SVALBARD
SAILING VOYAGE.
80° NORTH IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS
GET ON THE WAITLIST FOR 2025
COMING SOON 2025.
Interested in hearing more? Fill out this form to be the first to be notified about the launch!
Spots fill up fast: Please tell me why do you want to join my workshop? Please answer where you are at with your photography and what do you want to learn. Please also tell me your Instagram Account, and your website, if you have one.
CHECK OUT PREVIOUS SVALBARD TRIPS BELOW
PASSENGERS ON THE SHIP: 11
CHARLY’S SPECIAL GUESTS:
2 OUT OF 3 SPOTS LEFT.
CHARLY SAVELY & 3 SPECIAL GUESTS WILL BE VENTURING 80° NORTH INTO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ON AN ISOLATED SAILING EXPERIENCE ALONG THE RUGGED EAST COAST OF SVALBARD.
The sun will set for the last time around April 17th, at the start of the spring season in Svalbard. After this, there will not be another sunset on Svalbard until September 25th. Between these dates, the sun will ebb and flow in the sky, but never dip below the horizon. During the Arctic summer, we will sail under a fairytale-like kiss of sun across the remote, otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle: Svalbard.
I’m inviting those with an expeditionary spirit to join us on a voyage of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters high into the quiet sanctuary of the Arctic Circle.
CHARLY SAVELY.
Charly is a seasoned explorer and has been leading workshops and expeditions in the Arctic for over six years. She is most passionate about helping those who love what they do excel in their craft, day-to-day.
For Charly, imbuing a sense of humility and respect for the natural world in which we are often fleeting visitors is one of the biggest impacts we can strive towards. If we can laugh along the way, so much the better!
On this voyage, our sailboat is able to manoeuvre the rugged coastline of Svalbard where other cruise ships simply cannot reach.
This expedition is fundamentally based on a small group dynamic. With our intimate group of just 11 passengers on our boat, we guarantee to tread lightly.
ITINERARY.
Below is our intended sailing route, but please take into consideration that wind and weather conditions may adjust our plans. This is a natural part of the adventure of sailing. Our strength is going with nature, never against it, and still make the best out of our time.
AN ARRAY OF ARCTIC WILDLIFE AND DRAMATIC NATURE AWAITS YOU!
OUR JOURNEY STARTS IN LONGYEARBYEN.
We first anchor in the spectacular area of Trygghamna: a historical whaling harbour surrounded by stark beauty and spectacular cliffs. Here, there are numerous colonies of glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, geese, Arctic skuas, and Brünnich’s guillemots, creating an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the bird sounds. Next, we will sail across the Alkhornet bird cliff where thousands of kittiwakes breed. You’ll be in awe upon seeing reindeers and foxes may be searching for food (bird eggs) in the mossy grass as we sail past.
We will continue on towards Eidembukta, a geologist’s paradise, whilst we will be also on the lookout polar bear tracks. As we head north, we sail through the Forlandsundet and pass Poolepynten where walruses are known to gather. Minke whales and beluga whales can be spotted on the way towards Forlandsund. We will carefully approach silently and respectfully, getting some memorable shots along the way.
Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost settlements in the world may be visited when sailing into Kongsfjorden. The village is mainly uninhabited besides for some inspiring arctic scientists, and it is known for being the starting point of polar expeditions led by Amundsen and Nobile. Birds in the area include different species of colourful ducks and geese. Arctic foxes and reindeer may be hanging around and polar bears can often be sighted. Observing a polar bear for the first time in their natural environment will be a truly life changing experience.
The trip continues towards Fjords Kross where the magnificent “14th of July Glacier” is observed as well as immense and powerful glaciers in the backdrop. A zodiac landing will be carried out if possible, to look for foxes, and to observe and learn about the arctic flora.
If ice-free, Tilvera will take you towards Liefdefjord (Love fjord) via Smeerenburg and Sallyhamna, a sheltered anchorage. Polar bear sightings are now more likely than ever. A likely anchorage is the lovely secluded Mushamna (Mouse harbor) in Liefdefjord and there we will witness the beauty of the amazing Monaco Glacier and the colour contrast with the tundra landscape, among other natural wonders.
