PRIVATE COMFORT BOAT EXPEDITION
Our Private Boat is a true expedition vessel
She will break the ice, get us where no one else can
and with an intimate group and affordable pricing
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.
LATITUDE: around 80° north
SIZE: 61,000 Km2 (23,500 mi2)
CAPITAL: Longyearbyen
HUMAN POPULATION: 2,000
BEAR POPULATION: 3,000
BEST TIME TO VISIT: April - August
TEMP. DURING OUR STAY: +10°c
OUR EXPEDITION
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Our Vessel
Our vessel is our home for our premium adventure-seeking travelers. It can hold a party of up to 12 participants and naturally, it’s ice-strengthened and adapted to the thick ice of Svalbard. It was built in 1947 in Sweden and has quite a heritage to be proud of. It was renovated not long ago and has its own wonderful character.
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Exclusive Access
We are free from most of the regulations which the bigger boats must comply with. That allows us to reach the best locations wherever and whenever we wish. When we encounter the majestic wildlife of Svalbard, we will launch 2 Zodiaks and get closer to the action. This is an unparalleled experience in its combination of adrenalin, awe and amazement. Imagine the intimacy of being with a dozen people in the wildest place on Earth!
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Team of Experts
This expedition cruise is guided by renowned and award-winning wildlife photographer, Roie Galitz, and his team of professionals. While enjoying the cruise you will learn more about this region and its incredible inhabitants, and experience a close up and intimate encounter with them, witnessing the best “nature film” you’ve ever seen.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
- Mark Twain
WILDLIFE
 Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)World’s largest land predator as males reach 1500 pounds and female around 700 pounds. Polar Bears rely on Sea Ice to hunt and survive, and without it they face certain extinction. We will be extremely privileged to see the bears from our boat and if possible we’ll lower the Zodiaks and get as close as possible. Svalbard is considered one of the best places in the world. |  Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida)These marine mammals are the Polar Bears main food source. Each seal has a network of 10-15 breathing holes and must breathe every 8-30 minutes. At this time of the year, mothers have lairs under the snow with fresh pups, which the Polar Bears seek out. |  Arctic Fox PupsIn the summertime we will have an amazing opportunity to see these adorable cubs, being taken care by their loving mother in near the den. They usually like to raise the young pups under huge bird cliffs, and we know where to go and find them. |
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 Migratory Arctic BirdsSvalbard is home to millions of birds that migrate to this extreme corner of the world to mate and raise their offsprings. Little Auks, Seagulls, Kittiwakes, Barnacle Geese, Arctic Terns, Red Throated Loons, Puffins and many many others. The endless daylight, plenty of food and few predators provide the best conditions around. But this doesn’t mean it’s easy for them. |  Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)These enormous marine mammals reach weights of over 2,000 pounds, although they feed primarily on clams, gulping as many as 4,000 clams in each dive thanks the their strong suction force. Their tusks are used for combat against other males, but also as a weapon against Polar Bears and as a tool to help them climb onto the sea ice. |  Polar Bear Families on iceThe Families of Polar Bears migrate along the ice edge, looking for good hunting grounds and heading north towards the polar ice cap. We will venture to the north east part of Svalbard where we are likely to find them. |
ITINERARY
ARRIVAL
We 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.
BOAT EXPEDITION
In the morning, Roie Galitz, will show you around lovely Longyearbyen. You will have time to shop for souvenirs and if you need anything for the expedition - that’s the place to get it.
In the afternoon, we will embark on our vessel 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.
BOAT EXPEDITION
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 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!
DISEMBARKATION
We 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
9:00 am the following day.
DATES
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Expedition Cruise onboard our private vessel, 9 nights onboard
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Beach landings and Zodiak cruises
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Geographic and Photographic guidance by Roie Galitz
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A staff of 2 expert naturalists specializing in Polar Bears
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Full board: 3 meals a day by a chef
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Flights
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Pre-boarding accommodation in Svalbard
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Boutique consumptions
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Phone, internet, e-mails
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Insurance (required)
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Gratuity for ship’s crew
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All items not described in "included"