Arctica II
Per Person Sharing, No Single Cabins on Arctica II
Because of the high demand we are offering this exclusive Svalbard Extreme on sail boat Arctica II once again in 2024. After having used this boat for our private expeditions several times we decided to offer it again as a unique Wild Focus expedition. The owner and captain grew up on Svalbard and has been traveling on and around the archipelago for more than 40 years. Nobody else can match his experience when it comes to cruising the Arctic waters around Svalbard. We will have two zodiacs available that frequently take us to shore for short hikes. During these walks we may see Svalbard reindeer and with luck, the elusive Arctic fox. Traveling on Arctica II is not as comfortable as our larger ships. But its small size (62 ft / 19 meters) and the small group guarantees us the absolute best Svalbard experience when it comes to photography. In the past, this boat was used by scientists, research teams and film crews not only because the boat can get into locations unavailable to the larger ships, but because of our captain's knowledge and experience. This trip is open to those who have either traveled with us in the past or that we know personally. This is because of its close quarters and limited space. An adventurous spirit, flexibility and sense of humor are paramount for this trip. We do not engage the services of a chef but rather we all join in to share kitchen duties and cooking for the captain. This is not a standard Wild Focus Expeditions' trip, but a more hard core adventure that is not suited for everyone. At the same time, this is without a doubt the favorite trip of Wild Focus' owners, Jami and Theo. It is a true adventure and is absolutely great fun. On past expeditions on Arctica II, we enjoyed close encounters with polar bears, walruses, seals and even Beluga whales. Because the boat's draft is much less than the one of a larger boat we can go places where nobody else can. We continue to get award-winning images, have unforgettable experiences and form close friendships during this expedition. Svalbard is one of the last wild frontiers on earth, every adventurer's, nature lover's and photographer's dream. This expedition is best suited for people who prefer experience over comfort. Join us on our Svalbard Extreme 2024 Expedition. You won't regret it. Please read the REVIEWS of our past Svalbard Expeditions
Per Person Sharing, No Single Cabins on Arctica II
Letters correspond to points on the map in the map tab.
We arrive in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; transfer to our hotel; overnight stay at Basecamp Spitsbergen, where meals are on your own.
Overnight and meals on your own
After breakfast we have a few hours to explore Longyerbyen, the main town on Svalbard. It is quite a colorful Arctic frontier town. At around 16:00 we will board the Arctica II where we will have an early pizza dinner before departure. Overnight on Arctica II.
The next 13 days we will be exploring the western and northern coast of Svalbard in search of polar bears, walruses, seals and whales (ice conditions permitting). We will discover magnificent fjords, massive glaciers and beautifully carved icebergs. Whenever the weather, snow and location permits, the two zodiacs will take us ashore for short hikes.
All meals are included as well as all beverages (not including alcohol). We kindly ask everyone to share preparing the meals and washing the dishes. Our captain supplies an itinerary of meals with easy recipes prepared by an excellent catering service in Longyearbyen. On one day Theo will cook his world-famous Gulasch and Captain Heinrich will make his own world-famous Reindeer stew that everyone craves. This trip is not only about photography and adventure, but it's about having fun!
We will arrive in Longyearbyen late in the evening. We usually celebrate the end of our expedition with a delicious meal. You are welcome to walk into town to visit one of the lively bars to celebrate your last night. The local characters, especially the coal miners add to the ambience and fun. We will then return back to the boat and spend the last night on Arctica II.
We enjoy our last breakfast on the boat before disembarking in Longyearbyen in the morning. We transfer to the airport in Longyearbyen to connect to our outbound flights home. Please book your flight out anytime that morning or later.
This map gives you an idea where we might go with the Arctica II. However our final route will be dependant on the current ice conditions.
"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!"
“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."
Wild Focus Expeditions provides specialized, small group photography tours. Our photography expeditions are designed to get participants into distinctive, engaging locations around the world at the optimum times for photography. Our photo tours are created by our team of photographers who want to experience and photograph the world's top wildlife, nature and traditional cultures locations.
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