SVALBARD POLAR BEAR EXPEDITION - June 14 - 24, 2019 - With Joshua Holko and Daníel Bergmann - Daniel Bergmann
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SVALBARD POLAR BEAR EXPEDITION June 14 - 24, 2019 With Joshua Holko and Daníel Bergmann
ABOUT The High Arctic is a place to inspire the imagination and nowhere is it more accessible than the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located deep within the Arctic Circle. Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers and join photography tour leaders Joshua Holko and Daníel Bergmann plus Morten Jørgensen, one of Svalbard’s most experienced expedition leaders, on a unique expedition to one of the most fascinating photography locations on our planet. This expedition is for a limited number of just 17 participants. One of our main objectives will be to find and photograph Polar Bears in their natural habitat, out on the pack ice. Historically, Svalbard has been one of the most reliable places to encounter Polar Bears on ice. Our success will depend on the ice conditions and the pack ice location. In some years the ice can be found just off the northern tip of Svalbard whilst in other years it has retreated too far north to make it possible to sail there. In the case of the latter we will search for Polar Bears that are on land in the northeastern part of the archipelago, where they are sometimes seen hunting on ice in front of glaciers. This is an expedition into a dynamic and changing environment and there is always the element of surprise. The discovery of what wildlife is found where and when is a major part of the Svalbard experience. ITINERARY Upon leaving the small town of Longyearbyen we will adapt our plans to suit the prevailing conditions. Although Polar Bears are on the top of our list of photographic subjects, the full Svalbard experience is about so much more than the iconic Arctic predator. We will have 10 days to explore the islands and with a crew that is able to operate the ship around the clock we can cover a great deal of terrain if we so choose. We might even circumnavigate Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island –something that was not possible a few years ago due to the ice conditions. We will be using the ice hardened expedition ship M/S Freya that will enable us to skirt the edge of the pack ice (assuming it is within reach). Freya is widely regarded as one of the best ships in the Arctic for wildlife photography. With low-lying decks it is possible to photograph Polar Bears, Walrus, other sea mammals and birds closer and lower than on most other ships. Our expedition ship is also equipped with a sufficient number of zodiacs for all photographers to be shooting simultaneously.
Walrus north of Nordaustlandet
A Polar Bear chilling on pack ice, its natural hunting habitat
WHAT TO EXPECT
We have 24-hour daylight in June. This gives us opportunity to enjoy some long
days with an extended flexibility in our program. We may add extra landings or
Zodiac excursions, and we may shift some mealtimes to make extra use of
opportunities as they arise. The weather is highly variable; but freezing daytime
air temperatures are infrequent. With our zodiacs we will be able to navigate
near glaciers and deep inside fjords. Many landing sites are now quite
negotiable after the snowmelt.
June is without doubt the best times for migrant birds, which includes just
about all Svalbard birds. Species such as King Eider and Grey/Red Phalarope are
best seen before late June, when they are around in flocks before being able to
pair out on the tundra. To some extent this is true also of Brent/Brant and Pink-
footed Geese. Also the endemic Ptarmigan subspecies is easier to find in June.
It is also a good time also for vagrants. The colonies of auks and kittiwakes etc.
will all be buzzing with activity. Some years, sea-ice prevents much progress
east, and the largest colonies remain out of reach – Little Auks (Dovekies) are
however within reach on the west coast, and usually Brünnich’s Guillemot
(Thick-billed Murre) too (even if not always the largest colony).
Polar Bears are present year round in Svalbard. In June, the cubs of the year are
A male Polar Bear and Bearded Seal about 6 months old and still with their mothers. Those cubs that have reached
2,5 years of age are off on their own for the first time in their lives. Sometimes
we meet these young, newly independent bears – they are often extra
inquisitive. Where we see Polar Bears depends a lot on the sea ice. Some years,
there is still a lot of sea ice in June, meaning that we find the bears on ice. Other
times, the sea ice has melted back so far that many bears are stranded on shore
for the summer. In such years, we can travel far to the east and northeast, and
here we often see bears roaming the shores, or even riding small icebergs.
