| Dates (Polar Bear Cruise) | May 9 – 19, 2025 |
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Dive into an extraordinary journey with acclaimed wildlife photographer, Amos Nachoum, in the enchanting and rugged wilderness of Svalbard. This Arctic landscape, a mesmerizing fusion of towering glaciers and untouched fjords, exists in a suspended moment where time seems to stand still, and the formidable Polar Bears roam as silent kings of this icy realm.
Our home during this exploration, the M/V VikingFjord stands as a beacon of comfort in the stark landscape. Recently refurbished with sophistication in mind, this sturdy former research vessel offers cozy private suites and modern amenities. Its intentionally limited guest capacity guarantees you will have plenty of personal space on our journey, while the smaller ship will allow us to navigate to exclusive Arctic hideaways that are otherwise inaccessible to larger fleets.
As we weave through crystalline icebergs, we’ll employ a pair of nimble Zodiacs. These vessels let us glide silently closer to the heart of the Arctic’s spectacular wildlife tableau. Here, amidst a backdrop of vast expanses and dancing northern lights, you’ll witness the intimate moments of polar bear mothers and their playful cubs, the commanding presence of hefty walruses, the elegant dives of whales, and the spirited frolic of young Arctic foxes.
Our adventure unfurls from the pulsing heart of Svalbard, the lively capital of Longyearbyen. From there, with Amos’s seasoned guidance, you’ll be equipped not just to observe but to narrate through your camera — tales of resilience, awe, and the untamed spirit of the Arctic and its wildlife.
Join Amos and embrace the allure of the Arctic, where nature’s pristine splendor beckons, and let Amos guide you through a symphony of moments that will etch into your memory and heart forever.
May 9: arrive at Longyearbyen, Svalbard and check in the hotel, meet for dinner and briefing.
May 10 – May 18: 9 full days board the newest ice-strengthened VikingFjord, settle in and we start our journey along the glaciers and through sea ice, in search of wildlife in a frozen wilderness
May 19: returning to Longyearbyen, in the early morning and disembark by 9am, and transfer to airport or for your next experience in Svalbard.
Temperature
Day 23 – 77°F (-5 – 25°C)
Night -4 to -40°F (-20 to -40°C)
Amos Nachoum is a distinguished figure in wildlife and underwater photography, seamlessly combining exploration and artistry for over 45 years. His dedication to capturing the essence of marine life has garnered him prestigious accolades, including twice winning the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year in animal behavior and the Siena Photo Competition in ‘Animals in Their Environment’ category.
Amos’s photographic excellence has earned him the title of Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 by Wilderness Photography. His impact on the artistic and conservation communities has been recognized with the NOGI Award in Art, solidifying his status as a leader in his field. His works have graced prominent publications like National Geographic, Time, and The New York Times, showcasing his ability to tell compelling visual stories.
In 2019, his documentary “Picture of His Life” unveiled his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to marine conservation. As the founder of Big Animals Expeditions, he leads private expeditions, ensuring safe and intimate wildlife encounters during peak seasons. These expeditions, whether on land or in the ocean, reflect his immaculate safety record and deep respect for the natural world.
By choosing to embark on an expedition with Amos, adventurers open themselves up to a transformative experience. They learn from a maestro whose life’s work resonates with the pulse of the oceans and the dance of wildlife across diverse habitats. Whether a seasoned photographer or a nature enthusiast, participants in Amos’s expeditions gain unparalleled insight and a unique opportunity to connect with the wild.
Additionally, his work in marine conservation and education has not gone unnoticed. Amos has been named Seakeepers’ Man of the Year, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to the ocean and its inhabitants. Through his expeditions, workshops, and storytelling, he continues to inspire, educate, and ignite a passion for conservation in hearts worldwide.
M/V VikingFjord
Refitted in 2023 to an exceptional standard, offers a unique blend of robust expedition capabilities and luxurious amenities, ensuring both safety and comfort as we explore the Arctic’s icy waters. The vessel features an ice-strengthened hull and advanced environmental technologies that minimize emissions, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.