If weather conditions allow, the aim is now to anchor near the Bird Island, a remote and rarely visited place where will make a landing to explore the surroundings and feel the connection with other-worldly nature.
After reaching the most northern areas in beautiful Svalbard, now Tilvera takes a South course, sailing through the Fuglefjord (Bird fjord), Smeerenburg towards Isfjorden were we drop our anchor for the last time at Trygghamna to enjoy hopefully a wonderful dinner in a beautiful evening sunset. The last day we will arrive at Longyearbyen where everyone says goodbye to fellow explorers onboard the Tilvera, after an unforgettable journey along the fjords and coasts of Spitsbergen.
IMPORTANT.
NEED-TO-KNOW.
Dates: May 24 - June 04 2023
Price: €5,995
Places: 3
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Your flights to and from Svalbard.
Accomodation before & after.
Alcoholic beverages on board.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
All meals on board.
All accommodation on board.
Additional Zodiac excursions to shore.
OUR HOME ON THE WATER, TILVERA.
TILVERA IS AN ANCIENT ICELANDIC WORD THAT STANDS FOR “OUR EXISTENCE, OUR PRESENCE.”
Tilvera is a wonderful steel ketch built in the Netherlands and currently sails under a Dutch flag. She is very strong, capable, and best suited cutting through ice in the Polar Regions. She has been sailing for more than twenty years around the world, including both poles and eight times in Antarctica, proving that she is trustworthy and made for arctic adventures.
She has eight comfortable cabins and a spacious saloon with an inspiring library and charming deckhouse. Beautifully maintained and well taken care of, Tilvera is ready to sail around the world inspiring minds and hearts and serving as a home for explorers and restless minds.
Tilvera is a cozy ship with minimalist cabins, a spacious main saloon with a stocked library and a deck seating area with panoramic views. Her main cabin invites you to talk about the day’s adventures over a warm meal. In the large wheelhouse there is a sheltered area for you to enjoy the landscape as we sail past. Each two person cabin has a warm bed, washbasin with hot water, and of course central heating.
Tilvera’s spacious deck and good access to the zodiacs used for landings is the perfect platform for exploring the high latitudes and accessing remote places where other bigger ships cannot. We truly will be wrapped within the tranquility of these northern regions.
FAQs.
WHAT LEVEL OF PHOTOGRAPHY DO I REQUIRE?
This is not expressively a photography workshop, but Charly will be happy to assist and guide you as you wish. You can be as creatively active or as inactive as you like!
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
You can engage in as much or as little physical exertion as you like. You just need to be able to get into and out of a boat.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO WEAR?
Sturdy hiking boots for getting off the boat and exploring land (if you wish to).
Comfy and warm shoes for on deck and below (could also just be your hiking boots).
Gloves.
Base layer (like merino wool or bamboo).
Mid-layer (like a wool jumper or fleece).
Down coat. We will be sailing in “summer”, but the Arctic does not follow any usual weather rules, so you must come prepared.
Waterproof layer (GORE-TEX zip-up coat or similar).
WHAT AND WHERE WILL WE EAT?
All meals are included and will be taken care by our chef on board.
I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Let us know! It won't be a problem at all, but it is something that we need to know in advance.
WILL I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
No, not during the Arctic summer as the midnight sun reveals itself for longer periods.
WILL I SEE POLAR BEARS?
Considering that there are more polar bears than people on Svalbard, yes, very likely!
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE IN SVALBARD?
The summer time temperatures in May-June will range between from 0 to 5 celsius throughout the day and nights, and we’ll bask in the dream-like midnight sun too.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
If you enjoy reading then definitely bring a book or two. You’ll likely cherish that book in the future, knowing where you read it.
If you like journaling and writing then bring along a notebook.
Sunblock! Somewhat surprising considering our location, but the sun does reflect quite strongly off the snow and ice.
A water bottle, as it’s much easier to use on board than a cup.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your expeditionary spirit!
JOIN ME & SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW.
With only bring 3 people with me, spots will fill up fast. Please tell me why do you want to join this trip? Please also tell us your Instagram Account, and your website, if you have one.