Svalbard Arctic Wildlife Photography Expedition

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Svalbard Arctic Wildlife Photography Expedition

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Duration:

10 days

Ending place

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Minimum age:

None

286 reviews

Description

Capture the incredible wildlife of the Arctic on this 10-day photography expedition to Svalbard!

Situated in the midst of the Arctic Ocean, this Norwegian archipelago is world-renowned for its rugged landscapes where glaciers reign supreme. The tundra is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, including migratory sea birds, polar bears, seals, Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses and whales.

We'll be travelling during the summer months, when the Arctic region experiences a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. This is when the sun never sets below the horizon, resulting in 24 hours of daylight marked by long golden hours. It's the perfect time to practice landscape and wildlife photography!

Our home away from home will be aboard the polar-class expedition vessel, M/V Sea Spirit, which will make for a comfortable base as we explore the fantastic scenery in this remote part of the world. The majority of our time will be spent in Spitsbergen, the largest island of Svalbard. We'll immerse ourselves in the South Spitsbergen National Park as well as the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, where the breathtaking deep fjords and soaring sea cliffs harbour countless opportunities to photograph the stunning flora and fauna of the Arctic. If the conditions are favourable, then we'll journey towards the edge of the polar pack ice, in search of polar bears on the hunt for seals.

For the duration of the tour, you'll be guided by award-winning photographer, Daniel Kordan, in partnership with Poseidon Expeditions. Together, they'll monitor the weather and the light to ensure that you'll be at all the best places at the right times to photograph the extraordinary wildlife. They'll also provide a series of informative lectures and post-processing masterclasses to ensure that you'll receive a well-rounded educational experience in the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard.

Do not miss out on the chance to join this Arctic wildlife photography safari! Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen in Longyearbyen

Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation

Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2

Shipboard accommodation

All meals on board throughout the voyage

Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily

All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team

Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka

Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

Welcome and Farewell cocktails

All port fees

Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation

Pre-departure materials

Digital Voyage Log

Wi-Fi on board

Activities

Photo Tours

Photo Workshop

Map

Attractions

Norway

Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

You'll arrive to Longyearbyen in Svalbard, where you'll be met by our expedition team at the airport. From there, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the centre of town. After check-in, you'll have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the coal-mining settlement. Attractions include the Svalbard Museum, local church and the North Pole Expeditions Museum. For dinner, we recommend checking out the delicious local fare at one of Longyearbyen's gorgeous restaurants. During this time of year, the sun will never set, so there will be plenty of daylight to continue exploring the town into the late hours of the night.

Day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Embarkation

You'll have the morning of day two to continue exploring Longyearbyen, before we meet as a group to be transferred to the pier in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we'll begin the embarkation process aboard the M/V Sea Spirit. Once onboard, you'll have some time to settle into your cabin and to get to know your fellow travellers. Your expedition team will then introduce you to the crew and provide a series of safety briefings and information sessions, which will no doubt prepare you for the extraordinary voyage ahead. You'll receive your complimentary polar expedition jacket, which will keep you warm as you step out onto the open decks while the ship sets sail. In the evening, we'll meet together for a delicious welcome dinner in the restaurant, before heading out onto the decks for panoramic views as we sail through Isfjorden, the second longest fjord in Svalbard. It will be the perfect opportunity to photograph sea birds beneath the golden light of the Midnight Sun.

Day 3

Day 3 - Days 3-9: West Spitsbergen and Polar Ice Edge

Over the next six days, we'll spend our time cruising around the beautiful coastlines of western Spitsbergen. As we sail through the fjords and make our way around the islands, we'll keep a lookout for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. Many sea birds nest upon the cliffs and mountains within the region, including guillemots, little auks and murres. There will even be the chance to witness whales and seals hunting in their natural habitat. The weather in this part of the world can be quite dynamic. Our itinerary will be flexible in order to take advantage of the prevailing conditions, wildlife sightings and the enchanting lighting created by the Midnight Sun. Highlights over the next few days include: - South Spitsbergen National Park - Northwest Spitsbergen National Park - Forlandet National Park - Prins Karls Forland - North Isforden National Park - The former mining town of Ny Ålesund There will be numerous opportunities to photograph historical buildings associated with whaling operations, ruins of wooden boats and cabins, fascinating fjords, majestic mountain peaks, incredible glaciers and colossal icebergs as they calve into the ocean. During shore landings and excursions, we'll hike through the wild and rugged landscape as we explore the breathtaking surrounds. In addition, we'll do our best to sail to the edge of the polar pack ice, where we'll be perfectly placed to witness polar bears on the hunt for seals hauled out upon ice floes.

