JUNE 2021
IN A WORLD THAT IS ALL WHITE
AND WHERE THE SUN NEVER SETS
WE EXPLORE THE WORLD OF THE LARGEST AND MOST IMPRESSIVE LAND PREDATOR OF THEM ALL - THE POLAR BEAR
Svalbard by Private Ship With expedition leader – Roie Galitz
We are thrilled to embark on another exclusive Phototeva expedition. On a private ship all to ourselves (only 12 participants), we explore the world of the largest and most impressive land predator of them all - the polar bear. In a world that is all white and where the sun never sets, we will observe countless animals: thousands of walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, many types of birds and, of course, the polar bear.
Advantages of a Private Ship
If you’re traveling all the way to Svalbard, it is important to do so in a way that provides the best opportunities, the most independence and of course - the greatest proximity to the wildlife. Therefore, we offer a private Phototeva expedition on a ship that is all to ourselves - we decide where to sail and where to anchor, without being restricted by the narrow constraints of large ships. With the Zodiac boats, we can approach the animals and witness the wildlife from up close, the closest you will ever get.
Tour Highlights:
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Voyage on a private ship chartered by Phototeva, all to ourselves!
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12 participants only
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Guidance by the award-winning photographer - Roie Galitz.
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The Zodiac boats at our disposal will allow us to get close and find the best locations and best angles for the best photos
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Over a hundred adventurers have already joined us for the amazing Svalbard experience.
About Expedition Leader - Roie Galitz
An award-winning wildlife photographer, entrepreneur, and educator. Ambassador for Nikon (Israel), DJI, Wix, and Greenpeace - Arctic and Antarctic. For over a decade, Roie is exploring and documenting our planet’s wildlife. His photographs get great exposure worldwide, millions of views and frequent appearances in the media (most recently featured in the BBC's Snow Bears film). It was presented in local and international exhibitions, featured in exclusive magazines and honored with many international awards over the years.
Important Information
Location: Svalbard Islands, Arctic Ocean
Dates: 05 June - 14 June 2021 - FULL | 08 June - 17 June 2021 - FULL |
26 June - 5 June 2021 - OPEN | 09 July - 19 July 2021 - FULL
Temperatures during our voyage: About 2 degrees centigrade
Guided by: Roie Galitz
Cost: based on the cabin on the ship
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DAY 1 - Arrival in SvalbardWe will meet in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital. We will let you know exactly where and when to be there and our driver will pick you up from the airport. This day is mostly about settling in, relaxing and organizing everything for tomorrow’s expedition.
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DAY 2-10 - The ExpeditionIn the morning, Roie Galitz, will show you around lovely Longyearbyen. You will have time to shop for souvenirs and anything else you might need for the expedition - this is the place to get it. In the afternoon, we will embark the M/S Origo and after a safety briefing, we will head out to the northern tip of the Archipelago. We will set out to explore the fjords, bays, icebergs and of course the fast ice of the north pole. The exact locations will be determined while on board, according to sea ice condition and the whereabouts of wildlife, primarily the mighty polar bear. During this journey, Roie Galitz and the boat staff will teach us about the Arctic animals and nature surrounding us. Since it will be the peak season, we expect to see mothers with cubs and single males roaming along the island’s shores. We might even spot Arctic Foxes near their dens with pups. During our extended expedition cruise, we hope to enjoy the view of seals, walruses, whales and many birds. Thanks to our boat size, we will have many opportunities no other bigger boat can get - this is an amazing privilege in the high Arctic!
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DAY 11 - DisembarkationWe will get back to Longyearbyen harbor and spend our last night on board in the harbor. Depending on your flight times, you can disembark the boat whenever you wish until 09:00 am the following day.
important information
Price of the Expedition:
Cabin for 2 with shared bathroom - $10,900
Cabin for 1 with shared bathroom - $11,800
Cabin for 2 with private bathroom - $12,500
Cabin for 1 with private bathroom - $12,800
Superior Cabin for 2 with private bathroom - $13,400
Cost includes:
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Nine nights on the M/S Origo, in a cabin of your choice – depending on availability
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Beach tours in Hebrew and English guided by the ship’s crew.
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Photography training and geographic orientation by the Phototeva team and a local guide who specializes in polar bears.
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Full board: 3 meals a day during the expedition.
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Rubber boots on loan for the duration of the expedition
Not included:
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Flights and ground services before and after the expedition.
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Tips for the ship's service providers.
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Personal expenses: laundry, telephones, alcoholic and light beverages that are not part of the meals.
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Health and baggage insurance.
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Anything that does not appear in the "Price Includes" section.
COST:
CANCELLATION
TRAVEL INSURANCE & NOTES
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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, as well as trip cancellation insurance. 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 worst.
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It will be cold and snowstorms are a routine occurrence. The expedition includes various extreme activities such as, but not limited to Zodiac boat rides, ice and snow walking, close proximity to polar bears, sailing through extreme weather and so on.
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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. 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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By joining this 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 not a cruise ship; it is "Spartan" in essence. This ship is designed for research and photography at the North Pole. There is no doctor on the onboard, but there is a first-aid kit. In case of emergency and only if conditions allow, evacuation by helicopter to a hospital in Longyearbyen
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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. The crew of the ship will make the final decision regarding the route of the voyage and the order and content of the activities, keeping passenger safety as their top priority.
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In rare occasions, the guide may be replaced before the start of the expedition.
Booking will be secure only after the full payment.
Cancellation by 01.01.2020 - 50% refund.
From 02.01.20 till the date of departure – no refund.
We strongly recommend getting travel insurance that covers unexpected cancellations as well.
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Methods of payment: Bank transfer/credit card
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Please note that payment by credit card will be charged an additional 1.5% fee

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