A special phototeva cruise in the best season
Suitable for 12 participants | Length: 55 meters | Speed: 10 knots | Comfort: 5/5
A private vessel, exclusively for Phototeva, with a small and intimate group of only 12 participants. This means extended time with wildlife and a level of closeness that can't be achieved otherwise. Enjoy one of the most luxurious ships in the Arctic, featuring an onboard sauna and jacuzzi, spacious suites, a private chef, and all the indulgences you could desire.
Private Ship
Suitable for 12 participants
Most guided
Built for photography and nature lovers
Our Ship | The Polar Front
The Polarfront ship is one of the best options for Arctic expeditions. It is a small and elegant vessel that offers a luxurious and comfortable experience.
Onboard, you’ll find a relaxing sauna and jacuzzi, spacious and well-designed cabins, a large guest lounge, and an exquisite dining room. The ship is large and stable, ensuring that you are in good hands.
The greatest advantage of the Polarfront is its capacity to carry only 12 guests, allowing for an intimate and unique experience.
Ship Features:
- Spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Private facilities in each cabin.
- Equipped lounge, library, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, and more amenities for your enjoyment.
- Low aft deck for better viewing and photography.
- Two Mark V Zodiac boats for excursions.
- Completely refurbished in 2017 with new facilities.
Why Travel With a Private Boat?
This isn’t a cruise with hundreds of participants—our ship is limited to just 12 guests! With fewer participants, you’ll enjoy more time with the wildlife, closer encounters, and better opportunities for incredible photos.
The Most Fascinating Locations:
Due to their size, larger ships cannot access the smaller fjords of Spitsbergen, where most wildlife, especially polar bears, can be found. Our smaller vessel allows us to reach these prime locations, getting as close as possible to the action.
Group Size:
This isn’t a cruise with hundreds of participants; with a smaller group, you’ll have more time with the wildlife, closer interactions, and the best chances for outstanding photos
Schedule
Day 0: Pre-Expedition Gathering in Longyearbyen
Our journey begins in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard on the island of Spitsbergen. We recommend arriving a day before the expedition starts to explore the town.
Day 1: The Journey Begins – Western Coast
In the morning, you’ll have time to explore the town or shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we will board the ship and set sail after a safety briefing. We will head north along the dramatic western coast of Spitsbergen, where the sun never sets during this time of year.
Day 2: Amsterdamøya and Northwest Spitsbergen
By breakfast, we expect to be near the northwestern corner of Spitsbergen, close to Amsterdamøya and the historic whaling station of Smeerenburg, established by Dutch pioneers. In this area, we’ve previously sighted polar bears. We will then sail east towards a favorite spot, home to a walrus colony, where we can get as close as possible for amazing photographs. Overnight, we will sail towards the Hinlopen Strait.
Day 3: Polar Bears in Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet
By morning, we will reach Alkefjellet, a towering bird cliff teeming with millions of seabirds nesting during the intense Arctic summer. Below the cliffs, Arctic foxes often hunt for prey, and we’ve even spotted a polar bear climbing the cliff once. After lunch, we’ll head to a bay that has consistently provided excellent polar bear sightings, hoping for another successful encounter. We will stay overnight for more opportunities to see the bears.
Day 4: The Eastern Islands
In the morning, we’ll arrive at Edgeøya to search for polar bears and visit an impressive walrus colony. After lunch, we’ll head to another massive bird cliff, where hundreds of thousands of kittiwakes nest—a breathtaking and noisy sight! After dinner, we’ll sail west from the islands back to Spitsbergen, searching for polar bears in areas known for their winter dens.
Day 5: Bear Bay
We’ll spend additional time on the eastern coast of Spitsbergen, sailing northward back towards the Hinlopen Strait. Along the way, we’ll navigate narrow and spectacular passages and arrive at a location known in Hebrew as “Bear Bay” (Isbjørnhamna). The bay is popular with seals, which in turn attract polar bears for hunting opportunities. Overnight, we’ll sail northeast towards Svalbard’s second-largest island.
Day 6: Nordaustlandet
Breakfast will be served against the stunning backdrop of the world’s third-largest ice cap, located in northeastern Spitsbergen on Nordaustlandet. The edge of the ice cap is marked by a colossal and active wall of ice, with waterfalls and massive chunks of ice calving off due to the region’s significant melting caused by global warming. Later in the day, we’ll explore the main fjord of the island, searching for polar bears, and observe another side of the rapidly melting ice cap. In the evening, we’ll sail north to the Seven Islands (Sjuøyane), the northernmost point of our journey, to visit more walrus colonies. This area has also provided us with beluga sightings in previous expeditions. Overnight, we’ll continue westward.
Day 7: Monaco Glacier and Moffen
We’ll have breakfast in Liefdefjorden with a view of one of Svalbard’s most beautiful glaciers, Monaco Glacier. We’ll disembark for a walk before continuing our journey during lunch towards Moffen, a small island and a strictly protected nature reserve. While we cannot go ashore due to conservation rules, we can observe the walrus colony from a safe distance. In the afternoon, we’ll sail west to Magdalenefjorden, one of the most picturesque fjords, which we will visit after dinner.