Day 10

Day 10 - Day 10: Disembarkation and Departure

This will be the final day of our expedition. We'll rise early in the morning for one last breakfast together as a group, before we disembark back at the pier in Longyearbyen. From there, you'll be able to catch a transfer to the airport or into the town centre, depending on your next destination. We hope that you'll have enjoyed an incredible Arctic wildlife safari in Svalbard. Farewell until next time!

Rates

Cruise rates are quoted per person and based on passengers sharing a cabin. Single supplement: 1.7 for Main Deck and Classic, Superior Suite; 2 for Deluxe, Premium and Owner’s Suite.

Triple Suite - US$ 6,195

Triple Suite staterooms are located on the Oceanus Deck and consist of two twin beds (which can be converted to a King) and a sofa bed. The rooms are 21 square metres (226 square feet). They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include an in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Main Deck Suite - US $8,495

Main Deck staterooms are located on the Main Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 23 square metres (248 square feet). They feature a minimum of two porthole windows and en suite facilities. Amenities include an in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Classic Suite - US$ 9,095

Classic staterooms are located on the Oceanus Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 21 square metres (226 square feet). They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include an in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Superior Suite - US$ 9,295

Superior Suite staterooms are located on the Club Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 20 square metres (215 square feet). They feature a picture window which overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.

Deluxe Suite - US$ 10,395

Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King size bed. The rooms are 24 square metres (258 square feet). They feature a sliding glass door that leads to a private balcony and a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.

Premium Suite - US$ 11,395

Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 30 square metres (323 square feet). They feature a private balcony with a sliding glass door, en suite facilities and lounge area. Amenities include an in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Owner's Suite - US$ 14,595

The Owner's Suite is located on the Sun Deck and consists of a King Size bed and a sofa bed. The room is 43 square metres (463 square feet) and is designed for entertaining. It features a separate living room with game and meeting area, BOSE stereo system, HD plasma TV and a private deck with sliding glass doors. Amenities include a jetted bathtub in en suite facilities.

Departure Schedule

13-22 Jun 2021: Guided by Daniel Kordan

About the M/v Sea Spirit

Explore Svalbard in style and comfort aboard the Sea Spirit, a polar class vessel that spans 90.6 metres (297 ft.) in length. Renovated in 2017, this incredible piece of modern engineering is perfectly suited to navigate the icy waters of Arctic Norway.

Overview

The M/v Sea Spirit is capable of carrying up to 114 passengers and 74 crew members.

Open Bridge Policy

You can talk to the Captain and officers as you cruise through the Arctic whilst catching a glimpse of the spectacular landscape from this special angle of view.

Restaurant

The Restaurant offers contemporary international cuisine by our talented chefs in an open-seating dining area.

Outdoor Bistro

The Outdoor Bistro is located in the Jacuzzi area. It's a great place to have lunch or a light meal if the weather permits.

Bar

The Bar is staffed by a professional bartender and serves a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Relax with your peers after a long day out exploring!

Presentation Lounge

Lectures, briefings, social gatherings and masterclasses will be held in the Presentation Lounge. It features state-of-the-art equipment and spectacular views.

Expedition Desk

This is the place to go if you have any questions. Team members will do their best to help answers any queries you may have during the trip.

Club Lounge

The Club Lounge is a wonderful place to socialise with your peers and gaze at the beautiful landscapes as we sail through the Arctic Ocean. This area offers 24-hour self-service coffee and tea facilities.

Library

Spend some time reading or relaxing in the onboard library with a selection of books, DVDs, magazines, reference materials and newspapers.

Gym

Stay fit in our onboard gym. It is open daily and offers a few machines as well as room for stretching and yoga.

Reception

You can attend the Reception at any time to speak with our team. They'll be able to help you out with any queries or services that you may require.

Adventure Options

Kayaking fee $655 USD

Sea Kayak Club is offered on this voyage to Svalbard. Join us for an unscripted kayaking adventure as we explore these remote waters. We'll paddle around icebergs and experience a range of different encounters with wildlife if the weather permits.

Disclaimer

We highly recommend that you take out travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas.

The itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Video

Guides

Daniel Kordan

English, Russian

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Renowned landscape photographer, Daniel Kordan, is an explorer at heart. Having realized his passion for photography and traveling at a young age, he now spends his time sharing his vision and the many wonders of the world with people all around him.