Spitsbergen: Polar Bears, Walruses, and Ivory Gulls: Jun 23—Jul 05, 2010

An unforgettable visit to one of the remotest places on earth. From the safety and comfort of our ship, the Antarctic Dream, we will search for the polar bear, walrus, and Ivory Gull in addition to an exciting array of High Arctic birds, mammals, and plants.

The remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen, the largest island within the Svalbard Archipelago, is a land of immense glaciers, snow-covered mountains, and steep-sided fjords. In fact, it is one of the most dramatic and spectacular places imaginable. To quote one writer, "This wondrous archipelago is an assault on the senses."  Separated from the North Pole by a mere 950 kilometers of frozen ocean, it is the true "High Arctic," an extreme land gripped by ice for over eight months of the year and by darkness for over four. This is the land of the polar bear!

Today Spitsbergen encompasses the highest proportion of national parks and nature reserves of any equivalent land mass on earth and, as a result, the great majority of the archipelago is now protected. The entire Svalbard Archipelago comprises stunning Arctic scenery graced by a rich Arctic fauna and flora that draw increasing numbers of visitors. This is undoubtedly THE best place in the world to see the magnificent polar bear. We anticipate multiple encounters with this evocative creature and possibly some excellent photographic opportunities. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 polar bears live around Svalbard, and some recent tour groups have seen as many as 54 animals on one trip! No matter how many you see, however, there is no better way to see this magnificent creature than in its own icy realm. Add to this a rare opportunity to encounter good numbers of the bizarre walrus; the lovely Ivory Gull, now seriously declining; hundreds, possibly thousands of alcids including the adorable Little Auk; the dainty Arctic fox; the distinctive Svalbard form of reindeer; and, if we are lucky, Beluga whales and several nesting Arctic shorebirds. And all this on a canvas of carving glaciers and impressive sea ice, towering mountains, and a tundra ablaze with beautiful Arctic wildflowers including such jewels as Svalbard poppy, purple saxifrage, moss campion, mountain avens, and Arctic buttercups.

It is important to stress that one travels to Spitsbergen for this special, unforgettable Arctic experience, rather than to acquire a lengthy list of birds and wildlife. Species diversity this far north is characteristically limited, so one has to be motivated primarily with the idea of seeing a spectacular part of the High Arctic and its natural history. VENT will be taking an allotment on the lovely Antarctic Dream, owned and operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. This is a very comfortably-appointed ship with an attractive range of cabins, each with proper beds (not bunks) and en suite facilities. As much of the sailing as possible will take place during the period that passes for night at these latitudes (of course, it is light 24 hours a day!), thus maximizing opportunities for going ashore and enjoying the beautiful Arctic landscape to the fullest. Landings are carried out by means of a fleet of Zodiacs that allow safe landings on remote coastlines in all types of conditions, and close approach to such charismatic creatures as walruses and polar bears!

All travel, accommodations, and cuisine aboard the Antarctic Dream; conditions aboard ship excellent; many excursions in Zodiac landing craft; walking conditions vary from sandy beaches to loose rock; temperatures from 30s to 50s (F), although temperatures can be lower as a result of wind-chill. Some agility required, but travelers in good health will have no problem with this trip.