We will make a number of walks across the tundra, watching the Reindeer feed,
Arctic Foxes go about their daily life and the geese and Arctic Terns attending
to their young, and the flowers adding colours. We shall also be going out in
the zodiacs, to explore wildlife, glacier fronts and coastal scenery up close.
You will have a daily program designed to maximize the wildlife and wilderness
opportunities that are available. No two expeditions are ever the same. No two
sailing routes are the same. The weather always changes. The location of the ice
is unpredictable. The wildlife is – just that – wild! What will ensure a unique and
extraordinary experience for all participants is the expertise of the guides and
the crew combined with everybody’s flexibility and expeditionary spirit.
PLACES WE MAY VISIT Ice & time permitting, include: Kongsfjorden, a scenic fjord complex of dramatic mountains and sweeping glaciers, housing Bearded and Ringed Seals, much flor, bird colonies and several options for shore landings. NW Spitsbergen, an area of great beauty with glaciers, pointed mountain peaks and many islands and inlets. Here we often see Polar Bears, Walrus, Harbour Seals, Beluga Whales and many birds. Liefdefjorden, a majestic fjord area with large glacier fronts, Polar Bears, numerous bird species, and frequently Beluga and Minke Whales. Hinlopenstretet, which is often frequented by large baleen whales, houses Walrus, and boasts the largest accessible auk colony on a spectacular vertical cliff face. Seven Islands, the northernmost part of Svalbard, a truly spectacular icy home for Walrus and Polar Bears. White Island, the easternmost part of Svalbard, as remote as anywhere you will ever get. Bråsvellbreen, the northern hemisphere’s longest ice wall, at this time of year with numerous waterfalls pouring off it. Edgeøya, a large island offering numerous options for hikes across lush tundra plains, studying flowers, breeding birds, Arctic Fox and Svalbard Reindeer – and often larger mammals too. Hornsund, massive glacier fronts and dramatic scenery, with colonies of various bird species and Ringed and Bearded Seals dotting the fast-ice, attracting Polar Bears.
YOUR INVESTMENT
The cost for the expedition is from $11,450 (USD) for a berth in a twin
share cabin with en shite facilities. We willl board the ship at 16:00 on
the 14th of June and disembark at 09:00 on the 24th of June. All meals are
included but drinks (other than water, tea and coffee) are excluded.
The meals onboard shall consist of breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea/
coffee and two course dinner (three course dinner the last evening).
Coffee and tea will be available 24 hours a day. The mealtimes shall be
held at regular times, but the catering crew has been informed that
photography has priority on this expedition and flexibility is necessary.
TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL IN LONGYEARBYEN
SAS and Norwegian fly to Longyearbyen in Svalbard from Oslo. We
strongly recommend you arrive to Longyearbyen at least one day before
the ship departs in case of lost luggage or delayed flights. There are a
number of nice hotels in Longyearbyen and day tours can be taken out
of town with local operators.
SVALBARD VIDEOS Svalbard landscapes – mountains and tundra
In 2015 Joshua and Daníel did a Svalbard expedition with a film crew on
board. This short film (link below) about that expedition will give you a
good impression of what you will likely be experiencing.
Kingdom of the Ice Bear on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/145823088
Angels of the Arctic – Ivory Gulls at the pack ice
Brünnich’s Guillemot and Northern Fulmar – Guillemots at Alkefjellet
FACTS ABOUT THE EXPEDITION
Dates: June 14–24, 2019
Group Size: 17 guests plus leaders
TRANSPORTATION: M/S Freya & Mark V Zodiacs
RATES (per person in USD):
Older twin cabin (4 berths) $12,450
Newer twin cabin (10 berths) $12,950
Superior cabin (DBL bed) $13,450
Single occupancy of a cabin is 1,5 x the cost
INCLUDED IN THE EXPEDITION RATE:
• 10 nights of accommodation aboard the ship
• all meals while on board
• water, coffee/tea ad libitum
• guides and crew services
• daily excursions by Zodiac (only 6 guests per Zodiac)
• instructions from a highly experienced photo leader
• one of Svalbard’s most experienced expedition leader
• lectures, briefings and shore side interpretations
• magnificent scenery and wonderful wildlife encounters
• great company and safe and friendly travel M/S Freya
With a 1360 HP engine, the highest ice class possible, and certification for unrestricted
EXCLUSIONS:
trade, the M/S Freya is an excellent and very useful expedition ship. From 2017, it has a
• any pre- or post-cruise expenses including flights and transfers
capacity of 24 guests and 2 guides (but we will have a group of only 21 total with guests,
• other drinks than mentioned above
leaders and guides).
