APRIL 2021
VENTURE THROUGH SVALBARD,
WHERE THERE ARE MORE POLAR BEARS THAN PEOPLE,
TO EXPERIENCE THE FROZEN DESERT,
ONE OF THE MOST EXTREME PLACES ON EARTH!
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1 - Meeting in Longyearbyen
Upon your arrival in Longyearben, we will meet to introduce you to your trip guides and make any final preparations before we commence our expedition through the unforgiving frozen land. We will voyage aboard the ship to the north of the archipelago. It’s hard to say exactly where we will reach the fjords, bays, glaciers and of course the ice cap of the North Pole, since it all depends on the conditions of the sea ice and the location of the large animals, especially the mighty polar bear. During the expedition, the ship's crew will give lectures about the animals, the powerful nature of the Arctic and the nearby islands.
DAY 2 - Expedition Begins - Into the Wild
After breakfast, we will head to the equipment center, prepare all of our gear and receive special arctic clothing, such as boots, goggles, and gloves. Once the equipment is organized and strapped to the snowmobiles, we will head into the wilderness. We'll pass through spectacular and primeval snow-covered landscapes. We might even see bears, arctic foxes, and other animals. Once arrived, we'll get organized in our rooms for a good night's sleep.
DAY 3 to 6 - In the Land of the Polar Bears
Our world expert tracker will locate the bears for us and we will begin the slow and patient approach. We will strive to photograph special behaviors such as breastfeeding, cubs playing, and hunting. This time of the year will allow us to enjoy the magic golden low light – throughout the night. With photography guidance from award-winning professionals, we'll learn how to take advantage of unique angles and lights in the land where the sun never sets.
DAY 7 - Heading back
DAY 8 - Departure
Depending on your flight times, we'll have one last chat to review and reflect on our experience in the land of the polar bears, the skills we learned, and the adventures we'll reminisce about for years to come.
important information
Cost includes:
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Special production permits.
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5 nights in the hunter's cabin, in Pyramiden or another location, depending on the polar bears’ location.
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2 nights at a hotel in Longyearbyen.
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Expert tracker specializing in polar bears.
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Photography guidance by Roie Galitz.
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Rental of snowmobiles, including insurance, fuel, helmet, etc.
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Rental of high-quality arctic equipment and clothing.
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Medical emergency kit, bear defense weapons, satellite communication, food and drink.
Not included:
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Flights and ground services before and after the expedition.
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Personal expenses.
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Health and baggage insurance (mandatory health insurance that covers winter sports and medical evacuation to the minimal sum of $100,000).
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Anything which is not mentioned under “Included” section.
COST: Spots are extremely limited each year To apply for this expedition and receive more details, please send us an email here
CANCELLATION
From registration to 100 days before departure – 70% refund
(Upon registration, 30% of the full amount will be charged as an advance payment, which we will transfer to the authorities in Norway. This advance is non-refundable.)
From 80 to 60 days before departure – 50% refund.
From 59 days to departure – No refund.
(Working days only)
TRAVEL INSURANCE
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Medical and Travel Insurance: You must purchase a comprehensive and extended insurance policy that covers all the activities during the trip (including winter sports and air medical services). This includes personal insurance, baggage insurance, full adventure travel insurance, including medical evacuation from remote and dangerous areas and subsequent treatment in Israel or your home country, as well as trip cancellation insurance.
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To be clear, Phototeva does not insure or provide insurance coverage for participants. Participants must purchase full insurance coverage for all the regular and extreme activities expected on the expedition, including accident and medical insurance. Participants are responsible for purchasing the required insurance policy, and it is very important to get it done as soon as possible. In addition, participants should check with the nearest travel clinic about relevant medical requirements, such as vaccinations.
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As expected in an extreme expedition to one of the coldest, and most isolated areas in the world, including face-to-face encounters with the world's largest land predator (without protection), this trip poses clear risks that could result in injury or even death.
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It’s going to be cold! The average temperature is minus 25 degrees Celsius and snowstorms occur regularly. The journey will be intense and fraught with rough terrain. The expected route might stretch over 1,000 kilometers, and will include climbing mountains and crossing through glaciers and frozen fjords; and various challenges such as riding a snowmobile, driving and walking on ice and snow and face-to-face encounters with polar bears. By signing up for the expedition, you acknowledge that this is a challenging, tough journey that could even be dangerous and deadly (especially if you do not follow the instructions of the local guides).
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The participants must be physically healthy and mentally stable in order to deal with potential mishaps, extreme weather and problems that arise along the way. They also must have the physical and mental strength to endure long rides on snowmobiles and run fast in the case of a polar bear attack. It is imperative that they listen to the guides and drive according to their instructions.
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The expedition is contingent on a minimum number of participants.
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The order and content of the expedition might change based on the decision of the guides (at their professional discretion), due to various constraints.
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Minimum age for participation is 18.
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If the snowmobile is damaged due to driving in violation of the guides’ instructions, the driver shall bear the cost.
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Phototeva may cancel the expedition at any stage, and if so shall provide a full refund.
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By signing up for the Phototeva expedition, the participant hereby declares that he/she understands the nature of the activities and the potential dangers of the expedition and is medically fit. If the participant has a medical problem that may hinder or prevent his/her participation in the various activities of the expedition, it is their responsibility to notify the company and the guide before embarking on the journey. In some cases, the participant will have to present a note from his/her doctor in order to participate in the expedition. Without this note, the participant will not be allowed to join the expedition.
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This is a wild area with more polar bears than humans. The odds of spotting a polar bear are high but not guaranteed. Nature is wild and unpredictable, so there is no way to guarantee the animals’ behavior and proximity or even ensure sightings at all.
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Discipline – the local guides and bear experts are in charge. By joining the expedition, you acknowledge your commitment to follow all their instructions immediately in order to ensure your safety. For example, do not wait and take photos while a polar bear is charging at you.
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On rare occasions, the guide may be replaced before the start of the expedition.
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The order and contents of the journey may vary based on the guides’ decision (at their professional discretion) due to various constraints.
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The transaction is pending until final confirmation from the service providers, and as long as they do not approve the request, the customer's account will not be charged.
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Phototeva may cancel the expedition at any stage and provide a full refund.
NOTES
About Svalbard
Ever since its discovery by the Dutch in 1596, Svalbard has been a benchmark for extreme adventure and unique wildlife.
From the world‘s largest land predator, the mighty Polar Bear, to the enormous Walrus and its impressive tusks and the whales who roam the ocean, this is a land of giants like no other.
Everything is unique here: The sun doesn’t set for our entire stay, the snow may fall even in the peak of summer while ancient glaciers carve the landscape of the fjords.
Svalbard Facts
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Latitude: around 80° north
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Size: 61,000 Km2 (23,500 mi2)
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Human Population: 2,000
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Polar Bear Population: 3,000
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Capital: Longyearbyen
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Temp. during stay: -20°C / -4°F
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Norwegian Province
