
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“Wonderful”

Ricardo T, Spain

Highlights

Exciting Arctic expeditions from May to September
Highest ice classification for Arctic trips
Diving opportunities with shallow dives under the ice

Originally a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science, the 91m Ortelius now offers exciting expeditions in the Arctic from May - September each year. The Ortelius is an ice-strengthened vessel and has the highest ice-class notation available, making her more than adequate for these exciting voyages. A highly experienced crew of 22, including 8 expedition staff, are on-hand to look after guests' needs. The Ortelius caters to 108 guests in 48 simple yet comfortable en-suite cabins. Cabins are available in various configurations, including twin, triple, and quadruple. Social areas include two restaurants, a bar/lecture room, and an observation lounge.

Voyages aboard the Ortelius have been designed to offer guests as much time ashore as possible with a quality wildlife program. Itineraries range from 8-15 days, including looking for Reindeer around Spitsbergen, humpback whale watching, seeing Arctic foxes & Polar bears, and special Polar bear trips dedicated to finding these amazing animals. Activities include hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing.

Ortelius explores the Arctic region between May to September. Arctic dive trips visit North Spitsbergen, and dives vary from shore diving, zodiac diving, and wreck dives. Diving is quite shallow (30 - 60 feet), but divers can dive next to or under ice floes. Not only will divers marvel at the ever-changing colors underwater due to the combination of sunlight, seawater, and amazing ice formations, but they will also see kelp walls, lobster, crab, and sea hedgehogs. In Spitsbergen, there is also the chance to dive with sea lions. The aim is for 1 - 2 dives daily (1 morning & 1 afternoon), depending on local ice and weather conditions. The Ortelius liveaboard takes 108 passengers, but dive groups are kept to a maximum of 24.

Book your amazing trip to the Arctic today by booking online.

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Included: VAT, Port Fees, Airport Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries.

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Diving Package, Extra Dives, Rental Gear, Laundry / Pressing Services, WiFi internet.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Boat features

Laundry Service
Daily housekeeping
Audio & video entertainment
Library
Aircon Cabins
Indoor Saloon
En-Suite bathrooms
Paid Internet
Seaview Cabins
Kayaks On-Board
Naturalist Guide
Bar
Naturalist Guide

Food & Drinks

Western Food
Vegetarian Options
Buffet style
Beer available
Snacks All Day
Vegan Options
Fine Wines Selection
Wine Available
Set Menu Dinner
Welcome Cocktails

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.