Svalbard May 2023
Expedition Svalbard cruise small ship. 

YOUR ADVENTURE

WE SEE WILDLIFE

BOTTOM OF THE EARTH

ON TOP OF WORLD

PRIVATE TOURS If none of the scheduled dates fit your calendar, contact us regarding private tours. Read more.

Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light, and Epic Sea Ice!

Svalbard Science

Svalbard is a precious place positioned in the high Arctic. It has attracted explorers, whalers, sealers and fishermen for centuries. They were drawn to this barren archipelago for the natural resources found there but now we try to understand what remains through research as the climate changes.

This cruise and ship will provide a unique opportunity to give back to Svalbard by providing opportunities to students and scientists to study its wildlife, environment and our effect on the high Arctic.

Places onboard will be provided to researchers to study Svalbard from the sea. Snapshots into this complex and ever-changing place will be made using different techniques and equipment. We would like to investigate the oceanography (the driver of ocean life) and wildlife using sensors to preserve data on the species and environment there before the most severe effects of climate change alter the islands forever.
Sample for unseen species within the coastal waters of Svalbard using water

samples through environmental DNA (eDNA) and evaluate the effects of plastic pollution around the archipelago and in tourist hotspots in particular. We will also record the mammals and birds we encounter in our travels to document where and how many there were seen.

We want to provide early career researchers and students with the opportunity to join the cruise to help answer these questions or ask some of their own. We wish this cruise will help contribute to the knowledge of Svalbard’s wildlife and wild places and intend to collaborate with researchers and organisations there to maximise the potential to deliver quality science that counts towards our understanding of Svalbard.

A board M/S Bergsund

This private expedition is for a small group interest in the area.
The overall schedule is flexible to allow us to see as much as possible.
English speaking, because that’s the market we have the best access to.
Briefings, presentations, etc. will be given in English. Welcome on board!

TRIP DETAILS

When May finally arrives, the sun starts to heat up the frozen land, the boating season for Svalbard begins as spring makes space for summer!
Months these black seas have been frozen, hidden in darkness but with the returning sun the ice slowly breaks up it gives us the chance to navigate between. If you are ready to brave the slightly lower temperatures, then you’ll be rewarded with mind blowing ice formations calved from immense glaciers, dreamy fjords with snow capped mountains, and fantastic opportunities to witness polar bears as they find their way across the pack ice on the hunt for seals.

As we get close to the midnight sun the sun will dip behind the horizon just for minutes before it starts to rise again.

This way ́ ́the golden our ́ ́ last for hours and gives you the chance to photograph around the clock!

SMALL GROUP TRIP

Our Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer trip is an intimidate group of nature lovers that join a wildlife expedition at its best. The M/S Bergsund is a small ship perfect for exploring the remote and icy shores of the Svalbard Archipelago, ensuring your proximity to wildlife-rich areas of interest. With 12 passengers maximum, it creates unique and personal wildlife experiences with the chance of close-up encounters of Arctic wildlife, with some luck and the help of our professional crew, maybe even the´King of the Arctic’, the polar bear.

SHIPS & DECK PLANS

Traveling abroad with MS Bergsund gives you the purest experience of the North! The ship is 29 meter long and easily manoeuvres between the ice, taking you close to the cliffs. 

The low outside deck gives you the perfect chance to photograph from. Equipped with 2 zodiacs ready to deploy any time we will be fast and ready to go when the moment is there!

You’ll enjoy the daily thrill of discovery without sacrificing comfort. After a long day on the zodiacs between the ice we take you back to the ship where there will be a warm sauna or a hot Jacuzzi will wait for you! Our chef will provide you with 3 good and fresh cooked meals and will make sure there are plenty of snacks, coffee and tea available at any time!

2023: wednesday 3rd May – friday 12th of May

8 nights on ship

Min 7 – Max 12 pax

Embark / Disembark Longyearbyen

Expedition cruising Svalbard (Spitsbergen) Special photography voyage

Expedition Motor Vessel – Bergsund

Photography Research Expedition

NOK 64.000,-

Svalbard Airport – Avinor (LYR)

Trip Code #23.05.101

Program/intineray

Wednesday morning the 3rd of May we will meet in the harbour of longyearbyen where we will step onboard of our floating house for the next 8 days. Soon after meeting the crew, (safety) introduction we will slip the lines and set course.

