svalbard 2013 - Blue Planet Expeditions

Contents
· Welcome
· Svalbard
· Itinerary
· Travel Information
· What to take
· Expedition Guides
· Dates & Prices
· MV Polaris 1
· Deck plan
· Contact Details

Welcome
At Blue Planet Expeditions Ltd our mission is simple; we aim to provide
our guests the best opportunities to experience the wildlife,
landscapes, culture, history and recreational opportunities of our
destinations in a comfortable, casual small-group setting, with an
emphasis on the highest standards of service, guiding and lectures.
We can accommodate 12 guests, which allows for an intimate
atmosphere and a very low guest to guide ratio. If you are interested
in authentic adventure and expedition-style travel with a strong
conservation bias and an emphasis on wildlife viewing and
photographic opportunities, and uncompromising commitment to
providing the fullest experience of destinations, then we encourage
you to consider travelling with us.
R.Pilkington
Rupert Pilkington MSc.
Director & Expedition Leader
Warmest Regards
Daniel Loveridge
Director

"Svalbard - once seen
never forgotten."

Svalbard
Svalbard is located in the European High Arctic, between 74 and 81 degrees north, and is approximately 600 nautical
miles from the North Pole. The names Svalbard and Spitsbergen are often thought to be interchangeable, but Svalbard
refers to the entire archipelago, while Spitsbergen is the largest island. The name Spitsbergen literally translates into
‘pointed mountains’, which describes the appearance of the island from the sea.
Svalbard’s has a population of approximately 2700, the majority of whom live in Longyearbyen, which is the main town
in the Archipelago. There are three other settlements in Svalbard, all of which are on Spitsbergen; Ny Alesund, which
is a research community, Svegruva, which is a Norwegian mining area with no permanent inhabitants, and Barentsburg,
which is a Russian mining community. Svalbard did not belong to any country prior to the Svalbard treaty, in 1920,
when it became part of Norway. It is administered by a governor, or Sysselmannen.
Svalbard was discovered by Dutch Explorer WillemBarentsz, in 1596, and from the early 17th century it was heavily
exploited for whales and walrus for a period of some 200 years. The main players in these activities were the Dutch,
British, Danish and French. Russians began trapping polar bears and Arctic foxes in the later 17th century, and although
the Russians had very little presence in Svalbard from the early 19th century, trapping was continued by Norwegians
after Svalbard fell under the administration of Norway, which was also when the era of coal mining began.
Today, tourism is a large part of Svalbard’s economy, although due to climate, remoteness, lack of access, topography
and the presence of polar bears, most visitors travel to Svalbard in summer on cruise ships. However, there are also a
substantial number of tourists in the winter months, who are attracted by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and the
possibility of seeing the Aurora borealis. Most of the residents of Longyearbyen work for the local government and in
the service industry. Longyearbyen has the main airport in Svalbard, and the town is also home to the University
Centre, which is affiliated to universities on the mainland, and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
The climate of Svalbard is characteristic of the maritime High Arctic, although like western Europe and Iceland, it is
relatively warmer than many other regions at similar latitudes due to the influence of the North Atlantic Current. In the
north of Svalbard, sea-ice is contiguous to the Arctic ocean and North Pole in the winter, but the waters to the south
and west of Spitsbergen are navigable for most of the year. The summers are short, but the sun is visible above the
horizon from mid April until mid August. Conversely, in the long winters, the sun does not rise from late October until
mid February. Mean summer temperatures are 4 to 6 Celcius, and mean winter temperatures are -12 to -16 Celcius.
Two thirds of Svalbard is protected by seven national parks and twenty-three nature reserves. Much of the landscape
is comprised of rock and ice, but a significant amount is tundra with underlying permafrost, supporting low, middle and
high Arctic vegetation. 165 species of plants have been found in the summer. Vegetation is most abundant in
Nordenskiold Land and around Isfjorden, on Spitsbergen, and in areas fertilised by guano.
There are 19 marine mammal species in Svalbard; 12 species of whale, 5 species of seal, polar bears and walrus. Only
3 terrestrial mammal species inhabit the archipelago: the Arctic fox, the Svalbard reindeer and the sibling vole, which
was an accidental introduction. While 163 species of birds have been found in Svalbard only 20 to 30 species regularly
nest there. At such high latitude, avian species diversity is low, but they are found in huge numbers, and it is believed
that there are three to five million nesting seabirds in Svalbard.
The polar bears in Svalbard are part of the Barent’s Sea Population, which includes Franz Josef Land, and accounts for
some 3000 animals. Polar bears can be found on land in Svalbard during the summer, while in winter they spend most
of their time on the sea ice, hunting seals. Kong Karls Land, in the north east of the Archipelago, is very important as a
polar bear denning area, and is closed to public access.

