2023 Svalbard Photography Tour I

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2023 Svalbard Photography Tour I Travel Plans

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What makes this tour special is that it will have a “flexible” schedule, meaning if we find polar bears we can stay with them to maximize photography opportunities. Travel with a small group (12 guests maximum!) on a very comfortable and welcoming boat, and go off the beaten path to remote locations that the 100-500 passenger cruise ships cannot travel to.

  As with all wildlife, polar bears are not guaranteed. This trip is weather and ice dependent. Each year is different. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has always wanted to visit this region of the world.

  Friday, July 21 (D)

  Arrive in Longyearbyen, Norway. Transfer to the MV Polaris I and board the ship at 6:30pm. It’s time to head north and begin our 11-day, 10-night polar expedition!

  MV Polaris I – See Accommodations for full ship details.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Saturday, July 22 – Sunday, July 30 (B, L, D)
  

  Spitsbergen, located in the Arctic Ocean north of Norway, is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Very mountainous, the island of Spitsbergen (which means ‘pointed mountain’), presents all the characteristics of the polar environment. It offers stunning panoramas, gigantic glaciers plunging into the sea, steep mountains, and also flowering plains and welcoming tundras. It is home to very diverse arctic fauna: polar bears, bearded seals, walruses, reindeer, polar foxes, whales (belugas and minke), as well as many birds such as common eiders, arctic terns, puffins, Guillemots, little auks, bunches, geese, ivory gulls, and phalaropes.

  Every day we ‘ll be in a different place, sailing along the coast with many stops to the north of the island. Apart from the first and last day, our sailings will consist of Zodiac landings of a few hours, sometimes lengthened by encounters with bears, whales, or seals. We will spend our nights anchored at the foot of glaciers or in beautiful, peaceful bays.

  Notes from the Captain
  As we are a French ship, of course we attach a very high importance to the food, and our chief cook is a very good chef. We also have a good selection of French Wines onboard. All of the crew has been sailing on Polaris for many years, and they are all enthusiastic and very involved in the activity, always trying to make the guests happy and always ready to talk with them.

  We have an open bridge with seats for guests, so it’s always a pleasure to share our experience with them.

  The outside deck is absolutely perfect for wildlife sighting with a large sundeck. The restaurant and lounge/bar have large heated panoramic windows.

  The embarkation in the two zodiacs is done thanks to small stairs and a pad—very easy and safe, even for older guests.

  When it comes to polar bears, of course it’s unpredictable, but we have very good chances to see several bears, sometimes very close from the zodiacs. The usual routings we do are the Northwest coast, Ice Edge, Hinlopen, and Nordauslandet, seven Islands and back. Of course everything depends on the weather, ice conditions, and wildlife! We sometimes change plans several times per day, when we meet a bear, a whale… We are a member of AECO and keep in touch with some other ships happy to cooperate for sharing information about wildlife. And because we are a small ship, we do not have to establish precise sailing plans in advance.

  We have guides with a lot of experience onboard Polaris in Svalbard with good skills for driving zodiacs and also good for scouting polar bears. Good bears spotters are the keys to success if the main purpose of the trip is finding polar bears.

  Regarding sailing in the ice: when we sail to the ice edge, we follow the edge most of the time looking for bears. Following the edge is the best option because we keep a good speed and we can scout huge areas with the scope. Of course sailing to the ice requires calm weather and good visibility; otherwise it’s really a waste of time. We can push ice with the ship and sail into 5 to 7/10 sea ice. This allows us to get close to the orange and red ice which are the most interesting to find polar bears. But we can’t “break” ice; there are no small ships able to do so. Even the big ships in Spitsbergen stay along the edge, except Ortelius which is the only one designed as an icebreaker.

  When it comes to overnight on the ice, we can do it when the conditions are good or when we want to stay close to a bear with a carcass for example, this is possible. We can either stay adrift or moor on a big ice floe if we find a good one; it depends on the winds, tidal stream, ice around, etc. If we consider that there is any risk for the safety, we prefer sailing away and coming back in the morning.

