Spitsbergen Polar bears, Puffins, Ice and... July 7/20 2014 updated July 2013 BEAT THE PRICE RISE Po Box 815 Coolum Beach Qld, Australia 4573 PH: 07 5446 6538 (Office hours.) E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W: www.worldadventures.com.au Travel Agents License: 3219184/5
What an amazing photo adventure! From beautiful blue ice, to the magic of puffin encounters, perhaps whales, seals and a key target - polar bears. This will be an amazing photo adventure on a very comfortable ship with a seasoned professional photo guide, plus on board ship experts in unique fields of natural history. THE ADVENTURE... We have chosen the 13 day, Spitsbergen Circumnavigation expedition due to the amount of time offered to you for landing and exploring. This is not a standard Arctic tour! More time in the region means more locations visited and more photo s and experiences for you. Our ship is from the fantastic Quark Expeditions fleet. It is very comfortable and offers state of the art stabilisation and comfort. Our local supplier is Peregrine Adventures, representatives of Quark. Combined, we will work hard to make this a special life experience for you! 10% DISCOUNT Our price includes a special 10% discount offered to our group on the cruise price, by the ship owner. PHOTO GROUP PARTICIPATION FEE... To allow us to get this unique group of photographers together, (and partners) and for Darran to help you during the cruise, a Photo Group Participation Fee is included. We have added extra accommodation and a pre-departure workshop exclusive to our group. Darran will also bring his own projector to maximise the groups photo interests. THE SHIP - THE SEA SPIRIT... This is our second cruise on this ship. We can say you are in for a treat, as it offers very good sea stabilisation, is modern, very well appointed and has fantastic staff and crew. THE ITINERARY... We include one extra nights accommodation (pre tour) and a workshop before departure. During this in-depth voyage we enjoy ample time onshore to experience the many faces of Svalbard, from dramatic and ever-changing scenery, to amazing wildlife. Although they lay far to the north of the Norwegian mainland and high above the Arctic Circle, the remarkable islands of the Svalbard Archipelago are part of Norway. Together they total an area of about 62,000 square kilometres (about the same size as Ireland or Tasmania), mostly in the form of three larger islands as well as a number of smaller outcrops. Wild and rugged mountains covered with ice and snow jut skyward on the larger islands. Spitsbergen is the largest island and is sure to leave us spellbound when we first glimpse its majestic beauty. Continues Page 4... PAGE 2
ABOUT US... A Family Business... DARRAN LEAL Pro Photographer & Guide Darran is one of the few full-time professional photo guides in the world. He is a photographer, adventurer and educator. An Australian by birth, he combines his twin loves of travel and outdoor photography by running tours, workshops and seminars and guiding photographers to stunning locations around the globe. Prior to inventing this great gig, he variously sold cameras, served food and wine, built gas pipelines, explored for diamonds and discovered that the life of a park ranger was not for him. When not up to his arm pits in crocodiles, cuddling gorillas or herding photographers, he fishes the world s oceans, rivers and streams. Only his fishing exploits suffer from exaggeration, believe it or not the rest of his adventurous life is, amazingly, true. JULIA LEAL Pro Travel Consultant Julia was born in Liverpool England, with her family migrating to Auckland when she was young. Julia started her travel career in Noosa, Queensland in 1979, managing one of the then first resorts in the region. In the early 1980 s she started as a travel consultant back in Auckland and moved to the position of a travel rep for Go International. Julia met Darran in 1989, while escorting 13 ladies to Norfolk Island on a educational. In later years, Julia managed travel agencies in Auckland and in Noosa. Today, Julia is the life s blood of the office and is famous for her professional travel services. Julia looks forward to offering you the best services and to maximise your photo adventures. PEARCE LEAL Pro Photographer/Guide/Surfer Dude Pearce was born in Auckland and moved to Australia at 18 months of age with the family. He started to get serious with a camera at age 13, after winning a photo competition. He started joining WPA events at 9 years of age and in recent years is assistant tutor to Darran. His youth and enthusiasm is catching. Pearce looks forward to helping you discover new and creative photo opportunities. WHO ARE WE? World Photo Adventures is working with Peregrine on a Quark Expedition ship. World Photo Adventures is Australia s only licensed travel agency specialising in photography tours