Svalbard Polar Bears May 2025

Svalbard Polar Bears May 2025

Embark on an extraordinary adventure into Svalbard's breathtaking Arctic wilderness, where just 12 guests will have the unique opportunity for rare, close-up encounters with iconic Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, and Arctic foxes. Explore hidden corners of this pristine landscape on nimble Zodiacs, guided by expert photography insights. After each day's exciting adventures, relax in the comfort of your own private suite or unwind in the sauna and hot tub aboard a modern, luxurious, and environmentally friendly small expedition vessel with an ice-strengthened hull for safe navigation. Your group will enjoy exclusive use of the vessel for a truly unique experience, all led by renowned wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum.

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Why Join This Trip?

• Explore Svalbard's enchanting Arctic landscape, home to towering glaciers and untouched fjords
• Experience close encounters with iconic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, and Arctic foxes
• Capture the Arctic’s essence with expert guidance from renowned wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum
• Travel aboard the recently refurbished M/V VikingFjord, a former research vessel designed for comfort and sophistication
• Glide closer to wildlife using nimble Zodiacs for an intimate view of the Arctic's natural wonders

Amos Nachoum is a celebrated wildlife and underwater photographer and explorer. Check out this amazing video about his incredible journey so far!

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Trip Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Svalbard's rugged wilderness, led by acclaimed wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum. This Arctic adventure combines breathtaking landscapes, iconic wildlife, and unparalleled photographic opportunities. Start your exploration in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s vibrant capital, before setting sail aboard the recently refurbished M/V VikingFjord, a former research vessel offering comfort and sophistication.

Navigate to exclusive Arctic hideaways inaccessible to larger ships, ensuring an intimate experience with the region’s pristine beauty. Encounter polar bears, walruses, whales, and Arctic foxes up close, using nimble Zodiacs to glide silently across the icy waters. With Amos Nachoum’s expert guidance, capture the essence of the Arctic, from its towering glaciers to its untouched fjords, crafting a visual narrative of this stunning landscape.

Svalbard promises an adventure unlike any other, where meticulous planning ensures a safe and enriching experience amidst the Arctic’s untamed splendor. Photographers will revel in the opportunity to capture the Arctic’s unique light and dynamic scenes, while nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the rich diversity of wildlife.

[See More: Norway Dive Travel Guide]

Read about Amos's Polar Bear Encounter below:

"A sharp noise shook me awake at 1:30AM. A second, louder sound followed, trailed by a shout that sent a jolt of excitement through me – “POLAR BEAR!” Grabbing my camera, I raced to the deck, the icy air biting my skin as I searched the Arctic expanse for signs of the elusive white ghost. And sure enough, there it was! A distant figure – unmistakably a polar bear. From the bridge came the order: “ZODIAC DOWN.” Anticipation rippled through the crew. We dashed to our rooms, getting ready to face the Arctic night and get closer to the swimming bear in our Zodiac boats. We drew as close as 50 meters, then 25 meters, always maintaining a safe distance as the bear navigated the water, threading its way between the broken plates of sea ice. Suddenly, it stopped swimming and clambered onto a floe to settle down, its eyes tracked a bird flying above, then shut heavily.

The bear’s respite would be brief, the Arctic night was just getting started. No sooner had the bear’s eyes fully closed than a minke whale appeared, gliding along the edge of the ice, just beneath the resting bear. Sensing its presence, the bear’s eyes snapped open, but a curious sniff was the only option as the whale quickly disappeared below the surface, returning to the icy depths below and reestablishing the stillness at the surface, which was again short-lived, as seemingly out of nowhere, a harp seal arrived on the scene—swimming nonchalantly along the ice edge—within a meter or two from the bear’s nose and well within striking range. It was an unexpected encounter for us, the bear, and probably the seal too. Our cameras fired away as the bear, who seemed to be stunned for a millisecond, recovered its senses and sprang into action. Lunging at the seal, it missed the target. Hesitation cost the bear dinner, but saved the seal, who, following the example of the minke whale, had already made its way to safety beneath the ice.

We were fortunate that this surreal dance of nature played out on the canvas of a clear arctic night, illuminated by the soft glow of the midnight sun. It was now 2AM on June 23rd and we were silent, spellbound by the magic we had witnessed. Seeing a polar bear, minke whale, and harp seal interact in such proximity was a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Each of us, from experienced guides to first-time Arctic explorers, felt a sense of shared wonder, a momentous encounter imprinted in memory and on film."

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Weather Conditions

During the trip to Svalbard, you can expect a dramatic range of weather conditions. Daytime temperatures typically vary from 23°F to 77°F (-5°C to 25°C), offering a cool yet manageable climate for outdoor activities and wildlife photography. At night, temperatures can plunge significantly, ranging from -4°F to -40°F (-20°C to -40°C). These cold conditions highlight the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape, with ice formations and snow creating striking visual contrasts. Proper gear is essential to stay warm and comfortable as you capture the unique charm of Svalbard's winter environment.

