The Polar Travel Company

� SAT

Duration: 12 days
Starts: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Ends: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Language: English speaking voyage

* We always recommend arriving in Svalbard at least 24 hours before departure.

Included

Optional

Capture the full spectrum of the Arctic during this adventurous autumn photo tour of Svalbard, with acclaimed polar photographer Piet van den Bemd.

The archipelago saves its finest colours for this season, with sunrises and sunsets painting the landscape in autumnal hues as the wildlife gets ready for winter. Sail north to Austfonna to photograph meltwater waterfalls tumbling down from the glacier � the ultimate Svalbard in autumn sight

Introduction
On this expedition, we will explore the east of Svalbard. Our aim of the expedition is to capture the meltwater waterfalls of the Austfonna Ice Cap. This rare phenomenon occurs as the ice cap warms during the summer months causing streams of meltwater to pour over the sheer ice cliffs and is often very active this time of year.

Expedition Highlights
� Stunning landscapes and unique lighting conditions provide incredible photography opportunities, combined with dramatic glaciers and fjords.
� Capture breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, which only grace Svalbard for a few months each year.
� Witness flowing waterfalls from the unique Austfonna Ice Cap, Europe�s third largest glacier by area and volume.
� We have the best guest-to-guide ratio, including 2 expedition guides and 2 photography leaders available at all times to enhance your experience and develop your skills.
� Explore in comfort aboard a modern, ice-strengthened expedition vessel with a maximum of only 12 guests.
� The use of 2 Zodiacs means you�ll never be kept waiting to reach the shore and can cruise close to the environment.
� Amazing encounters with polar bears, walruses, whales, reindeer, and arctic foxes are likely.
� Enjoy a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
� Be led by world-class photographers and expedition leaders.

Learn and Develop New Photography Skills
Our photography guides are passionate to share their skills and expertise with you, to help you improve your skills and capture the best images possible. The emphasis is always on maximising time outside in the field, but where time allows tutorials will be carried out onboard.

Our expedition team has extensive experience in Svalbard and will seek out the optimal places for photography based on the conditions. Our Svalbard Photography Guide will help prepare you for your photography expedition!

Piet van den Bemd
Expedition & Photography Guide
Piet developed a fascination for nature as a child through travelling with his parents to different continents, and receiving his first camera at age 16 inspired him to pursue photography as a way to share the beauty of the natural world and raise awareness of fragile environments.

The Voyage
Secret Atlas is founded, led, and made for explorers by explorers. We understand that every expedition is unique, so we don�t follow a fixed itinerary. We believe that real expeditions should follow the opportunities that the wilderness offers and our expert guides know exactly how to maximise your experience. The following itinerary is an example. Every expedition is flexible and inherently authentic as its course will be defined on a daily basis sustained by the opportunities presented by weather, ice and wildlife.

� SAT

Day 1 Welcome aboard! Embarkation in Longyearbyen at 16:00
Our expedition departs from Longyearbyen, the most northerly town on earth. We will leave the port late in the afternoon and for the next 10 days, say goodbye to civilisation as we sail to the far northeast. Whales are active this time of year and we will scour the horizon in search for photography opportunities as we sail out through Isfjord. The aim of this expedition is to spend lots of time exploring nature, scenery, wildlife and glaciers.

Day 2 West Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland Area
On a daily basis we will launch the Zodiacs to go exploring. During September we will undertake lots of zodiac cruises and shore landings to open up different photography opportunities. On the first morning we will sail alongside Prins Karls Forland, an island known for it�s dramatic scenery and walrus colonies. If the conditions allow we will land at a walrus colony which will offer some great shots of walruses. As we head north we will visit some of Svalbard�s glaciers bathed in golden light whilst keeping a good look out for polar bears that roam the shores.

Day 3 Exploring North East Svalbard
Over the next few days, we will navigate between the coast and the sea ice that extends all the way to the North Pole. We will count on regular shore landings and zodiac tours to visit different natural and historical sites including glaciers, partake in wilderness hikes and fully immersive ourselves in the raw nature of the Arctic.

Every day we will explore deeper into the wilderness Svalbard has to offer. Under the guidance of our expedition leader, we will work with the weather and sea ice conditions to show you the best that the northwest coast has to offer.

Days 4 - 6 North East Svalbard and Austfonna
If the sea ice grants passage, we will aim to head east towards the Hinlopen Strait area and venture deeper into a vast world of ice and cliffs. While attempting this we will be obliged to reach a new higher latitude to the voyage, crossing the 80 degrees north parallel. The days will be long and complemented with action, zodiac cruises and the search for wildlife.

As we continue our exploration east of Svalbard, we aim to visit the meltwater waterfalls pouring from the edge of the Austfonna Ice Cap, taking the time to cruise alongside the breathtaking natural spectacle.

Day 7-11 Further exploration / Returning to Longyearbyen
The return route is extremely dependent on the ice and weather aspects. If conditions allow, we may follow the compass south and explore the region along the south coast of Spitsbergen, sailing via the Freemansund. Or, we might resolve to head back north and west and cruise the ice edge while exploring sites and scouting for wildlife.

Day 12 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen at 09:00
By morning we will have arrived back at the port of Longyearbyen. Disembarking the ship will involve saying goodbye to the new friends you�ve made but knowing you will keep the memories of the transformative adventure you shared together.