The Ultimate Arctic Experience - Svalbard Extreme 2027 - Private Expedition

After having used this boat for our private expeditions multiple times, we decided to offer it again as a unique Wild Focus expedition. There are new regulations imposed on ships in Svalbard that went into force at the beginning of 2025, but we feel confident that you will experience the magic of Svalbard on our expedition. The owner/captain of this boat grew up in 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 the archipelago. We will have a zodiac available that can take us to shore for short hikes when the weather is good and when it's safe to do so. During these walks we will 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.  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 exciting. 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 and adventure over comfort.

                        Please read the  REVIEWS  of our past Svalbard Expeditions

  • Duration
    17 Days
  • Group Size
    6 People
  • Price

    Price range: $11,500.00 through $11,900.00

Per person sharing

Trip Registration Form

Travel Insurance

Terms and Conditions

Print Itinerary

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Arctica II

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Expedition boat Arctca II
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Zodiak cruise
Expedition boat Arctica II

Per Person Sharing, No Single Cabins on Arctica II

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


  • Day 1, May 27:

     

    Arrival in Longyearbyen/Spitsbergen

    Arrive in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen any time of day and transfer to your hotel. There are several lodges and hotels in Longyearbyen. We suggest our favorite: Basecamp Spitsbergen. It resembles a trapper's cabin and is located on the pedestrian walkway in the middle of town near shops and restaurants. Book early as it books quickly.                                                                                                            Hotel and meals on your own

  • Full day in Longyearbyen

    Today you have a full day to relax, recover from jet lag and explore Longyearbyen, the main town on Svalbard.  You are welcome to arrive on this date as well because our trip does not officially begin until tomorrow but we recommend arriving a day early in case of abrupt flight changes, cancellations and weather.  Svalbard is a colorful Arctic frontier town and oftentimes you can spot reindeer wandering and grazing.

    Hotel and meals on your own

     

    Day 2, May 28:

  • Day 3-16, May 29 - June 11:

     

    Expedition on Arctica II

    After breakfast, enjoy your last minute shopping or visit the polar museums at the edge of town all within walking distance.  At around 16:00 we will board Arctica II where we will have an early pizza dinner before departure. The next 14 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 and safety permits,  we will take a zodiac ashore for short hikes.

    All meals are included as well as all beverages (not including alcohol). We kindly ask everyone to share in the clearing of and washing of dishes. Our cook is also assisting the captain as second mate and has lots of duties to perform.  On one day Theo will cook his world-famous Gulasch and Captain Heinrich will make his world-famous Reindeer stew that everyone loves. This trip is not only about photography and adventure, but it's about having fun! We will not have a set itinerary but rather will follow the ice. The ice conditions control our movements and we have the freedom to be flexible. This is one of the best aspects of this expedition.

    Overnights on Arctica II (B,L,D)

  • End of Expedition, Disembark

    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.

     

    Day 17, June 12:

Included

  • Accommodations: 14 nights on Arctica II
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • All beverages ( not including alcohol)
  • Zodiac excursions
  • Certified bear guard
  • Two Wild Focus Expeditions trip leaders; one is a guide, the other an entertainer

Not Included

  • Accommodation and meals in Longyearbyen
  • Any expenses of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry in hotel
  • Alcoholic beverages (can be purchased in Longyearbyen)
  • Airport transfers (taxis and buses are available)
  • International airfare
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance

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.

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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