• customary tips for crew and staff
• mandatory insurance M/S Freya was originally built in 1981 for the Swedish Maritime Administration as the light
• anything else not specified as included house building vessel “FYRBJÖRN”. She is built to fall into Lloyd’s class for unrestricted
trade, and has the highest ice class 1A. The vessel was rebuilt and extended with five
PAYMENT TERMS
meters at Holms ship yard in Råå 1995. In the Falkenberg Yard, she was converted into an
$3,000 deposit at registration
expedition ship in 2015 and renamed “Freya af Göteborg”.
$5,000 due October 15, 2018
Balance before February 15, 2019 M/S Freya meets all standards and requirements regarding maritime safety and navigation.
She carries three Mark V Zodiacs for guest use.
For registration and further info contact Daníel Bergmann at:
natura@natura.is M/S Freya has six lower-bunk double cabins and four triple cabins (the third bunk folds up/
down), all with en-suite facilities. The public areas consist of a lecture room / salon (shared
See more about Iceland and Arctic photography tours at:
with the crew), a dining and bar area, an aft deck with furniture, and further good amounts
www.danielbergmann.com
of deck space behind the bridge, on the sides and in front of the superstructure, and on
www.jholko.com the bow.
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS AND GUIDES
Photography leader Expedition leader
Daníel Bergmann Morten Jørgensen
Daníel is a professional nature photographer from Morten was born in Copenhagen and has always
Iceland with over 20 years of experience in the loved the natural environment and especially its
field. He leads photography workshops in Iceland, wildlife. He has been working in the Arctic since
Greenland and Svalbard. He is widely published and 1997, on small cruise ships as guide, lecturer, Zodiac
his latest book is Iceland Landscapes. Daníel brings driver and expedition leader. Since the mid-eighties,
to the expedition an intimate knowledge of Arctic Morten has been an active ornithologist, a passion
wildlife and an experience of photographing in that has been supplemented with a love for marine
Svalbard on a number of previous expeditions, the mammals, whales and dolphins, seals and polar
first one in 2011. bears alike. But there are no areas of nature that do
not fascinate him. He is also a keen photographer.
Daníel has been working with Joshua on photo
graphy tours in Iceland and beyond since 2012.
See more at: www.danielbergmann.com
Photography leader Assistant expedition leader
Joshua Holko Nozomi Takeyabu
Joshua is a full-time professional landscape, nature Nozomi was raised in a log cabin of Japan’s Hokkaido
and wildlife photographer from Australia. He is a Island by an artistic father and devoted mother. Her
fully accredited AIPP Double Master of Photography enthusiasm and love for nature were shaped by the
and a member of the Australian Institute of natural environment she grew up in. It is reflected in
Professional Photographers (AIPP). Joshua specialises most of her actions and also in her work as an artist.
in the Polar and sub-Polar regions of the globe and Nozomi’s devotion to nature and travel has taken
his work, which has been widely awarded, celebrates her all around the world as she seeks inspiration for
the extreme latitutes of the Polar environment. creative projects.
Through his company Wild Nature Photo Travel Nozomi immediately developed an intense passion
Joshua offers photography tours to the Polar regions. for the Polar Regions after she visited first Svalbard
As a photography leader he is a veteran of more than and then Antarctica. Since her first visit to the polar
a dozen expeditions to Svalbard. regions, she has not missed one season to visit these
magnificent places that she fell in love with. While
See Joshua’s awarded short film Ghosts of the Arctic
driving Zodiacs in the polar regions, snorkelling
on Vimeo: vimeo.com/226239723
in warmer areas, trekking anywhere in various
And more of his work at: jholko.com climates, or spotting wildlife in the vast wilderness,
she finds deep joy and inspiration in sharing nature
experiences with others.You can also read