and workshops. Since our first photo holiday to Norfolk Island in 1989, Darran and Julia have created a reputation for offering outstanding service and unique holidays. Our extra attention to detail and our professional ground arrangements assures you a memorable life experience. Imagine travelling with a small group of fellow adventurers with a seasoned professional photo guide, plus other knowledgeable guides. Darran Leal has guided over 500 events throughout the world. Julia Leal is the office manager and has been a travel consultant for over 28 years. Together they make an awesome team! WHO BOOKS OUR PHOTO HOLIDAYS? We get a cross section of photo enthusiasts to each event, from beginners to advanced. Even non photographers are guaranteed a great time, with partners often joining! The key is our quality time at unique locations with the best guides. Customers vary in age and experience but all attend for the same goal - to have a fantastic holiday. WE GUARANTEE YOU... * Professional service and peace of mind to travel with one of the most experienced photo travel companies in the world. * A world class guide who is your personal photo tutor and available throughout the tour to maximise your holiday and photo interests. * We pick the best locations! * We will get you to the right place at the right time. AN AMAZING HOLIDAY! This is a special photo adventure holiday to one of the world s greatest wilderness locations. You do not even need to have an interest in photography to enjoy this special holiday, so partners can join. We will be targeting amazing shoot opportunities that you will talk about and show to others for years to come! To target such opportunities you need professionals running the event who are experience and knowledgeable. At World Photo Adventures, we guarantee you the best guides and services to target the key opportunities of the region visited. Your personal guide will work hard to make it a great success! PAGE 3
From Page 2... This is not a standard Arctic cruise, but rather an ultimate 13 day Arctic adventure! Our aim on this expedition is to undertake a complete circumnavigation of the major islands of the group, making frequent shore stops to hike or simply admire the spectacular scenery. We also enjoy Zodiac cruises that take us in close proximity of sea cliffs and abundant wildlife. Our exact course will be dependant on the prevailing sea ice conditions, although we are hopeful of smooth sailing along the west coast of Spitsbergen as a result of the comparatively warm North Atlantic current. Here, amongst these fjords, we witness wonderful scenery and often prolific wildlife. All on board the beautiful Sea Spirit. Your itinerary to photo adventure... DAY 1: Longyearbyen - Arrival - July 7 You should arrive today at the latest. We include no activities and will offer a meeting time in the afternoon, in our final itinerary. Accommodation and dinner is included. PRE EXPEDITION This unique tour starts and finishes in Longyearbyen. We include all transfers and accommodation starting July 7. The ship sets sail the afternoon of July 8. Darran will arrive at least July 6. Most of your expenses are included during the tour itinerary. INCLUDED OPTION - SNOWSHOEING A novel way to experience the beauty of the Polar landscape, and discover remote alcoves and hidden valleys. The rewards of walking atop the snow are well worth the effort, as we ll be able to visit new places that are inaccessible on foot. This traditional means of transport across the deep snow comes from the indigenous people of North America. While you can appreciate a connection with the past, the snowshoes we use today are much lighter and more forgiving than the old wood-weave snowshoes used during the days of the North American fur trade. DAY 2: Departure from Longyearbyen - July 8 We include a workshop this morning to help you maximise your photo interests. We depart this afternoon to the ship and set sail after discovering your cabins and after briefings. DAYs 3/13: Spitsbergen Circumnavigation - July 9/19 Expect a new adventure every day, as you journey around the island of Spitsbergen and explore smaller, outlying islands. The variety of incredible wildlife and geological formations found here is astounding! Every expedition will be unique, but a few of our favorite landing sites include the 14th of July Glacier, Ny London, Phippsoya, Aklefjellet and the seldom visited Kvttøya. The names may seem strange to you, but they each have their own unique appeal. For birders, the 14th of July Glacier is home to purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and Arctic terns; while Alkefjellet is home to nesting brünich guillermots (thick-billed murres). If you want to prove that reindeer are real, then you ll want to have your camera ready for visits to sites like Ny London, Sundneset and Alkhornet. As for the largest land carnivore in the world searching for polar bears is a constant activity, with Phippsoya and Isbukta being two of their preferred places for hunting meaning great potential for you to capture them in action. Day 14: Longyearbyen - July 20 Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home, or link with our Alaska tour. Meals included: 1 breakfast PAGE 4
