INTIMATE ARCTIC : A Slow Encounter

trip

07 May - 16 May 2027 Book Now

departure

Longyearbyen, Svalbard

78°13′49″N 014°54′49″E

duration

10 days

group

36 people (double cabins)

For privatization request, please do not hesitate to

price

From €15,030 / person

level

All levels

weather

1°C to +10°C

more information

A UNIQUE ODYSSEY WITH FLORIAN LEDOUX

Join Florian Ledoux, wildlife photographer,
filmmaker, polar bear specialist and
longtime friend of Selar, for an extraordinary journey into the world of the polar bear. Together, we’ll embrace Arctic time, following nature, instead of the clock.

Polar bear quest and observation in the midst of their cold realm

Enjoy zodiac cruises to admire the glaciers from every angle

Paddle through Arctic silence at the edge of the world

trip highlights

POLAR OBSESSED PHOTOGRAPHER & BEAR LOVER

Some people visit the Arctic. Florian Ledoux has built his life around it.

A close friend of Sophie Galvagnon and part of the Selar adventure from the very beginning, Florian has spent years exploring the polar regions, but most importantly patiently staying in one place for several months, to deep dive into the ecosystem and document its wildlife and ever-changing landscapes. His work has become internationally recognised for revealing the beauty, soul, and vulnerability of the Arctic, and has been featured in acclaimed productions including Disney’s Polar Bear and the BBC’s Frozen Planet II.

Curious, generous and endlessly passionate, Florian has a rare gift for helping others see beyond what is visible, by creating a strong emotional connection with nature. Throughout this expedition, he will share not only his knowledge, but also the wonder, respect and fascination that continue to draw him back to the far North year after year.

AN (A)TYPICAL DAY ON BOARD

During spring in Svalbard, the sun never truly sets, giving us the freedom to build each day around the best light rather than the clock. Enjoy a leisurely brunch around midday before setting off for your first adventure ashore. Return for a late lunch, then head back out as the evening light transforms the fjords into something almost surreal. Only once the day has given us its best moments do we gather for dinner, often well after midnight.

Thrills

FOLLOW POLAR BEAR’S FOOTPRINTS

Hike on ice only 1000km from the north pole

GO KAYAKING

MEET WALRUS COLONIES

Plunge in the polar sea without divingsuit

SPOT POLAR

FOXES

Chills

LIVE ON ARCTIC TIME

Workshop photo

CONFERENCES BY OUR GUIDES

FLORIAN’S MASTERCLASS

Have a hot chocolate on ice

MIDNIGHT COCKTAIL WITH THE SUN

Feel the warmth of the sauna

SEEK THE THRILLS

POLAR BEAR passion

Witness the awakening of these wonders of nature in their frozen habitat.

SNOWSHOE HIKE

Enjoy a snowshoe hike through the Svalbard wilderness, where every step reveals breathtaking Arctic views.

MEGA FAUNA

Walk on the steps of reindeers, meet walruses & seals, observe birds in their frozen realm.

KAYAK PLEASE

Enjoy breathtaking canoe-kayak trips along the glaciers of Svalbard.

WALRUS MEET & GREET

Go at the encounter of the gentle giants of the Arctic: observe their playful interactions and impressive tusks up close, gaining a rare glimpse into the lives of these iconic polar residents.

AND THE CHILLS

PHOTOGRAPHY LOVERS

Florian will share his expertise as a wildlife photographer, helping you capture remarkable images of Arctic wildlife.

ICE NAVIGATION

Learn the ins and outs of navigating through ice alongside the captain.

TRAPPER’S CABINS

Hidden along Svalbard’s shores, trappers’ cabins tell the story of those who once called the Arctic home. We’ll step inside one during the expedition.

HOT DRINKS ON ICE

Enjoy a hot beverage after your icy emotions. Relax with a glögg, the traditional Norwegian mulled wine.

SAUNA BY NIGHT

After a day in the cold, feel the warmth of a sauna with a view on the Arctic.

Life onboard our basecamp

Welcome to your home away from home: a cozy vessel for only 36 passengers, where you can spend your entire day feeling the thrills of the Arctic, and settle in for evenings chills with good company and stories. Meet our crew—not only friendly and passionate, but also incredibly knowledgeable about the Arctic, to ensure you have the experiences of a lifetime.

boat

Your vessel

Your cabin

The lounge

The Grand Mess

A vessel powered by nature, emitting 90% less emissions than most ships in the region.

YOUR COCOON DURING THIS ADVENTURE. BEDS CAN BE SEPARATED. 2 SUITES ARE VAILABLE.

Try a thoughtfully human luxury, far from traditional codes. No key, no mini bar, no room service.

Admire Norway's impressive fjords surrounded by mountains

Take a seat and join our chef's table. Discover every day the menu guided by the Chef's mood. A nordic-inspired table, gently twisted.

Shared tables, for shared emotions.

EXPEDITION SUMMARY

Service included

getting there

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

gear

Expedition advice

Expedition footprint

Payment terms

ALL-INCLUSIVE

Included:

- Everyday shore activities with a guide (zodiac cruise, hiking, stand up paddle, kayak, snorkeling, fishing, sauna...)

- 3 meals a day

- Wine, beer, non alcoholic beverages during meals and hot beverages

- Parka & boots loaned

- Transfer from the airport the day of departure

Not included:

- Transport / flights

WIFI NOT SO MUCH INCLUDED

Disconnection is our priority to immerse you in the Arctic wildlife and make you live the adventure of your life.

Internet will only be available in a secluded part of the ship to keep the common areas off the grid, connected solely by human interactions.

We suggest to use telegrams once a day (or less) that the crew will send for you to your loved ones.

Transport advices

Svalbard is an Island, most of the people chose to arrive by plane.

We recommend you to travel with SAS Scandinaves or Norwegian airline to Longyearbyen and arrive early the day of departure.

If you have time in advance, we can help you find a sailing boat to cross the Barents Sea for a full zero-emission travel option.

Our guides will greet you at the airport and accompany you to the departure port. No worries, we adjust to your flight schedule, it's a small town!

The adventure is waiting for you to begin.

Mandatory list

National identity card or passport, valid for at least 3 months after the date of return, for European Union nationals.

For other nationalities, please contact your embassy.

Common facilities

Restaurant

Lounge, bar

Exploration room

Fitness room

Sauna

Mud room

Open bridge policy

Access on outside decks

Adventure equipment (included)

Zodiacs

Kayaks

Stand up paddles

Fishing rods

Gear

Similar to ski outwear

Merino under layers

Watertight & warm gloves

Neck warmer & beanie

High shoes

Sunglasses & suncream

Moisturizers and lip balms

Swimsuit (for polar plunge)

Onboard

No shoes on board policy

Indoor shoes provided

Level

Any level, all physical conditions!

Yet some activities, like the polar plunge in very very cold water, may require that you do not have any heart conditions.

This expedition to Svalbard is especially suited for nature and photography lovers.

Exclusive expedition

Each expedition is unique, and our small size allows us to tailor the journey to the desires of our passengers and their willingness to push their limits.

Each daily activity will be divided into groups, with a guide for each. It's the adventure of a lifetime, and our crew is here to support you building infinite memories.

The pros

Ship powered by wind and sun 90% of the time. (visit The Ship page of our website to know more)

Low carbon adventures

No vibrations nor sound underwater for the wildlife

The cons

Svalbard is a remote Island, arrival is by plane for the large majority of travelers. Sailing to Svalbard is an option for those who have the time to make the journey, and we're happy to help you with this.