Svalbard Classic Winter 2023

Svalbard in Winter During our Svalbard Classic Winter 2023 Expedition you will experience one of the last true and unspoiled wildernesses on earth where not humans but nature still dominates. The archipelago is situated halfway between the northern tip of Norway and the North Pole.  Svalbard is one of the best places in the Arctic to see polar bears and other Arctic wildlife like walrus, various seal species, whales, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox. It is a nature lover's and photographer's dream. And its landscapes are an awe-inspiring mix of giant glaciers, deep fjords, rugged peaks and tundra hills. We have chartered a perfect, small vessel for an intimate and personal Svalbard experience. We take only 12 people and have 2 large zodiacs which leaves space for each passenger and their photography gear. We have done this expedition many times and you will find that only after 2 days we have all become like a big family and enjoy each others company during the meals or presentations and enthusiasm when we spot a polar bear. The boarding of the zodiacs happens within a few minutes so that we don't miss out on a good polar bear sighting when we need to get closer to shore. Bigger ships don't have this flexibility. They also don't have the freedom to change their route or itinerary like we do. We go where the wildlife is and once found we stay as long as we want. This is what makes our Wild Focus expeditions so special. We have chosen this time of the year because there will be an abundance of pack and fjord ice, Arctic winter light and snowy landscapes. The light conditions in Svalbard during April are magical, and if the ice allows, we look forward to visiting the western and northern areas of Spitsbergen at this time of year. Usually winter trips are limited to snowmobiles quite close to Longyearbyen, but with our expedition ship, we will explore a large area. Our main goal during this expedition is to find polar bears. However we will also expect to see walrus, Svalbard reindeer, different seal species and with luck whales and Arctic Fox. On the day we leave Longyearbyen you can just relax or take a leisurely walk in the morning. You may also try one of the cozy coffee shops, visit their polar museums,  restaurants or check out the local shops. Around 16:00 we will board the M/S Origo and start our 10 day Arctic adventure cruise. You will find this small ship very comfortable and the crew very friendly. The captain and crew are highly experienced and have traveled these arctic waters for many years.

Because we specialize in exclusive small group travel,  we have freedom and extra flexibility on our Svalbard expedition that may not be enjoyed with larger groups. We can linger as long as we like at wildlife sightings, and we have time to capture the perfect light while enjoying or photographing the majestic landscapes. We will look for calving glaciers and stunning icy landscapes during our expedition.

Svalbard is Wild Focus Expeditions’ flagship adventure and usually fills far in advance. Please don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime-experience. Svalbard should be on every adventurer’s and nature lover’s bucket list. Join us on our Svalbard Classic Winter 2023 Expedition - it will be a memory of a lifetime.

Please read the REVIEWS of our past Svalbard Expeditions

  • Duration
    11 Days
  • Group Size
    12 People
  • Price

    $9,375.00 – $11,550.00

Per person sharing

Terms and Conditions

Print Itinerary

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M/S Origo


                                      

The M/S Origo is a spacious and traditional expedition ship well suited for photography. She was built in 1955 at Finnboda shipyard in Sweden for the Swedish Maritime administration as an ice-strengthened ship.  She was on duty until until 1983, when she was sold and chartered as a research ship.

In the mid-90's, she was carefully refurbished and rebuilt as an expedition ship for the Arctic waters

M/S Origo in spite of her old fashion charm, is equipped with the latest navigation and security equipment.  Unlike most other ships, she has been insulated and improved to work in very low temperature and is perfectly adapted to year round Svalbard expeditions, including our Winter departures.

  • Length 40 m
  • Breadth 8,8 m
  • Depth 3,5 m
  • Tonnage 358 GT
  • Electrical System 220v
  • Speed 10,5 knots
  • Ice strengthened according to Lloyds highest ice class

The beds are made ready and bed linen and towels are provided. Food service will be at designated times in the dining room, but as always we intend to be flexible should any photo opportunities arise. The chef has a varied menu that can be adapted to special dietary needs.



Per Person Sharing


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Letters correspond to points on the map in the map tab.