Spitsbergen - Circumnavigation WARNING - PRICES BELOW ARE VALID UNTIL 31 JULY 2013. FULL INCLUSIONS See details on the next page. (Page 9) Price includes, details as per itinerary. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DAY 1 - Longyearbyen - single Supplement - $100. SHIP - Ask, but generally you will need to pay for the entire cabin. (Note if they can not find someone to share with you, you do not pay the single fee. Once you have booked your voyage to the Polar region, you will be required to complete a series of online forms. You will be sent a link via email (my polar forms) which will take you to an enrolment form, cruise contract, medical form, arrival/ departure information form and expedition parka size order form. These forms must be completed. * PHOTO GROUP PARTICIPATION FEE To allow us to get this unique group of photographers and adventurers together, and for Darran to help you during the cruise, a Photo Group Participation Fee of AU$1,300 per person applies. Everyone pays this and everyone is welcome to all activities. This allows Darran to guarantee you personalised photo education and guiding services for the entire tour, from ship based workshops to the many field excursions. Darran will bring his own projector to maximise the groups photo interests. This is not a holiday for Darran! He will also offer the best pre departure information, including a special workshop in Longyearbyen, the day before departure. WORLD PHOTO ADVENTURES Po Box 815 Coolum Beach Qld, Aus 4573 PH: 07 5446 6538 (Office hours.) Email: julia@worldadventures.com.au Website: www.worldadventures.com.au Travel Agents Licence: 3219184/5 PAGE 5
Itinerary Notes... POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS A big part of appreciating Spitsbergen comes from understanding the culture, not just how people live today, but how this land was first explored. Whaling was a key industry here and you will see blubber ovens and other whaling evidence at landing sites such as Smeerenburg. Add in the potential for spotting beluga whales and colorful tundra meadows displays complemented by immense glaciers, and you start to understand just how much there is to see in Spitsbergen. ALKEFJELLET This cliff is a seabird center, where brünnich s guillemots (thick-billed murres) raise their young. An estimated 100,000 breeding pairs raise their young here in the basalt cliffs. The birds do not build nests, rather they lay an egg on the bare ledge. DISKOBUKTA This bay on the west shore of Edgeøya affords a landing site with a box canyon where black-legged kittiwakes raise their young. Arctic foxes have been seen combing the canyon floor to feed on scraps that have fallen from the nests above. Watch for bones of ancient bowhead whales on the canyon floor, evidence that the shoreline has changed over millennia. ISBUKTA On the eastern shore of the southern tip of Svalbard is Ice Bay. Sabine gulls, skuas and bearded seals inhabit the bay. Polar bears are known to patrol the area as well. ISISPYNTEN Is an island! Both nautical charts and topographical maps define Isispynten as a point of land, but we ve proved them wrong. Receding glaciers have turned this point of land into an island. KAPP LEE This is a well-known walrus haul out. The pink color to a walrus hide as it lies in the sun is caused by blood pumped to the skin s surface to aid cooling, similar to that of a hippopotamus in Africa. PAGE 6
KVITØYA The western part of this island is only 98 km from Victoria Island in Franz Josef Land, which is part of the Russian Arctic. This remote outpost is actually closer to the Russian Arctic than it is to Nordaustlandet (117 km) and is actually located on the same longitude as Cairo, Egypt! LILLIEHÖÖK GLACIER In 1906, His Serene Highness Prince Albert I of Monaco visited Lilliehöök Glacier to conduct scientific investigations. His great-great-grandson visited the glacier 100 years later. He, too, was part of a scientific investigation, this time to further our understanding of the Arctic clam, a species that lives for more than a century. The growth rings of a single clam s shell contain evidence of the chemicals encountered by the clam. Scientists can determine the variations of the water s temperature and pollutant content by studying the shell. LONGYEARBYEN Eighteen hundred people inhabit the administrative capital of Svalbard, which is situated on the shore of Isfjorden. The settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear, the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston. MOFFEN