A Polar Bear Encounter from 2023 — Amos
A sharp noise shook me awake at 1:30AM. A second, louder sound followed, trailed by a shout that sent a jolt of excitement through me – “POLAR BEAR!” Grabbing my camera, I raced to the deck, the icy air biting my skin as I searched the Arctic expanse for signs of the elusive white ghost. And sure enough, there it was! A distant figure – unmistakably a polar bear. From the bridge came the order: “ZODIAC DOWN.” Anticipation rippled through the crew. We dashed to our rooms, getting ready to face the Arctic night and get closer to the swimming bear in our Zodiac boats. We drew as close as 50 meters, then 25 meters, always maintaining a safe distance as the bear navigated the water, threading its way between the broken plates of sea ice. Suddenly, it stopped swimming and clambered onto a floe to settle down, its eyes tracked a bird flying above, then shut heavily.
The bear’s respite would be brief, the Arctic night was just getting started. No sooner had the bear’s eyes fully closed than a minke whale appeared, gliding along the edge of the ice, just beneath the resting bear. Sensing its presence, the bear’s eyes snapped open, but a curious sniff was the only option as the whale quickly disappeared below the surface, returning to the icy depths below and reestablishing the stillness at the surface, which was again short-lived, as seemingly out of nowhere, a harp seal arrived on the scene—swimming nonchalantly along the ice edge—within a meter or two from the bear’s nose and well within striking range. It was an unexpected encounter for us, the bear, and probably the seal too. Our cameras fired away as the bear, who seemed to be stunned for a millisecond, recovered its senses and sprang into action. Lunging at the seal, it missed the target. Hesitation cost the bear dinner, but saved the seal, who, following the example of the minke whale, had already made its way to safety beneath the ice.
We were fortunate that this surreal dance of nature played out on the canvas of a clear arctic night, illuminated by the soft glow of the midnight sun. It was now 2AM on June 23rd and we were silent, spellbound by the magic we had witnessed. Seeing a polar bear, minke whale, and harp seal interact in such proximity was a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Each of us, from experienced guides to first-time Arctic explorers, felt a sense of shared wonder, a momentous encounter imprinted in memory and on film.
You can reserve now by either paying a 33% deposit through our online reservation system or by mailing a check.
If you’d prefer to mail a check to our office or arrange for a wire transfer, please get in touch with us via the Contact BigAnimals form below.
All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. In order to join an expedition, you are required to carry trip, health, and dive (if applicable) insurance. This information as well as your passport photo will be requested after you place your deposit.
Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
Your deposit reserves your place on the trip. However, the full amount is due 90 days or more before the expedition date begins.
You will receive a confirmation email when your application is received. When your deposit is complete, you will receive trip confirmation. Complete trip details will be sent upon final payment.
View the Expedition Page for Total Trip Price and Cancellation Policies
| Dates (Polar Bear Cruise) | May 9 – 19, 2025 |
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FINAL PAYMENT, CANCELLATION AND TRIP CHANGE POLICY
We at Big Animals LLC know how upsetting it might be for our valued clients to have to postpone or cancel a trip they have been looking forward to for months. We, too, are disappointed when plans must be changed. However, we make extensive preparations in advance of each trip and we are required to make nonrefundable payments to hotels and other vendors on a regular basis. Consequently, we must rigorously enforce our cancellation and trip change policy for all guests without exception.
Purchasing travel insurance is vital and may be obtained through a variety of insurance providers. Life in the modern world has taught us that trip cancellations and interruptions happen, luggage gets lost, and people have accidents prior to trips, and people get sick, and are unable to commence or complete anticipated journeys. Insurance is expected to provide you, as our valued client, with the protection and peace of mind in the event that all things do not go according to your intended plan. As a traveler, please be aware you are personally responsible for any expenses incurred due to illness or injury that may arise before departure or while you are on expedition — and as per the details below — cancelling or altering a trip without insurance becomes very expensive for all parties involved, including for Big Animals LLC.
We encourage you to make the responsible choice — protect your investment with a reasonably-priced, comprehensive insurance policy.
Big Animals LLC requires a deposit equal to 33% of the total trip price at the time of booking, including all applicable taxes, in order to secure space.
Once we have accepted your deposit and application, we will make non-refundable payments to secure your space with overseas vendors; consequently, all deposits on expeditions are also non-refundable, without exception.
There shall be no exceptions to this “FINAL PAYMENT, CANCELLATION AND TRIP CHANGE POLICY” for any reason, including, but not limited to force majeure.
Governing Law California. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement, and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