  One other important thing about sea-ice: people are always very excited when sailing to pack ice, both for the beauty of the ice itself and the good chances to see walrus and seals on the ice and also because they believe that there are better chances to see polar bears on the ice. This last point is not really true unfortunately. If we see polar bears on the ice, it’s most of the time quite far from the ship, and it’s not at every trip that we have curious bears approaching us. We usually find more bears on land which are easier to approach, or on the ice in the fjords. But, as usual, we never know what we’ll see, and this is why it’s so interesting.

  Notes from Tanya
  We have been to Svalbard with groups on very small boats and a mid-size ship; there are positives and negatives to both options. Based on our experience, Dan and I believe that chartering our own boat that is a good size with plenty of staff is the way to go. We can adjust the schedule during our journey based on what we encounter and where. We will have access to areas large ships cannot explore.

  Remember, July in Svalbard is Land of the Midnight Sun, which means long days to look for bears. Our goal is to search for bears, and it would be nice to find some walrus and whales along the way too. We do not plan to have this trip as a “see all Svalbard has to offer” type of tour. We want a group that is willing to put in the time to look for bears and understand that finding bears is not always easy. We will base our decisions on the captain’s experience, his contact with other ships, weather, and ice conditions. Our goal is to try to find polar bears and get some great photo opportunities.

  Monday, July 31 (B)
  

  Disembark the MV Polaris I today at around 8:00am. Transfer to the airport to begin our journey home.

  SCROLL DOWN TO SEE GALLERIES FROM EXPLORERS ON PAST SVALBARD TRIPS.

  • Guest Limits

    12 Guests Maximum!

  • Trip Cost

    EXPLORER RATE:
    12,500 for rooms #101, 102, 107, 108 (SINGLE private rooms w/ twin bed/private bath for 1 person)

    13,500 for rooms #103, 104, 105, 106, 109, 110, 201, 202 (1 double bed/private bath, price is per person based on double occupancy)

    *ADD 2000 if you’re a single guest in a room with 1 double bed

    NON-EXPLORER RATE:
    Add 1000 per person

    All pricing quoted in USD

    Please Note: Charter rates are based on the Euro. If the US/Euro exchange rate drastically changes between now and then, we may have to adjust rates for any currency influx.

  • Deposit

    $3500 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    June 1, 2022: $5000 per person first installment
    January 1, 2023: Final installment

    Check only for first and final installments. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures

    810 N. Wallace, Suite E

    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • 10 nights onboard MV Polaris I
    • Airport transfers in Longyearbyen to/from ship on scheduled itinerary days
    • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages with meals onboard ship
    • Limited alcohol with meals on ship
    • All shore excursions from the ship on Zodiacs

  • Not Included

    • International flights to and from Oslo, Norway (OSL)
    • Domestic flights Oslo-Longyearbyen and Longyearbyen-Oslo
    • Gratuities
    • Airport departure taxes
    • Laundry, postage, phone calls, and other miscellaneous personal expenses
    • Travel insurance
    • Emergency evacuation fees/insurance

  • Flights to Book

    INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
    Book your international flights to and from Oslo, Norway (OSL).

    DOMESTIC FLIGHTS (Norway)
    SAS Airlines
    July 21, 2023
    Depart Oslo (OSL), arrive in Longyearbyen (LYR)
    Board MV Polaris I today at 6:30pm

    July 31, 2023
    Disembark MV Polaris I today at 8:00am
    Depart Longyearbyen (LYR), arrive in Oslo (OSL)

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

    Global Rescue
    (use code natexp)

    Allianz Global Assistance 
    (use travel agency ID F203564)

    Insure My Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

    Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

    By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

• Accommodations for 2023 Svalbard Photography Tour I

  July 21-30, 10 Nights
  MV Polaris I

  The MV Polaris I is ideal for small group expeditions to remote locations that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Originally a support ship of the British Royal Navy, the MV Polaris I was completely transformed into a comfortable luxury ship in 2007. It’s a solid and reliable boat, built of very high quality steel and designed to navigate any type of sea. Its robustness and comfort make it a perfect vessel for safe navigation in polar regions for those wishing to travel off the beaten track while enjoying optimal comfort.

