| Dates (Polar Bear Cruise) | August 4 – 14, 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 RV PolarXplorer, 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.
As an expedition guide, Amos is known for his meticulous planning and vast experience navigating challenging environments. He instills confidence in his team members, always prioritizing safety and respect for the natural world. His deep understanding of marine life and their habitats, coupled with his ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions, makes him an invaluable mentor to those fortunate to journey with him.
In essence, to embark on an expedition with Amos Nachoum is to learn from a seasoned explorer and master photographer, someone who has dedicated his life to understanding and showcasing the beauty of the world’s most formidable marine life. His vast experience, deep respect for nature, and commitment to sharing his knowledge make him a guide any veteran explorer or photographer would be privileged to work with.
Day 1
The polar bear expedition to Svalbard begins in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. A place where snow-capped mountains reach high into the azure sky, and the Arctic Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see. Leaving the hustle and bustle of your daily life behind, you’re now stepping into an entirely different world – a world where nature reigns supreme. You’ll check into your hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2 – 10
In the morning, you’ll meet Amos for a tour of Longyearbyen, and then we’ll board the PolarXplorer to begin our deep into the Arctic’s labyrinth of inlets, icy waters, and the captivating world of the North Pole. As we navigate, our course will evolve, responding to the ever-shifting sea ice and the captivating presence of Arctic wildlife, notably the regal polar bear. Throughout this expedition, guided by the seasoned Amos Nachoum, we’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Arctic fauna and the pristine landscapes enveloping us. At this prime time of year, we anticipate witnessing polar bear families and solitary males, possibly catching glimpses of Arctic Foxes nurturing their young. The intimate size of our vessel grants us unmatched access to secluded spots, offering an unparalleled Arctic experience.
Day 11
We begin our journey back to Longyearbyen. Our polar bear expedition to Svalbard has come to an end and it’s time to part ways, each of us making our way to the airport, our minds full of memories, our cameras full of amazing photos.
Temperature
Day 23 – 77°F (-5 – 25°C)
Night -4 to -40°F (-20 to -40°C)
R/V PolarXplorer
A state-of-the-art vessel, RV PolarXplorer was completely refit in 2021. The new interior and completely overhauled systems, she provides maximum safety and comfort. 6 Single Cabins and 2 Double Cabins are available. The R/V PolarXplorer’s operator is the best in supporting Arctic expeditions. Regularly used by the BBC, National Geo, Netflix, Disney and most Hollywood film production, they have over three decades experience in the planet’s most challenging and beautiful landscapes, serving professional video and film productions on all scales from natural history documentaries to feature films., facilitating crews on remote locations working in extreme conditions.
We will have freedom to explore since our vessel is the only ice class (1C) available for charter in Svalbard, meaning that it can operate in the thick. It also features dynamic positioning (DP) to provide the level of stability necessary for successful filming. Additionally, our vessel is free from most of the regulations which the bigger boats must comply with. Together, these features mean we will be able to reach the best filming locations wherever and whenever we wish. When we encounter the wildlife of Svalbard, we will get close and launch the two 2 Zodiacs for closer viewing.
A Polar Bear Encounter — 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
Email your interest in the Please mail deposit check to:
Big Animals LLC
189 Evans Avenue, Suite A
Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
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) | August 4 – 14, 2025 |
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