Day 8: The 14th of July Glacier
We will continue north within the large fjord to the area surrounding the 14th of July Glacier, named after Bastille Day in France. We will disembark for a hike to a stunning viewpoint. Next, we’ll move south to another towering bird cliff with several Arctic fox dens, where the western sun will provide perfect lighting. We’ll go ashore for a moderate hike, about one kilometer, to observe playful Arctic fox cubs. After the hike, we’ll return to the ship for dinner and then sail into Isfjorden, where we’ll have a farewell lecture and meeting with the crew. We’ll spend our last night anchored, preparing our gear for disembarkation.
Day 9: Farewell to the White Kingdom
After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the crew and either head to the airport or explore Longyearbyen until your flight home, bringing with you unforgettable experiences, stunning photos, and lifelong memories.
Please note that this itinerary is a statement of intent only. It is subject to change based on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, guide and captain decisions, and other factors. The itinerary may also vary depending on the specific cruise duration.
על המדריך שלנו - רועי גליץ
זה יותר מעשור שרועי נחשב כאחד מצלמי הטבע ומובילי מסעות הצילום הטובים בעולם. צילומיו התפרסמו בין השאר בנשיונל גיאוגרפיק, בי.בי.סי, ניקון פרו ועוד. משמש כשגריר של ארגון גרינפיס לקוטב, ונחשב מרצה בינלאומי מבוקש בנושא טבע שימור סביבה. מייסד כנס הצילום של ישראל ובעלים של בית הספר לצילום הגדול בישראל – גליץ. בשנת 2022, נבחר לכהן כשגריר ניקון אירופה.
פרטי החדרים ועלויות
| סוג תא | שירותים ומקלחת | מה בחדר? | עלות למשתתף |
|---|---|---|---|
| חדר לשלישייה | משותפים | מיטת קומותיים ומיטת יחיד, שולחן כתיבה, ארון בגדים ומגירות. כיור בתא, חלון צוהר. | 8715$ |
| חדר זוגי | משותפים | 2 מיטות יחיד וספה. שולחן כתיבה, ארון בגדים ומגירות, כיור בתא, מייבש שיער, חלון צוהר. | 9945$ |
| חדר זוגי | פרטיים | מיטות יחיד (לא קומותיים) שולחן כתיבה, ארון בגדים ומגירות, שירותים ומקלחת פרטיים עם מייבש שיער. | 11995$ |
| סוויטה | פרטיים | מיטה זוגית ואיזור ישיבה מרווח בתא, שולחן כתיבה, ארון בגדים ומגירות, שירותים ומקלחת פרטיים. חלון גדול | 14209$ |
| סוויטת הקפטן | פרטיים | התא הכי גדול ומרווח, איזור שינה עם מיטה זוגית וסלון ישיבה, שולחן כתיבה, ארון בגדים ומגירות, שירותים ומקלחת פרטיים. חלון גדול. יש רק תא אחד כזה | 16209$ |
| תא יחיד פרמיום | פרטיים | מיטת קומותיים (לשימוש יחיד), שולחן כתיבה, ספה, מלתחה ומגירות, שירותים ומקלחת פרטיים ומייבש שיער. | 18995$ |
Includes
Sailing
Private vessel, exclusively for Phototeva, with a small and intimate group of only 12 participants
Full board
Enjoy three meals a day with full board on the ship, prepared by a private chef
Tours
Zodiac boat excursions for beach landings, guided shoreline tours, wildlife viewing, and immersive nature walks.
All Permits
All approvals and taxes for the cruise and the visits in the program
Hotel
one night in a hotel in Longyearbyen before the start of the tour
Guidance
Expert geographical and photography guidance from a team of seasoned guides who are highly knowledgeable about the area
International flights – we will be happy to help you close
Alcoholic and carbonated drinks
Personal expenses – Internet, laundry, souvenirs, etc
Insurance of any kind
Tips for the team
Everything not mentioned in the inclusive section
Upon joining the trip, you confirm that you have read the general conditions in full as they appear – on the company’s website: To read the general conditions for all trips
By registering for the trip, you confirm that you have read and agreed to all the sections on this page.
Bank transfer/ credit card.
Transfer details: Fototeva Ltd. | Bank Hapoalim Branch 537 | Account 210210
Terms of Payment
Upon registration: 20 percent of the cost of the trip must be paid.
Until 1.1.2023: at least 30 percent of the cost of the trip must be paid.
By February 1, 2023, at least 50 percent of the cost of the trip must be paid.
