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Surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard is a group of islands lying between Norway and the North Pole. The landscape here is ancient and stark, with snow-filled mountains, glaciers, ice sheets and peatlands. In summer, the sun never sets here – this is the land of the Midnight Sun. And, this is the kingdom of the Polar Bear!
Polar Bears are the largest species of bears in the world and are an unfortunate icon for melting icecaps and climate change. Over 300 resident Polar Bears (3,000 if one includes the shared population with Franz Josef Land) call Svalbard home, making it one of the best places to see this charismatic hypercarnivore. There are, in fact, in the town of Longyearbyen, one often comes across warning signs of “Polar Bears – All over Svalbard”.
Arctic Foxes and Svalbard Reindeer share this habitat. Many species of birds nest here in summer, including auks, puffins, skuas and the longest distance migrant in the world – the Arctic Tern. Walruses, with their iconic tusks, can be seen lazing around the coasts or swimming in the Arctic Ocean. Whales, dolphins and seals also inhabit the waters here.
This May-June, Darter Photography presents a polar photography expedition to the high Arctic in Svalbard. Travel with us on a small luxurious ship to experience the unique landscapes and photograph the wild wonders at the top of the world!
Jump to ◆ Tour Highlights ◆ Tour Itinerary ◆ Our Ship ◆ Frequently Asked Questions ◆ Travel Information ◆ Tour Price ◆ Photography Mentor ◆ Sign Up
Tour Highlights
- Explore Svalbard – one of the most remote and least visited places on Earth – in the comfort of a small luxurious ship
- Witness the extreme landscapes that are continuously shaped by the elements
- Hopefully see and photograph charismatic wildlife – Polar Bears, Walruses, Whales, Puffins, Artic Foxes and much more
- Venture close to 80° north looking for polar bears on the pack ice
- Zodiac past blue glaciers and through stunning fjords
- Enjoy hikes surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenery
- Understand more about the ecology, geology and climate change in the Arctic during your time on the ship
- Learn and explore wildlife and landscape photography under the mentorship of Darter’s Wildlife Photography Experts
- Get your photographs reviewed periodically on the tour to understand your photography strengths and what you could improve upon
- Experience the journey to the high Arctic in Svalbard, memories (and photographs) of which you will cherish for a lifetime
Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation briefing.
- Day 2: Guided tour around Longyearbyen in the early afternoon. Afternoon embarkation onto the ship – your home for the next week. Complete final health screening/testing prior to embarking the Greg Mortimer
- Day 3 to Day 11: Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch our legs on walks across tundra coming out in brightly-coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice. The expedition team is just as keen as you to find them— they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures.
- Day 12: The journey of a lifetime comes to an end as we disembark at Longyearbyen, with everlasting memories and our memory cards filled to the brim.
Please note that the itinerary above is subject to fair weather and other factors. Darter Photography and Aurora Expeditions reserve the right to make changes to the above itinerary at any point of time. Also, please note that photographs in the slideshow are indicative and dependent on various external factors.
Greg Mortimer – Our Ship
Our Ship – Greg Mortimer
Our epic polar journey to Svalbard will be in the comfort of Greg Mortimer. The Greg Mortimer has redefined expedition cruising for the future. The vessel has been purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth.
The first passenger ship to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, this allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, the Greg Mortimer offers the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration.
Accommodating an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 76 cosy, comfortable cabins – all cabins have a view of the ocean and 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour is for photographers and travellers who want to explore the high Arctic in Svalbard. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography or carry professional equipment. Beginners as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on field assistance. Non photographers interested in exploring the high Arctic in Svalbard are welcome too.
How do we tackle the extreme cold weather?
May-June is summer in the Arctic. Temperatures are normally around freezing, but the weather here can be quite unpredictable. Darter Photography will advise you on the warm gear and photography equipment that you’ll need to carry on the tour. In addition, you’ll receive a Parka and Gum Boots (on loan) from Aurora Expeditions that’ll keep you warm on the tour.
I am not a keen photographer. But I want to visit Svalbard with your group. Can I still join?
Yes. If you are interested to explore the pristine landscapes of Svalbard and view rare wildlife, you are welcome to join this tour. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.
Can I bring my non-photographer partner with me?
Yes, you can. Your partner will experience Svalbard and enjoy the journey with the group. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.
What photography guidance is provided on the tour?
Svalbard offers almost unlimited opportunities for photography – both wildlife and landscape. Your mentor from Darter Photography will work with you before the tour to choose the appropriate photography gear for the tour. During the tour, he will guide you about the techniques and tips to photographing landscapes and wildlife in the high Arctic. He will also review your photographs periodically to ensure that you make the best of the journey.
Travel Information
Reaching Longyearbyen
Svalbard Airport (LYR) has regular flight connections from Oslo. We recommend you to reach Longyearbyen latest by the evening of Day 1.
* Please note that flights to and from Svalbard are not included in the tour price.
Visa
While Svalbard doesn’t require a visa, Indian citizens will need a visa to transit via Oslo. Please apply for a multiple-entry visa to Norway well in advance.
Tour Price
The tour price for Polar Bear Quest – Svalbard Photography Tour is On Request. We have a fantastic deal for you if you sign up before January 31, 2023. So hurry!
The price includes
- Transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1
- Welcome reception/pre-embarkation briefing on Day 1
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Longyearbyen on Day 1
- Mandatory pre-embarkation health screening and COVID test on Day 2
- Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen on Day 2, prior to embarkation
- Transfer from pier to airport in Longyearbyen on Day 12
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell receptions including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- Educational lectures and guiding services provide by Expedition Team
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation)
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Gratuities for ship’s crew
- Photography sessions, field guidance and regular reviews by Darter Photography mentor
- 5% GST
The cost does not include
- International or domestic flights, unless specified in itinerary
- Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges, unless specified in itinerary
- Meals in Longyearbyen, other than those specified in the pre-departure information
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Optional paid adventure options and all personal expenses
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
- Medical care
- Anything not specified in the Includes list above
This tour is operated under the terms and conditions of Aurora Expeditions – https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
Please note that the above is subject to favorable weather and other conditions. In case of any obstacles, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the tour or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions during the tour days.
Photography Mentor – Shreeram M V
Shreeram is a professional wildlife photographer and passionate naturalist. He has photographed wildlife across the world including the length and breadth of India, Africa, New Zealand, Svalbard and Antarctica.
His approach to wildlife photography is to tell stories through his photographs – about the place and its habitats, the diversity of flora and fauna and human interactions with the wilderness. He works on assignments with magazines (such as Sanctuary Asia, RoundGlass Sustain, Nature InFocus, JLR Explore) and corporates (including TVS Motor Company) that have been enriched by this approach.
His personalized style of mentorship, where he works with the participants’ individual interests and strengths, has been much appreciated over the years. View some of his photographs here – Shreeram M V Photography
Sign Up
To sign up for the tour, please fill in the form below. You may also email us at photography@darter.in or call Shreeram (+91-9740083260).
Early Booking Offer: If you sign up for the tour before January 31, 2023, you can avail special discounts on the early booking. Please write to us at photography@darter.in today for the special deal.