Svalbard Polar Bear Voyage

The Svalbard Archipelago is one of the most beautifully hostile places on Earth. Two thirds of its surface is covered by glaciers and the soil is frozen to depths of up to 500m. Despite the unquestionably tough topography there are numerous reasons that make a visit to the region a must. The gorgeously bleak hinterlands for one, and the largest land based mammal for another.
The seven-day voyage set out below gives you the best chance to see the ‘King of the Arctic’ as well as a magnificent opportunity to visit one of the toughest places on the planet!
On this trip you should also expect to see huge glaciers, a plethora of Arctic animals, unexplored Arctic shelves, and even the Northern Lights. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime - to explore the unexplored!  

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
•    The best chance in the world to see Polar Bears!
•    Enjoy lectures on the region from experts
•    Visit magical glaciers and uninhabited islands
•    Enjoy all of the above on board a comfortable ex-research vessel

FAST FACTS

Location    Longyearbyen, Norway
       
Activities
•    Voyage around breath taking Arctic surroundings
•    Learn practical and theoretical skills about the region from experts
•    Get your sea legs aboard a genuine research vessel         

Transport      Airport Pick-up from Longyearbyen

Accommodation     Cabin/Hotels around the archipelago    

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Before you go
•    Rubber boots and snow shoes!
•    Pre-departure support
•    Travel advice & documentation
•    Kit advice
•    Discounted medical kit
•    Free Frontier T-shirt (UK Only)

In-country
•    Airport pick up
•    Accommodation
•    Local orientation & comprehensive project training
•    24 hour in-country support
•    International HQ emergency support & back-up

QUALIFICATIONS

A variety of qualifications are available on many of our projects. For example, BTEC certificates and diplomas on our Group conservation projects and TEFL certificates and BTECs on most of our teaching projects. You may also be able to gain a CoPE to support your university application. For more information on these qualifications, please see the qualifications section of our website or ask your volunteer advisor.

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

Your project will be based mainly on an arctic research vessel. The 7 day itinerary will give you the chance to visit the majority of the Svalbard archipelago both  on foot and by boat!

Whilst aboard you will have a host of experts to give you detailed information on the region, from the topography to the fascinating arctic animals that you can expect to see!

Your project will start and finish in Longyearbyen with many fascinating stops in between!

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

You will start your journey on the largest town in the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first Minke whale of your voyage!

Over the next 7 days you will see; multiple fjords, (almost certainly) Polar Bears and the famous Monaco Glacier. The waters in front of this glacier are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes, and the base of the ice is a popular polar bear hunting ground!

As well as the above your trip will feature; stopping on the Seven Islands, seeing reindeer, foxes and seabirds and finally sail into the famous Hiplopen Strait!  
 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

On arrival you will be met by one of our local representatives. You will get your induction on the research vessel and be introduced to your fellow voyagers!

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Your stay will be mixed between hotels on the archipelago and of course on our beautiful ship!

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Three meals a day will be provided whilst aboard the vessel.
 

Whilst on project you will have the chance to take a casual stroll along the Polar shores, or challenge yourself with a more advanced trek. We offer a variety of snow-shoeing treks to suit your experience and your desired level of activity. No snow-shoeing experience? No problem!
 

COSTS

29th May 2018 – 5th June 2018
4th June 2018 – 11th June 2018    FULLY BOOKED
5th June 2018 – 12th June 2018
12th June 2018 – 19th June 2018
15th June 2018 – 19th June 2018
19th June 2018 – 26th June 2018
22nd June 2018 – 29th June 2018
29th June 2018 – 6th July 2018
12th June 2018 – 19th June 2018
29th August 2018 – 5th September

DURATION
7 Days
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Before you go
Rubber boots and snow shoes!
Pre-departure support
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Kit advice
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier T-shirt (UK only)

In-country
Airport pick up
Lectures from Arctic experts
Accommodation
Meals on board
In-country emergency support
24-hours international HQ back-up

AIRPORT INFORMATION       Longyearbyen, Svalbard


 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Visas
• Insurance

For detailed information on flights, visas and insurance, click here.

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LEGAL STATEMENT

Please read our legal statement regarding the running of NGO projects.

To apply for this placement, click on "Apply Now" below. Fill in the short application form and one of our advisers will then call you back to answer any questions and make sure this is the perfect placement for you. Applying doesn't cost a penny and you won't pay anything until you're completely happy and you're ready to reserve your place.