Spitsbergen Photography Adventure
Trip Code: BQMSP
Why we love it
Refine your skills and become a photography expert, capturing some of the most remote and extraordinary landscapes on earth. Better yet, you’ve got a team of photography experts on hand to help., See onboard environmental and scientific lectures and seminars to give you all the Spitsbergen knowledge, plus a couple of photography masterclasses to hone your technique., Twice daily zodiac excursions mean there’s plenty of opportunities to get up close to glaciers, icebergs and all types of wildlife. There are more polar bears than people on Svalbard, so get snapping!, Did someone say midnight snack? Because of the time of year, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for sightseeing any time of the day, or night!, With a flexible voyage itinerary, you’ll only hit the places which are worthwhile and have the best conditions, as your expert polar team to maximise wildlife spotting opportunities each day.
Is this trip right for me?
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are freezing. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important information about what to bring.
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. If waves are choppy it can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you have dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry.
Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Internal stairs are used to navigate between the different levels of the ship, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, while your expedition crew will try their best to stick to an itinerary, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area.
This trip takes places during the Arctic summer, which features an incredible 24 hours of daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that wildlife can be seen at any time of the day.
Polar bears are one of the most incredible and awe-inspiring animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Your expedition leaders are trained in polar bear safety and it is therefore crucial that you follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group. If you catch sight of a bear never approach it – stay calm and immediately inform your guide. Lastly, never leave food anywhere in an attempt to lure polar bears.
Important information
Please note in 2024 this trip will start and finish in Helsinki, Finland.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
What to bring/pack
The Arctic usually has - relatively - mild weather conditions in high summer. Temperatures below -5ºC are not common (although wind-chill factor can significantly add to the effect.) As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and you do need warm clothing. Wet weather jacket and boots are supplied on board the ship. On shore we do aim to provide hiking and walking opportunities whenever possible, so a reasonable pair of walking shoes or boots is suggested.
The dress code on board is relaxed and casual; you will not need to dress formally for meals. The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly - a whale sighting, or seals on a nearby ice-floe or hopefully a polar bear - nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent. When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs.
Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday. Laundry facilities are available on board the ship.
Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, Trip Notes
Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets
Spare passport photos
Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card
Money belt (for travelling en route)
Small first-aid kit
Ecologically friendly laundry soap
Daypack (lightweight and waterproof)
Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
Electrical adapter plug
Toiletries/travel wipes
Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturising cream, sunhat and sunglasses (with UV protection)
Swimsuit (in case you wish to take the Polar Plunge)
Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)
2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)
Refillable water bottle
Phrase book (if travelling en route to ship)
Gloves (2 pairs minimum)
Hat that covers ears
Scarf or other face protection
Wind and waterproof pants (a few sizes larger)
Warm pants
Comfortable shoes
Long wool or cotton socks (for expeditions)
Silk or polypropylene socks (for inside the ship)
Jumpers/sweaters/fleeces
Cotton turtlenecks and t-shirts
Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras)
Plastic bags with zippers for carrying film, etc
Binoculars
Your prescritpion medication, seasickness medication and painkillers
Physical rating
1
Although you don't need to be particularly fit to take part in an Arctic expedition, you do need to have a good level of mobility. You must be able to complete the on board safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures unaided. Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet while negotiating the ship over potentially slippery decks and gangways. The zodiacs are accessed via a gangway or stairs which may be steep on some ships. Some of our ships have lifts, but these may not access all decks so some stair climbing on board will be necessary.
Joining your group
Helsinki, , Helsinki, FINLAND
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
Finishing your trip
Helsinki, , Helsinki, FINLAND
Alternate Finish Point
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 13
Lunches included: 11
Dinners included: 13
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink.
We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage. Kosher food cannot be prepared.
Climate & seasonal information
In case of emergency
For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/en-gb/contact-us
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact our local ground representative on the number below.
Quark Expeditions: +1 647 449 5303