May the 5th-11th, we spend as much time as we can in, on and around the ice.
A complete planning is impossible since we fully depend on last minute weather forecast and
ice conditions. The general idea is to get as far north as we can get and hang around the edges of the sea ice. Here we do our best of finding the majestic polar bear, walrus, arctic fox and hopefully some different whale species. We ensure that our crew will do their absolute best to give
you an unforgettable time. Give you the best encounters and be there for you 24/7.
Thursday the 12th of May. Around midday we will find our way back to port. Where the trip started 9 days ago and did meet the ship it’s time to say goodbye now. Back with great memories, new friends and hopefully memorie cards full with images this journey came to an end.

… unless otherwise indicted or desired.

GEAR:

Svalbard in May is the dream for many (photographers)! But don’t forget it can be challenging! Low temperatures, harsh weather. Conditions you (and gear) might not be used to. Your equipment should be weatherproof, or you should bring rain cover for your equipment. A dry bag is strongly recommended when traveling with camera gear in the zodiacs. Rain is not the worst, but it’s sea water spray in the zodiacs. Small sand par- ticles on some beaches might also cause problems.

Ofcourse we will focus finding wildlife but don’t forget about the mind-blowing and dramatic landscapes! This requires a different set of gear. Highly recommended is a wide angle lens, We recommend everyone to bring 2 or 3 camera bodies on this expedition. One camera for your telephoto lens and one camera for your wide-angle or zoom lens. It’s very important to have backup camera in case something happens. The 70-200 always is good to bring, use it for you landscape or wildlife. But when it comes to wildlife we recommend you to bring at least a 400mm lens. Preferably something larger or the use of extenders (1,4x – 2.0x).

Contact me for all your extra questions, allergies, special (veggie) meals, other available dates and/or information you have.
We look forward seeing you on board!

Included:
• All overnight stays onboard
• All fees

• All meals + snacks
Transportion by minibus to ship.
• All guided service
• Daily lectures on board

Single cabin*:
Upon request and if available

NOT included:
• Airfares
• Alcoholic beverages

• Personal purchases
• Travel- and cancellation insurance
• Gratuity

Level
We expect our guests to have a good general health and reasonable fitness. This expedition is for a small group on a small ship in remote area, far from civilisation and medical facilities.

Conditions

General Conditions SALES CONDITIONS INDIVIDUALS JOINING DAY TRIPS, EXPEDITIONS and CAMPS
These conditions shall apply to all orders unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

Click Here

OUR WORLD IS WATER

WE LOVE OUTDOOR & WILDLIFE

Nature photography has become a tool to show the world the remaining beauty of wilderness. Our view to nature needs to change, it’s time to make a difference and become one on this living earth. Join us on unforgettable adventures to the most gorgeous locations to reconnect with nature.

REFERENCES
We believe it is important to support people with a wonderful mission. Not everyone qualifies for this, but a select group of people have managed to touch us with their passion and drive, something that fits our vision! read more

READY 4YOUR ADVENTURE?
Special Services

Assisting Scientists

Ocean 2 Summit | NaturalHigh.one Wildlife & Wilderness Tailor-made Trips & Travel, Film & Photo Production Services around the two polar circles, South Pole and North Pole. Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, Finland, Sweden and Norway. Antarctic and Arctic connecting Europe for a sustainable future. We offer sales cooperation with commission and discounts on winter pre bookings and hour packages. Are you ready for your next adventure?

 

GREENSPIRATION | VISIT
Visibility campaign Natural High
Related News, Highlights & Sources
ADVENTURES in the ARCTIC & ANTARCTICA
CONTACT

NATURAL HIGH ✪ AECO & IAATO Field Staff Expedition Guide/RYA Skipper ⚓️ Manager & Eco Nature Tour Guide. CUSTOM tailor-made wilderness adventures.
Photography/video and media.

  • Currently sailing High Arctic waters with poor satellite connection.
    +31 61 417.99.90
    pietvandenbemd @ gmail. com
PAYMENT INFORMATION

NATURAL HIGH
Bank Account Number
IBAN: NO0646123176243
BIC: SNOWN022
*VAT is 0% for non-EU customers. VAT REVERSE CHARGE by non-established suppliers.

Privacy Settings
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Youtube
Consent to display content from - Youtube
Vimeo
Consent to display content from - Vimeo
Google Maps
Consent to display content from - Google