Until March 1, 2023: 100 percent of the cost of the trip must be paid. The amount will be charged in shekels (or in foreign currency subject to approval) according to the rate of transfers and checks on the day preceding the day the payment is calculated. (American Express or tourist card with the addition of a credit fee)
cancelation
Cancellation without cancellation fees with a full refund until January 12, 2022
Cancellation until 1.1.2023 – 30% cancellation fee
Cancellation until 1.2.23 – 50% cancellation fee
Cancellation after 2.3.23 will not result in a refund
We strongly recommend purchasing insurance at the time of booking that can cover you in the event of an unexpected cancellation.
Medical insurance and travel insurance: It is agreed and known that Fototeva does not insure or provide insurance coverage and will not be held responsible for any damage caused to travelers or their equipment. It is the responsibility of the booker and the travelers to purchase a comprehensive and extended insurance policy suitable for all travel activities, both normal and challenging, expected during the trip, including coverage for accidents and medical flight. Travelers are responsible for purchasing the required insurance coverage. Also, the entire insurance issue that is the subject of this agreement is regulated within the framework of the cruise operator and any claim on this issue will be directed directly to it.
Required medical preparations: As with any trip, certain medical preparations are required, such as vaccinations and medications. It is the sole responsibility of the travelers to receive the information and prepare for these preparations. Fototeva is prohibited from giving any personal medical recommendation). For vaccinations, check the website of the Ministry of Health at:https://www.health.gov.il/Subjects/vaccines/Vaccines_abroad/Pages/vaccination_abroad.aspx
also, Situation Briefing for clinics going abroad (check if there are additional updates).
A trip during the Corona period is possible but complex. It should be known that the conditions and regulations change all the time. These may include isolation upon return to the country and or in the country of destination, presentation of certificates or various medical tests, refusal or delay in entry to the country of destination or return to Israel, changes and adjustments in the trip. Also, the travelers acknowledge the fact that there is a chance of contracting the corona virus and that they understand the risk and that Fototeva cannot be held responsible for this.
As with any trip, even more so when it comes to activities involving risk, there are mishaps and dangers along the way: extreme weather, poor infrastructure, dangerous animals, and mishaps that may occur at unexpected places and times. As can be expected on a journey to one of the coldest and most isolated places in the world (there is no doctor on the ship), while staying with the world’s largest land predator – this is a journey that can be dangerous, lead to injuries and even worse. It is important to be aware of these dangers. It is the responsibility of the travelers to make sure that they have received all the information they need before leaving for the trip.
- The travel schedule was written by award-winning nature photographer and Spitzbergen expert Roi Glitz, based on his experience and definition of the framework of intentions following the previous cruises which were particularly successful.
- The sailing schedule is completely flexible according to the environmental conditions and the information we receive in the field. What guides us is nature and the most powerful experiences we can achieve for you, our travelers.
- The above does not guarantee the sighting of one or another animal, because we are in the wild and the animals and the weather are not part of our schedule. However, it should be noted that so far we have experienced 100% success with all animals with the hundreds of travelers we have guided in Spitzbergen.
- It will be cold and snowstorms are commonplace, the journey includes various challenging activities such as sailing in the zodiac, walking on ice and snow, staying close to polar bears, sailing in extreme weather conditions, etc. By the very fact that a person registers for a photonature journey, he actually declares that he understands the the activities and dangers inherent in the journey and he declares that he is medically fit. If the participant has a medical problem that may interfere or prevent him from participating in the various trip activities, it is his responsibility to inform the company and the guide before leaving for the trip. In some cases, a medical certificate from the attending physician will be required to participate in the trip. Without this permission it will not be possible to go on the trip.
- This is not a pleasure cruise. The conditions on the boat are extremely spartan. Breakdowns or weather that does not allow activity sometimes happen and the placement in the cells is on a first come, first served basis.
- The departure of the trip is conditional on a minimum number of participants.
- This is a wild area where more polar bears live than humans. The chance of seeing a polar bear is high but not guaranteed. Nature is wild and unpredictable therefore it is not possible to guarantee the behavior of animals, the viewing distance or viewing at all. The ship’s crew is the one who makes the final decision regarding the sailing route, the order and content of the activities, when the safety of the passengers comes first.
- In exceptional cases, the identity of the guide may change before leaving for the trip.
- The transaction is a conditional transaction until its final approval by the suppliers and as long as the service providers do not approve the request, the orderer’s account will not be debited.
- Fototeva is entitled to cancel the trip at any stage while returning the proceeds.
מפת הספינה
בספינה מספר סוגי חדרים
לכל חדר יש את הפירוט שלו ותמונה
300-301- חדרי שלישייה משותפים (שירותים ומקלחת בחוץ)
302-310- חדרים זוגיים משותפים (שירותים ומקלחת בחוץ)
400-408- חדרים זוגיים פרטיים (שירותים ומקלחת בחדר)
504-507- חדרים זוגיים פרטיים (שירותים ומקלחת בחדר)
501- חדר הקפטן (שירותים ומקלחת בחדר)
502-503- סוויטות (שירותים ומקלחת בחדר)