Svalbard May 2022
(Closed)
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!
2022: wednesday 4th May – thursday 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
Expedition Leader
NOK 64.000,-
Svalbard Airport – Avinor (LYR)
Code #22.05.101
Program/intineray
Wednesday morning the 4th 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.
A complete planning is impossible since we fully depend on last minute weather forecast and
… 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.
