SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

11 days from GBP3,120 to GBP11,860 land only
Tripcode: PNS

Countries Visited: Norway (Arctic)

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 79 reviews.

Nicola Cullen

SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Written July 2011
A photographic expedition that exceeded all expectations! Beautiful weather, great sea ice and the most memorable wildlife encounters ever!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Having been to Spitsbergen on a photographic trip previously with Paul ( and seeing some of the magical bears featured in Exodus' PR literature) I was slightly apprehensive that the wildlife sightings may not have been as good. However, from day one we saw bears, in completely different environments, reminding us of the versality of these creatures. Having seen polar bears did not dampen my exitement and ectsasy at viewing them again. Without giving too much away, I will just allude to a Midnight Bear and Iceberg Bear, and say that these are now in my top 3 all time wildlife experiences!
What did you think of your group leader?
Being a photographic departure, Paul Goldstein was the driving force for our itinerary. He and Woody (Quark) worked extremely hard with the Vavilov's Captain to give us the best wildlife viewings, but taking into account our safety at all times. When the weather deteriorated, interesting and varied presentations were delivered by the Quark team. When I book my next trip, I will endeavour to ensure that Woody and Annie (his extremely kind and capable First Lieutenant) are the leaders. There is not a more inspirational and hard working duo in the Poles!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Remember! It is a photographic trip so don't expect to stick to the itinerary! Paul and Woody will take you to the places where you will get the opportunities to see wildlife, and that won't be the most northly post office, where the floating carbunkles dock!
Have all your camera kit ready to go, even at 2am in the morning - if a bear is sighted , you will be up on the bow watching in the midnight sun! Don't expect much down-time.....you may only push out a few zzzzzz in your bunk!
Take layers and handwarmers. Also think about how to operate your camera with gloves on and potentially invest in some neoprene gloves.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Whatever you see, you will not be disappointed. The Quark team make you feel welcome from the moment that you cross the gangway, and have an fully packed itinerary even if the weather takes a turn for the worst and you remain ship bound. There is always something to do. You will make some great life long friends, swap wildlife experiences, add to your "must-do" list, but most importantly you will have visited one of the most beautiful places on the planet and will have had the privilege to see the most interesting wildlife in the last true wilderness.
Christine Shaw

SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Written July 2011
This was not just a holiday - it was a privilege. First class ship (A S Vavilov), crew, Exped Team, Leader (Paul Goldstein) and a group of travellers that were as interesting as they were fun.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The unbelievable polar bear that got 'up close and personal'. When he finally left our proximity I went up onto the Bridge to find a Russian crew member with as big a grin as I was wearing. There was no need for words. The entire ship was 'hyper' for the next couple of hours; midnight, and bright sunshine.
What did you think of your group leader?
Paul, as photographic mentor, gave every minute of every day his full attention, using his Nautical Views to enliven many an evening bar session. Woody, Exped Team Leader Extraordinary, is a dedicated professional who always has time for any passenger. They are a pair who work so well together and their enthusiasm and sense of fun are infectious. Annie, Woody's 'second in command', deserves a mention, too. She is a 'spotter' without parallel, her charm apparently working as well on the bears as it does on the passengers and crew.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are booked on a photographic charter, bear in mind that the object of the expediation is to find wildlife and photographic opportunities. You will not be joining the massive cruise ships calling in at the world's northernmost Post Office; thank goodness. Go prepared to wrap up warmly. Go prepared to carry a few more pounds home - the food on board is superb. Go prepared for anything. You will be well rewarded.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Mine was an exceptional journey. Was I just lucky? Well, of course luck comes into it. Wildlife and weather perform for no man. There are so many magic memories, though: the bears - of course; the walruses; many thousands of birds; fog and sea ice; brilliant sunshine and the Monaco Glacier; the bar talk about the Irish Kayak Team(!); the friendliness of all on board, from Exodus passengers through crew and Exped Team; an icy cold backside when my waterproof trousers weren't (think sideways - wear a plastic laundry bag). I could go on and on and on ...... The best? Possibly. One of the best? Definitely.
Now where did I put the new brochure?
Rebecca Bradshaw

SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Written July 2011
Wow! This expedition is an incredible journey through one of the most beautiful and spectacular places on Earth. Words and photographs do not do justice to the Spitsbergen Explorer, you will just have to see for yourself!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many magical moments but I don't mind admitting that the bear now affectionately known as 'Midnight Bear' brought a tear to my eye! Watching the magnificent sea bear swim and cross the ice in the late night sunshine was an incredible experience. Sharing that experience with such a wonderful group of people made it all the more special.
What did you think of your group leader?
What can I say that hasn't already been said?! Paul and Woody are a match made in heaven! They work tirelessly and diligently with the rest of the amazing team to maximise every opportunity in the 24hr daylight. Their enthusiasm is infectious! Great anecdotes and jokes, I can't speak highly enough of the entire expedition team on board the Vavilov. To listen to their knowledge and amazing, entertaining stories is a great privilege.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you get a new camera or lenses for this trip, please read and inwardly digest the instructions before you set off! I had anticipated learning how to use my DSLR during the trip but when you want incredible photos on your first experience out in a zodiac, it helps to know what you are doing!
Take plenty of layers and liner gloves for under mittens so you can still operate your camera. You will want to take advantage of the daylight so expect long vigils at the bow of the ship to get the best wildlife sightings. As you might expect in the Arctic, the weather conditions change quite rapidly so be prepared.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A truly life changing experience! Where do I start?! From the moment you step on board the Vavilov, the expedition team welcome you. The ship facilties are first class and the food is abundant and fantastic. The zodiac excursions and landings are exhilarating and the presentations are interesting, thought provoking and informative. I was very fortunate to be with a great crowd of fellow explorers and the expedition team and ship crew are second to none. We utilised each and every hour yet I found the trip energising and invigorating. My expedition was marvellous, mind blowing and mesmerising and I am sure yours will be too!
Sara Morton

SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Written July 2011
The trip exceeded all our expectations, the weather,the wildlife,the ship and the crew the whole experience was amazing.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The polar bear that approached the ship at midnight has to be one very special moment, one we will never ever forget.What a privilege.
What did you think of your group leader?
Paul is one of the most enthusiastic people we have ever met and his enthusiasm is infectious,his Nautical Views were awaited every evening with baited breath,along with Woody (and his amazing team)they are professional wonderful people a joy to travel with.The trip wouldn't have been so special without them.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with an open mind,read the trip notes but don't expect to follow the itinery.Be prepared for what ever the weather and the wildlife have to offer,be flexible and you won't be disappointed
Is there anything else you would like to add?
What can we say,it was a life changing trip. Perhaps we were lucky with the wildlife encounters but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Sara Livesey

SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Written July 2011
An amazing trip with bears birds, walruses, ice where it shouldn't have been, sunshine at 3am great ship, food and company
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
A bear on a floe in technicolour sunshine at midnight right next to the ship
What did you think of your group leader?
Paul was Paul. As ever very good value
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't think twice just do it
Charles Robertson

SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Written July 2011
The usual superlatives do not do justice to this experience! It was beyond satisfying on every level. We shall always treasure the priceless encounters with this wild place!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Without a doubt, it was the encounter with the "midnight bear", when a polar bear climbed onto an ice floe right next to the ship and proceeded to check us out. We had "point blank" range photo opportunities in the most beautiful midnight sunlight, probably the best light of the trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both Paul Goldstein and Woody (and Annie) are absolute top notch! They made us feel like we were their most important clients, in spite of what must be a hectic schedule for them. It was a real pleasure to see how well they worked together, and their humorous interactions added a lot of fun to the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are even thinking about doing this trip, go now! If you are a photography hobbyist or professional, I really think Paul Goldstein's trips will provide more opportunities to make some great images, since he does seem to influence the ship itinerary and positioning, as well as the shoreside activity, and he will freely offer advice (both creative and technical) for improving your images.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The lectures in the presentation room on Arctic life, history, and geology were very interesting during the few "down times" when weather and ice conditions caused a change in our planned activities.
Kelly Swanson

SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER

Written July 2011
As usual Paul Goldstein delivers...
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The constant frenzy of photographers running about the deck- it seemed like there was alway room for everyone on the deck and always something to shoot. Nearly everyone was up at midnight shooting a polar bear that came up near the ship and of course the midnight sun was shining bright.
What did you think of your group leader?
Woody is fantastic - although always safety minded, he always creates a fun trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The Vavilov is a great ship no matter where you go.
If you book a trip with Paul- your pictures will get better.