Itinerary
Day 1 - The ship will depart in the afternoon, allowing people to fly from Oslo on the same day, if they wish.
Anyone who opts to spend the previous night in Longyearbyen will be provided transport from their hotel
to the ship.
Day 2-10 – ­During our trip, we will try to see as much as possible of Svalbard within the framework of a
very flexible itinerary, given variability in the weather and the movements of sea-ice. We will constantly
be on the lookout for wildlife, and will spend as much time as possible in the pack-ice looking for polar
bears, walrus, bearded seals, narwhal and beluga. We will visit some of Svalbard’s most impressive
tidewater glaciers, walrus haul outs and its huge seabird rookeries, where we will see tens of thousands
of guillemots (murres), razorbills, puffins and kittiwakes. We will also deploy Zodiacs as often as possible,
for more detailed exploration and for going ashore, to walk, study the diverse tundra flora and to look for
reindeer and Arctic foxes. Our expert guides will be with our guests all the time, providing information,
interpreting what we see in the field and making sure that whatever we do is safe and sustainable. We
will have a broad range of lectures on offer and we will have a democratic approach to making the most
of specific conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities. If we have an option to accommodate something
unforeseen, we will not try to fulfill an itinerary at the expense of an extraordinary experience.
Day 11 – We disembark the vessel in the morning, in Longyearbyen. Guests departing Svalbard the same
day will be taken to the airport for the afternoon flight to Oslo.

Flight Information - Our Svalbard trips begin and end in Longyearbyen,
which is served by daily flights from Oslo, with Scandinavian Airlines
(SAS). London will be the primary connection or originating point for
Oslo, and it may be cheaper to consider flying with British Airways for
the London – Oslo leg of the journey. The cost of return flights from
London to Longyearbyen via Oslo is between 500 and 700 Pounds
Sterling. In addition, looking at two one-way flights for the Oslo
– Longyearbyen leg, on the SAS website, may give some time
and price options not immediately evident when looking at
return flights. Our embarkation time in Svalbard presently
allows for travel from London the same day, for those
wishing to avoid the higher costs of spending a night in Oslo. For guests who will be spending time in
Norway before or after their Svalbard trip, it is worth noting that the daily Oslo – Longyearbyen flights all
include a stop at Tromso.
Adventure travel - By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. Remote areas
are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is
important that you are flexible, positive and eager. Although there is no commitment to extended walking
on this journey we do have an active schedule. During our time on land our days may include climbing to
the summit of a small hill or walking along shorelines. The fitter you are he more this will enhance your
experience.
Hotels - For any guests who are not spending additional time in Norway, and who need to overnight in Oslo
on the way to or from Longyearbyen, the Radisson Blu hotel at Gardermoen (Oslo) Airport is an option. The
hotel is a two minute walk from the terminal building, and saves travel time to and from the city. For those
staying in Oslo itself, the Airport Express train runs between the airport and city centre every 10 minutes,
with a journey time of around 20 minutes. There are a number of hotels in Longyearbyen, which are likely
to have limited availability during the summer months.
Please contact us for further information about getting to and from Svalbard, accommodation en route and
peripheral travel in Norway.
Travel information