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Marine Life to Photograph

Exploring the Svalbard Archipelago offers incredible opportunities to photograph diverse marine life that defines this Arctic wilderness. In the frigid surrounding waters, photographers can capture stunning images of humpback whales, minke whales, beluga whales, and even the majestic blue whale, showcasing the area’s rich marine biodiversity. Seals, such as harbor seals, bearded seals, and ringed seals, are commonly seen lounging on ice floes or gracefully swimming through the Arctic seas, presenting perfect subjects for wildlife photography.

Walruses, with their impressive tusks, are a charismatic highlight of Svalbard's coastline, often seen resting on icebergs or gathered along the shores. Beneath the surface, the Arctic waters teem with life, featuring species such as Arctic cod, Greenland halibut, and Arctic char, all thriving in the chilly depths.

Above the water’s surface, Svalbard's terrestrial life adds to the photographic allure. The iconic polar bear can be seen patrolling ice floes or foraging along the coastlines, especially during the summer months. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, both uniquely adapted to survive the extreme cold, are often spotted against the backdrop of Svalbard’s stark, rugged terrain. These opportunities make Svalbard a haven for photographers seeking to capture the Arctic’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.

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Inclusions

• Exclusive use of the vessel 9 nights and 10 days
• Longyearbyen 4 stars, Hotel, one night on arrival
• All meals, onboard the vessel
• 2 expert licensed, safety guides
• 2 Zodiacs for shore excursions
• Cold weather protective clothing and boots
• Amos photography coaching and presentations
• Internet usage
• Group transfer to airport on last day
• All taxes, and port fee

Exclusions

• International and domestic airfare to Longyearbyen
• Services and Meals which are not specified
• Gratuities

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Sample Itinerary

• May 9: Arrive at Longyearbyen, Svalbard and check in the hotel, meet for dinner and briefing.
• May 10 – May 18: 9 Full days board the newest ice-strengthened VikingFjord, settle in and we start the journey along the glaciers and through sea ice, in search of wildlife in a frozen wilderness
• May 19: Returning to Longyearbyen, in the early morning and disembark by 9am, and transfer to airport or for your next experience in Svalbard.

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About the M/V VikingFjord

The M/V VikingFjord, refitted in 2023, blends robust expedition capabilities with luxurious amenities, ensuring a safe and comfortable Arctic adventure. The vessel features an ice-strengthened hull and advanced environmental technologies, including a modern, energy-efficient engine that reduces NOX emissions by 95%, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.

On board, guests will find ensuite cabins offering privacy and comfort, a spacious observation lounge with panoramic views, and a dining saloon located at the stern for scenic meals. The vessel also includes a mudroom for storing expedition gear, as well as an on-deck sauna and hot tub, providing the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the Arctic's icy waters and breathtaking landscapes.

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About the Trip Leader

Amos Nachoum is an internationally acclaimed wildlife and underwater photographer and explorer. With a career spanning more than four decades, he has dedicated his life to capturing extraordinary images of elusive aquatic and land animals and inspiring others to understand and respect the natural world.

His extraordinary work has won him numerous awards. Notably, he is a two-time winner of the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. His work has also been recognized by National Geographic, the World Press Photo, and the United Nations Environmental Program, among others. His images have appeared in prominent publications worldwide, including National Geographic Magazine, Time, Life, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, and many others. 

As an expedition guide, Amos is known for his meticulous planning and vast experience navigating challenging environments. He instills confidence in his team members, always prioritizing safety and respect for the natural world. His deep understanding of marine life and their habitats, coupled with his ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions, makes him an invaluable mentor to those fortunate to journey with him. Check out his latest TED Talk to find out more!

"In his TED Talk at Berkeley, Amos spoke of his mentors, including Jacques Cousteau, Hans Hass, Buzz Aldrin, and Dr. Sylvia Earle. I share the same mentors, with one addition: Amos Nachoum himself. It's not just his stunning photography that inspires me, but also his unwavering dedication to capturing images of animals responsibly and respectfully in their natural habitats. Through his work, he shares the beauty of these creatures with those who might never see them in person, fostering greater awareness and a commitment to conservation." - Buewater Travel General Manager Tim Yeo

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Flight Information

Guests will have to fly into Longyearbyen, the administrative center of the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago called Spitsbergen. 

We highly recommend that you plan to arrive in Longyearbyen at least 1 day prior to embarkation on May 8th. It is not uncommon for baggage to be delayed on domestic flights in Norway, and the boat will not delay sailing for guests whose bags have not arrived. For suggestions on accommodation or activities if you plan to arrive early, please contact us.

Please book your departure flight for 1pm or later on May 19th. While earlier flights are available, we cannot guarantee that the boat will be back in port in time for you to catch a flight before this.

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Payment Schedule  

Deposit: $6,105 to confirm spot

Balance: Due February 8, 2025

Terms & Conditions

• All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. In order to join an expedition, you are required to carry trip, health, and dive (if applicable) insurance. This information as well as your passport photo will be requested after you place your deposit.
• Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
• All prices $USD
• Dates and pricing are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, animal behavior, and currency fluctuation.

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