ISLAND This island is designated as a protected sanctuary for walrus. MONACO GLACIER HSH Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of oceanography, led an expedition to Svalbard in 1906. His team used sophisticated photographic techniques to understand the shape and position of several glacier fronts. Monaco Glacier honors the expedition, the prince and the principality over which he reigned. PHIPPSØYA This small archipelago is the northernmost land in Svalbard. Englishmen left their mark during a survey of the islands in the 1780s. The party named the islands after themselves, with the smallest and least significant island being named Nelsonøya, after the lowly midshipman. ROSENBERGDALEN This is an excellent location to stretch the legs and explore the Arctic on foot. We often head out hiking here in search of reindeer. SAMARINVÅGIN The Samarin Glacier dominates the landscape that surrounds the bay, where icebergs, kittiwakes and brünnich s guillemots (thick-billed murres) may be seen. VIBEBUKTA This polar desert may seem barren, but traces of life can be found here, including fossils and whalebones that are 9,500 years old. The bones provide nutrients for microenvironments that leach from the ancient bones. VON OTTERØYA Otter Island is an excellent location for Zodiac cruising to search for and photograph polar bears and walrus. WORSLEYNESET This is a beautiful and colourful tundra-covered island with moss campion (a small wildflower), saxifrage and Arctic mouse-eared chickweed. Fun names on an island that is a pleasure to explore. This information is subject to change and is a guide only. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Interested in more photo adventures? Ask about our other linked adventures... PAGE 7
MAP & LOCATIONS... We recommend that you go to: www.maps.google.com.au Type in the key names of the locations you are visiting and explore the country. CLIMATE Google the region and temperature before departure to help you with the latest temperatures for the region being visited. WE INCLUDE... PERSONAL GUIDE We offer a professional photographer/guide. This will help your holiday to run as smoothly as possible. You can not beat having an experienced professional photographer on hand to help optimise your photography and holiday. ALL ACCOMMODATION Our accommodation is of a high standard for your comfort. Limited cabins are available. MEALS Meals as per itinerary. Other meals will be organised by your guides to maximise shoot and travel opportunities. NOT INCLUDED... Your international airfares are not included in the price, and are best booked by Julia. We highly recommend this, as you will need to link up with your holiday at specific times. Julia can maximise these opportunities and keep you informed of any flight changes or problems. We do not book frequent flyer points. IMPORTANT - Please do not book any flights or other travel services for this event before confirming with our office. Minimum numbers and other logistical requirements need to be confirmed. TOUR COST: Please note that prices are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change. Note that this itinerary and price is a guide only and subject to change. PHOTOGRAPHY World Photo Adventures events are designed to maximise your photo interests, no matter what level or style of photography you like. Our customers use everything from top line D-SLR s with pro lenses, to mid range kits and non photographic partners with compact cameras. Equipment is very personal. We offer a workshop at the start of all tours and then follow this up with personal assistance in the field and where possible, mini workshops. Our events include the services of a seasoned professional photo guide and the professional travel services of our office and local operators. Our goal is to help you understand your equipment, the base techniques required for great results and assist you to maximise your photo opportunities in stunning locations around the world. We guarantee to do this! World Photo Adventures looks forward to helping you have a memorable holiday. Transfers, laundry, tips, drinks and items not listed in the itinerary are not included. PAGE 8