W e c a n a n s w e r s p e c if ic q u e s t io n s a b o u t c lo t h in g a n d e q u ip m e n t a t a n y t im e , a n d m o r e in f o r m a t io n w ill a ls o b e p r o v id e d a s w e g e t n e a r e r t o t r ip d e p a r t u r e s . P le a s e n o t e t h a t w h ile it c a n b e q u it e w a r m in t h e s u n in e a r ly s u m m e r in S v a lb a r d , it c a n b e s ig n if ic a n t ly c o o le r o n t h e d e c k o f t h e s h ip w h e n w e a r e a m o n g s t t h e p a c k - ic e , p a r t ic u la r ly if t h e r e is a n y w in d . A d d it io n a lly , t h e k a t a b a t ic w in d s t h a t c o m e o f f g la c ie r s a n d ic e - f ie ld s c a n c a u s e a s ig n if ic a n t t e m p e r a t u r e d r o p . O u t d o o r a n d c a s u a l c lo t h in g is a p p r o p r ia t e a t a ll t im e s , a b o a r d t h e s h ip , a n d a n y s la c k s , c o t t o n s h ir t s , h o u s e s h o e s e t c , a r e a t g u e s t s ’ d is c r e t io n .
In general, we recommend the following:
· A wind-proof, water-resistant Gore-Tex or
equivalent (breathable) jacket with a hood.
· A 300-weight fleece jacket that can be worn as a
third or fourth layer with a waterproof outer
layer
· While a waterproof/layer system will work well,
a down jacket, while often not waterproof, is
easy to pack and will provide excellent
insulation. If you have one, you may as well
bring it. Large down ‘parkas’ are cumbersome
and will be difficult to pack
· Wind-proof, water-resistant Gore-Tex or
equivalent rain trousers/pants
· Hiking trousers/pants that can also be worn
under waterproofs
· Waterproof knee-length insulated boots such as
Muck Boots – these can be worn all day, are
good for hiking in and will save you having to
pack hiking boots as well as waterproof boots.
Neos overboots are light and easy to pack, and
can be worn over hiking boots. Gore-Tex hiking
boots on their own will not be adequate.
Waterproof, knee-length footwear or some sort
is necessary.
· Sweaters made of wool, polypropylene or fleece
· First and second layer polypropylene or fleece
tops
· Polypropylene or silk long underwear
· Woollen and/or polypropylene socks for hiking
and general wear aboard ship
· Mittens or ski-type gloves, preferably insulated
and waterproof. Mittens with fleece or woollen
inserts are a good option. Photographers will
also need gloves that do not impede camera use
· A Woollen or fleece hat that also covers your ears
· A scarf or Turtle-type balaclava
· A day pack - 25-35 litre capacity is a good size
· Sunglasses – polarized recommended
· Sun block
· A seasickness remedy, such as a particular brand
or type, though seasickness tablets will also be
available on board.
· Camera and binoculars
What to take
We can answer specific questions about clothing and equipment at any time, and more information
will also be provided as we get nearer to trip departures. Please note that while it can be quite warm
in the sun in early summer in Svalbard, it can be significantly cooler on the deck of the ship when we
are amongst the pack-ice, particularly if there is any wind. Additionally, the katabatic winds that come off glaciers
and ice-fields can cause a significant temperature drop. Outdoor and casual clothing is appropriate at all times,
aboard the ship, and any slacks, cotton shirts, house shoes etc, are at guests’ discretion.