  • Day 0: April 20 - Arrive Longyearbyen

     

    We strongly recommend arriving in Longyearbyen at least one day in advance.  Longyearbyen is a very small town and we suggest booking your hotel early. We recommend Basecamp Spitsbergen in the center of town.  It is a small hotel and books quickly. The Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, the Svalbard Hotell / The Vault,  and the Svalbard Hotell / Polfareren are among other hotels to consider. Airport shuttles and taxis are available day and night. Ask your hotel to arrange them in advance.

  • Day 1: April 21

    Longyearbyen - Board the M/S Origo

    This morning and early afternoon we will have a few hours  to explore the museums and shops of Longyearbyen. You will have time to pick up any needed last minute items before we board the M/S Origo after lunch (on your own). We depart at approximately 16:00.  We have our first dinner on the M/S Origo after we embark, get settled into our cabins and then slowly start moving out of Adventfjorden on our adventure. We will spend the next ten nights onboard the M/S Origo which will transport us to a surreal world of beauty, ice and snow. We are on our way deep into the land of the mighty polar bear. Our Arctic expedition in the land of the midnight sun begins now!

     

    Day 1: April 21

  • Day 2-10: April 22 - 30

     

    On board of M/S Origo

    The next 9 days are dedicated to exploring the Svalbard Archipelago in search of the polar bear and other northern wildlife. We will photograph towering glaciers and sea ice in many shapes and forms. Because we chartered the entire ship, we are free to go where the light and ice take us and linger as long as we like to capture the magical light available to us for arctic photography. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay are included on board the M/S Origo.

  • Day 11: May 01

    M/S Origo / Longyearbyen

    You will enjoy the last breakfast on the ship before disembarking in Longyearbyen port this morning. The expedition has come to an end. You transfer to the airport in Longyearbyen to connect to your international outbound flights home. Please book your flight out of Longyearbyen after breakfast time.

     

    Day 11: May 01

Included

  • Accommodation for 10 nights in twin/single share room basis on the M/S Origo
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Zodiac excursions daily
  • Certified bear guards
  • Two Wild Focus Expedition Leaders
  • Photography Workshops /Presentations
  • Arctic History and Natural History Presentations
  • One on one photography assistance during the trip

Not Included

  • Any expenses of a personal nature such as telephone calls, beverages, liquor and wines, etc.*
  • International airfare
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel/medical insurance (highly recommended)

*Beverages including liquor can be purchased in USD on the ship at the bar. Credit cards are accepted.

For this ship-based trip, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to be able to climb into and out of rigid inflatable Zodiac rafts for excursions ashore and have the ability to walk one to three miles over sometimes rough and uneven terrain such as rocky beaches and/or snow. This is an active expedition that requires mobility and good health. Travel via Zodiac may include variable conditions and can on occasion be bumpy and windy. If it’s windy, you may get wet from sea spray. We provide one-piece immersion suits that will protect you and your outer clothing from getting wet.

Travelers must be prepared for any type of weather, including extreme conditions that may involve high winds, rain and snow. While seas are generally calm on this expedition, it’s possible that we could encounter rough conditions which may cause issues for travelers prone to motion sickness. Please consult your physician about medications that control motion sickness. Inquire specifically about the Transderm Scop patch which we have found to be extremely effective without causing drowsiness. Discuss this with your doctor first because it should not be prescribed if you have been treated for glaucoma. There may be newer medications available as well, so please consult your physician.

On a few our Svalbard Expeditions (only late Spring), we offer the chance to spend a full day traveling on snow mobile or mushing a team of sled dogs. Dog sledding is very active and good physical health is a requirement. You will be responsible to control your team of dogs after receiving basic training on dog mushing. Travelers with severe back problems should avoid this activity as mushing can be bumpy and require upper body strength to control the sled. Please discuss this activity with your Expedition Leader if you have any doubts or questions.

Expedition Leaders

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Theo Allofs

"There is a magic about the Arctic that is difficult to describe...even for me having lived in the far North for more than two decades. You have to experience it for yourself. Svalbard is one of the best places to do so!"

A photographer on a sailboat in Svalbard

Jami Tarris

“The Arctic is indescribably beautiful. For centuries, explorers were drawn to it. It is one of my very favorite places to photograph and explore. Ice is a photographer’s dream. And polar bears, the ultimate predators, live in this icy landscape. This expedition is the ultimate adventurer's adventure and will give you a fantastic opportunity to see the mighty polar bear in his natural and magical habitat."

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