WHAT IS INCLUDED * Arrival transfer from airport * One pre cruise, accommodation night in hotel * One group dinner, July 7 * Main workshop, pre ship departure * Complimentary expedition parka * Shipboard accommodation * Port taxes * Professional photo guide * Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers * All meals including afternoon teas on most days * Access to public viewing areas * Shore excursions by Zodiac boat * On-board lectures, videos, photo and film shows * On-board medical officer * Comprehensive pre-departure booklet and expedition manual * A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings * An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED * All airfares * Visa and passport fees, airport departure taxes * Additional hotel accommodation * Post-voyage hotel accommodation * Laundry, postage, telephone calls, drinks, medical expenses * Travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges * Gratuities to staff and crew. (This is about US$11-13 per day by each passenger. It is divided up throughout the crew.) * Optional activities like Sea-kayaking. In addition to the above inclusions, voyages on the Sea Spirit include: * Open bar for standard drinks (Some drinks have charges.) * Satellite telephone access in every cabin * 10MB internet connection Accommodation * 12 nights Expedition Voyage, 1 night hotel Meals * 14 breakfasts * 12 lunches * 13 dinners PAGE 9
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GENERAL INFORMATION These Trip Notes should be read in conjunction with Arctic pre-departure information that is provided to you shortly after booking. A second information manual dealing with Arctic history, geology, geography, marine and bird life will also be provided. 1. Itinerary: Please note that due to the exploratory nature of this expedition, weather, ice, wildlife or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, within the limits of safety and time constraints. We shall fit in as many stops as is practical along the way allowing you to experience as much as possible of this wonderful area. The locations mentioned in this itinerary are just some of the highlights of our fascinating expedition of discovery and exploration and we shall attempt further landings wherever and whenever time and local conditions permit. 2. Budgeting: In addition to funds for onboard expenses, it is possible to purchase souvenirs in some locations such as books, t-shirts, stamps, postcards, caps and some really good knitwear on many of the shore excursions, which include visits to towns or villages. In addition some museums and sites charge entry fees and in some locations you may wish to buy some food and drink (although the meals on the ship are very good and plentiful!). Visa and MasterCard are accepted on board our ship, but elsewhere they are of limited use. Please remember that all on-board services are charged in US dollars and your on board account (bar, gift shop, medical, gratuities) can be paid for by either US dollars cash, US dollars travellers cheques and the following credit cards - Visa and MasterCard. Norwegian kroners are accepted in Svalbard. 3. Clothes: Please read our Arctic pre-departure information carefully. Although you don t need to make expensive, specialistclothing purchases for this trip, you will need clothes that adequately protect against cold and wet conditions. (Sea spray is common on board Zodiacs). It is recommended that you have warm, waterproof clothing available for use upon arrival in Longyearbyen, to protect yourself against the inclement weather. A Zodiac transfer from the pier to the ship is likely to take place on Day 1, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing. PHOTOGRAPHY World Photo Adventures events are designed to maximise your photo interests, no matter what level or style of photography you like. Our customers use everything from top line D-SLR s with pro lenses, to mid range kits and non photographic partners with compact cameras. Equipment is very personal. We offer a workshop at the start of all tours and then follow this up with personal assistance in the field and where possible, mini workshops. Our events include the services of a seasoned professional photo guide and the professional services of our office and local operators. Our goal is to help you understand your equipment, the base techniques required for great results and assist you to maximise your photo opportunities in stunning locations around the world. We guarantee to do this! APPLES FOR APPLES... If you are going to compare our events to others, please ask yourself the following questions: * How large is the group? * Are they offering the above services and guarantees? * How experienced is the guide? * Are they a licensed Australian Travel Agent? This key point will offer higher security of your money. Please go to: www.tcf.org.au - for more details. Our aim is to allow you to have a great holiday and maximise your photo and travel interests. PAGE 12
GENERAL INFORMATION 4. Motion sickness: Although our vessels are among the most stable ships in their class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition. 6. Sea kayaking: BOOK EARLY - Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home and it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior base experience is required. Note that it can detract from your photography interests. 5. Gratuities: We suggest you allow the equivalent of US$11-13 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. If you wish, the amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. PAGE 13