In Search of Polar Bears
There is no better way to observe polar bears hunting in their natural environment of frozen snow and ice than with this Big Animals expedition to our polar north. There is only space for 3 guests and we like to keep it this way for a variety of reasons. Overcrowding is a chronic problem for photographers looking to capture natural animal behaviors and unique images, and our small expedition size ensures that will never be an issue. it also means that each guest will have a uniquely personal experience and the absolute best chances possible to capture rare images and footage of polar bears hunting.
There's no adventure more amazing than Polar Bears in Norway. Your experienced polar bear tracker and professional wildlfie photographer guide will coach you on how to photograph the beautiful, rarely-seen behavior of the polar bears' life cycle.
The Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Svalbard, Norway
Fly into Longyearbyen Svalbard and transfer to our 5 star designated hotel.
Day 2: Base
Early morning move to “staging area” check all our cold weather gear. have a fast course in snow Mobile driving; pack our personal, cameras and team gear, fuel, and food on sleds. There are two main areas for shadowing and filming polar Bear. Both areas are strict control, and permit required. The selection which area will be prime for photography to be decided at the time of our arrival. Based on the selected zone of operation our accommodation will be either at hunter huts or in the reviving Russian hotel style, equal to half star…heated, no water and limited food.
Days 3 – 6: Polar Bears!
Everyday our experienced guide (they are the best the field leading the BBC, NG and other TV productions) will decide which hours we shall operate morning or afternoon, following other guides report…we shall go for 10 to 14 hours daily, in search and shadowing female with her one or two cubs. We stop on the way for quick camping style meals and hot tea, while we continue searching…When we spot a bear family, the guide will instruct us on the next step, either we move together or we move our camera gear on one sled, leave our vehicle behind climb on the guide sled and get close and as quiet as possible to the Bear…assemble our tripod and camera and wait quietly and with lots of patience…we will do it few times a day till we have our moment.
Day 7: Longyearbyen
After day in search and hopefully few good sighting we start making our way back to town Longyearbyen. Return our borrowed clothing gear and the trusted snow mobile that served us so well. After good shower in hot water, we meet for farewell dinner at your 5 star hotel.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer according to your flight to airport for you next destination.
2024 Dates:
Mar 30-Apr 7, 2024
Apr 6-14, 2024
Number of guests: 4
Prices are per person, double occupancy - $27,000
Expedition Leader: Amos Nachoum
Notes:
We’ve decided to go to Svalbard later in the year for two reasons. First, it increases the likelihood and frequency that we’ll encounter the polar bears, and second, it gives us more daylight and shooting time.
Having learned from past experiences, We’ve also added a new upgrade to our expedition this year. We’re going to have two local guides. One of the guides will stay with our group, and the other guide will track the polar bears at night while we’re sleeping. This will ensure that when we’re ready to go in the morning, we’ll know where to find the bears.
As an added bonus, we will have the tundra all to ourselves, since we have the only permit available for the weeks we’re visiting — to protect the bears and their cubs, a permit is required to visit the section that’s closed to the public, and is available only to certified teams of researchers and qualified media.
This journey will try your patience, test your endurance, and show you a world of unmatched beauty and frozen splendor that you couldn’t possibly be prepared to understand. Join BigAnimals at the top of the world to walk in the footsteps of polar bears and discover a place more spectacular than anything even in your wildest dreams.