Jamie Scarrow - With over a decade working in the field as an adventure tourism guide and
naturalist, Jamie Scarrow has gained an amazing understanding of the natural world. He
began his career as a naturalist guide in Knight Inlet, a coastal fiord in British Columbia,
which is home to a healthy population of Grizzly bears, Bald eagles and Orca (Killer Whales).
Over twelve years at Knight Inlet Jamie developed a deep understanding of the natural
instincts of wild animals and this has allowed him to capture truly unique and intimate
wildlife images. For five years, Jamie also worked in Churchill, Manitoba as a polar bear
guide and naturalist; and in the past four years, his winters have been spent as guide,
naturalist and zodiac driver in Antarctica. Jamie is an ambassador for the conservation and protection of the natural
world. Through photography Jamie attempts to express the beauty and importance of some of the world’s most
fragile ecosystems and most vulnerable animals. His wildlife images have a unique feel to them, often showing the
less understood side of his animal subjects.
Rupert Pilkington - Expedition Leader, is a wildlife management specialist and expedition
travel guide with a particular interest in large mammals and the preservation of their wild
habitats. Originally from Scotland, his formal education culminated in a master's degree in
Rural and Regional Resources Planning, from Aberdeen University. During five seasons as
a wildlife technician with the US National Park Service, he developed a special interest in
bears while working in the bear management program in Alaska's Denali National Park.
Rupert emigrated to Canada in 1997, where he worked initially as a bear/human conflict
management specialist, and in the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Study, in Banff National Park.
He has lectured and taught courses and programs on bear biology, wildlife management and safety, and ecology, for
a variety of universities, companies, and vocational study facilities. Rupert spends part of the summers working as a
guide and lecturer for Zegrahm Expeditions in Svalbard, Greenland and the eastern Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic.
He has also done extensive guiding and lecturing work in Alaska, British Columbia, Norway and the Russian Far East,
and each autumn, he teaches courses on polar bear biology and conservation at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre,
at Churchill, Manitoba.
Expedition Guides
Rick Price - BBC Cameraman, Polar Medal winner & BAFTA awarded film maker "Best
Feature" Rick specialises in polar, wilderness and underwater photography. He is a highly
experienced diver and traveller with many years of experience in both the Arctic and
Antarctic and other remote regions of the World. Rick began his career as a marine
biologist in 1978, working for the British Antarctic Survey. He spent five winters at the BAS
base on Signy Island in the South Orkney Islands, two of them as Base Commander. He is a
specialist in natural history and documentary films and a Director/Cameraman with 23
years professional experience. He has cameraman credits for series such as: David
Attenborough's Life of Birds (BBC ) , The Natural World (BBC), Realms of the Russian Bear (BBC) , Supersense (BBC) ,
Life in the Freezer (BBC) , Giants- Sharks with Nigel Marven (HTV) , Shark Week (Discovery Channel . His career as a
cameraman has opened up many exciting and beautiful areas of the world to him and Rick finds it both a privilege and
an honour to capture the essence of these remote places on film for others to enjoy.

Dates & Prices
3rd June - 13th June 2013
13th June - 23rd June 2013
24th June - 4th July 2013
GBP £5,995 per person
No single supplement fee
Our trips are all-inclusive other than for the following:
Travel to and from Svalbard
Hotel accommodation en route
Travel insurance, including cancellation and interruption insurance
Personal expenditures
Bar drinks and souvenirs
Visas, if required (visas are not required for most nationalities)

RIS 1
Built : 1973
Conversion: 2007
Length: 34m
Beam: 8.5m
Draft 3.2m
Gross Tonnage: 395
Main Engine: 700hp
Top Speed: 10 knots
Cruising Speed: 9 knots
Flag: French
Crew: 4
Guides: 3
Equipment: 2 x Zodiacs
Cabins: All en-suite
8 x Double
4 x Single
Public spaces: Bar
Lounge
Resturant

F
MV POLARIS 1
POLARIS 1
MAIN DECK
110
109
108
107
SALOON
BAR
LOWER DECK
106
105
104
103
202
201
101
102
POLARIS 1
©
POLARIS 1
Daniel Loveridge 2012

Small ship expedition travel specialists
BLUE
CONTACT DETAILS
Rupert Pilkington
Director
rupert@blueplanetexpeditions.co.uk
Daniel Loveridge
Director
dan@blueplanetexpeditions.co.uk
www.blueplanetexpeditions.co.uk
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