Svalbard: Polar Bears in Drift Ice
with Martin Gregus
1,500+
Trust Airguides
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Guided trip
The Story
Svalbard sits at the top of the world, where the Arctic Ocean meets permanent ice and polar bears outnumber people. It's one of the most remote and wild places on the planet, and it's where Martin Gregus feels most at home.
Martin is a National Geographic wildlife photographer and multiple Wildlife Photographer of the Year award winner. He has spent years in the Arctic documenting polar bears on the ice, learning how they move, hunt, and survive in conditions most people will never experience. That knowledge is what he brings to this expedition.
You'll travel aboard a purpose-built expedition vessel with a small group, giving the flexibility to follow the wildlife rather than a fixed schedule. Each day is shaped by what's happening on the ice. When a polar bear appears in the distance, you approach by Zodiac, quietly and respectfully, and you watch. Martin reads the animal's behavior in real time, helping you understand what you're seeing and how to capture it.
This isn't a sightseeing tour with a photographer along for the ride. Martin leads every aspect of the expedition, from where the ship positions overnight to how you approach wildlife on the ice. You leave with more than photographs. You leave with an understanding of one of the world's most extraordinary wild places, seen through the eyes of someone who has dedicated his career to it.
The Highlights
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- Anne Prather, United States
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What's included
- 10 nights cabin accommodation aboard the MS Kvitungen (shared)
- All Zodiac excursions as planned by the expedition team
- All breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Experienced Svalbard expedition leaders and guides
- Informative presentations and briefings throughout
- Photography masterclasses and storytelling with Martin Gregus
- Airguides expedition leader
What's not included
- Flights to and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard
- Airport transfers in Longyearbyen
- Pre or post-expedition accommodation in Longyearbyen or Oslo
- Travel and cancellation insurance (mandatory - see below)
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled water
- Meals ashore (unless specified)
- Passport, visa and government tax expenses
- Personal expenses (laundry, communication, souvenirs)
- Gratuities for ship crew and expedition staff (discretionary but customary)
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, and weather and ice conditions can vary. Some activities may be affected by factors outside our control.
What is the MS Kvitungen?
The MS Kvitungen is a brand new expedition vessel purpose-built for polar waters, with an ICE 5 ice-class rating. That rating matters: it allows the ship to push deeper into the pack ice and stay longer than standard vessels, which is exactly where polar bears are found. It's a small ship, which means a more intimate experience and far greater flexibility in where the expedition can go along Svalbard's coastline and ice edges.
What wildlife can we expect to see, and how close will we get?
The primary focus is polar bears in their natural drift ice habitat - and Svalbard is one of the best places on earth to find them. The archipelago is also home to walrus, multiple seal species, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and potentially beluga, minke and fin whales, plus vast seabird colonies including puffins, guillemots and Arctic terns. Zodiac excursions get you far closer to ice edges and shorelines than the main ship can, offering genuine eye-level wildlife encounters. All interactions follow AECO Arctic guidelines - responsible distances are always maintained and the animals' behaviour determines what happens next. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the MS Kvitungen's ice capability and Martin's fieldcraft give this expedition a real edge.
What will the weather be like and what should I wear?
July is the height of the Arctic summer in Svalbard. Conditions are variable - sunny and calm one moment, overcast, windy and snowy the next. Temperatures typically range from 0°C to 10°C, and the midnight sun means 24 hours of continuous daylight, so Martin can be shooting at 2am if the light and wildlife demand it. Layering is essential: thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers (fleece or down), and a fully waterproof and windproof outer jacket and trousers. Warm gloves or mittens, a hat covering your ears, wool socks and sunglasses are all must-haves. The expedition team will send a full gear list before departure.
Do I need photography experience?
No. This expedition is designed for anyone with a genuine passion for wildlife and wild places. Martin's knowledge and storytelling enrich the experience whether you arrive with a professional camera setup or just a smartphone. Many guests come purely for the experience of being in one of the most remote and extraordinary environments on earth - the photography is a bonus, not a requirement.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, and comprehensive cover is mandatory for Arctic travel. Your policy must include trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, and emergency medical evacuation. Proof of adequate evacuation coverage will be required before the trip. Do not book without it.
Who leads the trip?
Every Airguides expedition has two leaders: an Airguides trip leader who handles logistics and keeps everything running smoothly, and a storyteller guide - in this case Martin Gregus - who brings world-class wildlife photography expertise and deep knowledge of Arctic ecosystems to every day in the field. The expedition is also supported by a dedicated team of experienced Svalbard guides selected specifically for their expertise in Arctic navigation, wildlife and safety.
What fitness level is required?
Moderate. You should be comfortable walking over uneven terrain during shore landings and getting in and out of Zodiacs from the ship. Shore excursions and hikes are optional - much of the expedition is ship and Zodiac-based, so guests with varying fitness levels can participate fully. If you have any concerns, get in touch before booking.
Is there a single supplement for solo travellers?
Yes. Single occupancy cabins are available subject to availability. We may also be able to pair solo travellers of the same gender in shared cabins on request. Contact us for details and current availability.
Can I speak to someone about this trip or get help with flights?
Yes. Our team can help with flight options and travel routing. Call, text or WhatsApp us at+61 402 552 918. You'll speak directly with an Airguides team member who knows this trip inside out. We're here for any questions, big or small, from planning your adventure to arriving back home.
We strongly recommend arriving in Longyearbyen at least one day before embarkation to allow for any travel delays - our team can advise on the best routing.
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