  The ship flies the French flag and is followed by the classification society Det Norsk Veritas, world-renowned as one of the most serious in the maritime field, thus ensuring the highest safety standards on board. The Polaris is an authentic and a very comfortable floating shelter where safety, well-being, comfort, and relaxation of the passengers are the masters.

  

  The main deck consists of a roomy dining area, bar, and lounge with large panoramic picture windows, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views while they dine or relax at the bar.

  The ship has 12 cabins, 4 singles and 8 doubles. Each cabin has its own private shower room, toilet, and porthole/window. No bunks!

  Rooms # 101, 102, 107, 108 (single private rooms with twin bed for one person)

  Rooms # 103, 104, 105, 106, 109, 110, 201, 202 (1 double bed for double occupancy)

  

  Specifications:
  Year Built: 1973
  Conversion: 2007
  Flag: France
  Length: 34 m
  Beam: 8.5 m
  Draft: 3.2 m
  Main motor: Lister Blackstone 8-cylinder turbocharged, 660 HP
  Electricity: 2 generators, 220-volt electric sockets in cabins
  Speed: 9 knots
  Max speed: 11 knots
  Zodiacs: 2

• Helpful Information for 2023 Svalbard Photography Tour I

  CAMERA GEAR

  Closer to trip time, a list of camera gear suggestions will be sent to each guest along with a “goodie box” to get you prepared for the trip. Dan will also call you to say hello and answer any camera gear questions you may have.

  NEW TO PHOTOGRAPHY?

  Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill or equipment! The majority of our guests are amateur enthusiasts who love traveling and taking pictures during their vacations. Our groups are non-competitive and friendly—we’re here to have fun! This trip is perfect for the guest who wants more than just a cruise. Daniel will work with each guest individually to help advance their photography skills. Non-photographing spouses are always welcome!

  VISA and PASSPORT

  A visa is not required for stays under 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay. Two empty pages are required for the entry stamp. You must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

  For the most up-to-date entry requirements for Norway, please visit the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs or Norway embassy websites.

  VACCINATIONS

  There are no vaccinations required to enter Norway.

  WEATHER

  In summer the day is permanent; the sun shines at midnight. The temperatures can range between 32 and 59 °F.

  LUGGAGE

  There is ample storage space in your cabin on the ship.

  THE SHIP CREW

  Dan, Tanya, and eight crew members—captain, mate, AB, cadet, steward and chief cook, and two zodiac guides—are onboard to take care of your needs.

  WALKING POLES

  Walking poles might be a good idea, especially if you have trouble walking over uneven ground. Some of the landings can be on slippery rocks or deep snow, and we may go for extended walks to see different parts of our landing point.

  DOWNLOADING PHOTOS

  Computers to download your digital images are not provided. We recommended you bring a laptop computer or similar downloading device to download your images.

  ELECTRICITY/ADAPTER

  The electrical supply onboard MV Polaris I is 220-volt. You will need a European round two-prong plug adapter.

  INTERNET AND TELEPHONE

  There is no GSM/3G coverage outside Longyearbyen, so there is no Internet onboard the ship. However, there will be a satellite telephone onboard the ship that can be used for emergency purposes only.

  SPECIAL FOOD NEEDS

  The chefs will consider any dietary requirements into their meal planning and ensure you receive tasty, healthy meals. Please be sure to notify us of any food allergies and special dietary requirements/restrictions prior to trip time.

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  You should be in good general health and be able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. However, if you have problems walking on rough ground, you can enjoy the scenery closer to shore. Please notify us if  you have any physical limitations.

  SEASICKNESS

  Seasickness depends on the individual. Typically a small percentage of people get seasick on any trip, and most of these people are fine after a day or two at sea. If you’re susceptible to seasickness, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before trip time and bring motion sickness tablets.

  POLAR BEARS

  As with all wild animals, we cannot guarantee you will see polar bears. However, this time of year is when bear numbers are at their peak. The experienced crew are aware of the bears’ habitats and are well trained to spot these marvelous creatures in the wild.

  Have a question?

  Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

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• Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

  • "If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"

    Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts

  • "Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."

    Linda Henry, Oregon

  • "What a trip
    What a group
    What a fabulous everything
    To our next encounters with nature"

    Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida

  • "I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."

    Sue Wolfe, Texas

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