Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer
Explore the stunning Spitsbergen Archipelago aboard the M/V Kinfish - intimate ship charters focusing on sightings of the amazing polar bear and other Arctic wildlife of Svalbard.
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Svalbard
We are proud of the extraordinary journeys that we craft for clients and love to hear stories of their remarkable wildlife encounters when they return.
Not only does this help us improve our service and excellence, but it is always fascinating to become inspired hearing incredible tales of adventure. This is why we do, what we do.
Client Reviews
Rated 4.8/5 based on 5 customer reviews
- —Lauren T, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer
I had the most amazing time with NWS in Svalbard; the expedition leaders Mats and Hadleigh were great and got us really close to the wildlife and landscapes - the bear encounters were incredible (close and were able to watch them for literal hours demonstrating all sorts of behaviours), as were the opportunities to see walruses, seals, foxes and all sorts of birdlife. The ship was awesome, the open bridge policy was great and the crew were all lovely to chat to. The regular app updates on flight information, being able to see the travel docs etc. whilst on the boat (i.e. with no wifi) was also really useful.
- —Parker Borg who travelled on the MV Polarfront Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer
Our destination specialist, Gemma, was terrific! Gemma - and her colleague Chloe - were always quick to respond to our inquiries and provided very helpful information. We are very grateful they alerted the Polarfront crew (especially chef) to our need for a gluten-free diet. We didn't know what "muck boots" were and Gemma helped us figure out how to equip ourselves. Ten stars for Gemma! We had a great trip! Our guides, Hadleigh Measham and Mats Forsberg were phenomenal guides. They figured out the best daily plans given the weather and then the outlook for wildlife sightings. They said we were very lucky to have seen so many polar bears and cubs, plus great interactions with walruses and polar bears. But we know it was more than luck. They knew where to go to maximize wildlife viewings. They also kept us safe from polar bears. We also appreciated their knowledge when we visited historical sites. The NWS app is great! Kudos also to the terrific Polarfront team. The food was innovative, delicious, and tantalizing at all meals. Chief Stewart, Lydia, was so welcoming and helpful. The Captain was informative and friendly. The whole crew took on the immense challenge of anchor problems with an amazing team effort that was amazing to watch. Just a great job by everyone which made for a fabulous trip! We really appreciated the organization and attention to details of the NWS team. The App is great. Each member - from Gemma and Chloe to everyone on the Polarfront - was top-notch. A really impressive group all around.
- —Joanna Wilson, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer, 2022
The guides and Kinfish crew made the trip perfect as much as the wildlife sightings we had. The Kinfish is so unique and the crew are very special which makes this trip stand out miles above other trips. We had such amazing, interesting and down to earth wildlife guides who went above and beyond for everyone. The bespoke combination of exclusivity and uniqueness of this is what makes the trip really stand out from the rest. The access to the wildlife is second to none and you do really feel like you are having the same access as the professional documentary makers receive.
- —Thomas F, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer, 2024
Ben was very attentive and easy to work with regarding every question I had. I booked very late in the process, and he did a fantastic job ensuring things were situated and ready to go as quickly as possible. The guides, the crew, the boat, and every other aspect of the trip were excellent. I have no complaints and would be hard-pressed to even come up with suggestions to improve the journey. Jeff and Ian worked hard to make sure our expectations were met. Both were professional and eager to assist. I appreciated that they were keenly aware of not stressing the wildlife and respecting boundaries while viewing. Great job. This was my first experience with NWS, but it will not be my last. Although I have traveled with other companies, NWS is a step above in terms of helpfulness, overall presentation, and delivery.
- —Alan Jenkinson who travelled on the Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Arctic Odyssey in 2022
We had excellent support throughout the booking process and it was a brilliant trip as a whole!
Client Reviews
- —Lauren T, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer
I had the most amazing time with NWS in Svalbard; the expedition leaders Mats and Hadleigh were great and got us really close to the wildlife and landscapes - the bear encounters were incredible (close and were able to watch them for literal hours demonstrating all sorts of behaviours), as were the opportunities to see walruses, seals, foxes and all sorts of birdlife. The ship was awesome, the open bridge policy was great and the crew were all lovely to chat to. The regular app updates on flight information, being able to see the travel docs etc. whilst on the boat (i.e. with no wifi) was also really useful.
- —Parker Borg who travelled on the MV Polarfront Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer
Our destination specialist, Gemma, was terrific! Gemma - and her colleague Chloe - were always quick to respond to our inquiries and provided very helpful information. We are very grateful they alerted the Polarfront crew (especially chef) to our need for a gluten-free diet. We didn't know what "muck boots" were and Gemma helped us figure out how to equip ourselves. Ten stars for Gemma! We had a great trip! Our guides, Hadleigh Measham and Mats Forsberg were phenomenal guides. They figured out the best daily plans given the weather and then the outlook for wildlife sightings. They said we were very lucky to have seen so many polar bears and cubs, plus great interactions with walruses and polar bears. But we know it was more than luck. They knew where to go to maximize wildlife viewings. They also kept us safe from polar bears. We also appreciated their knowledge when we visited historical sites. The NWS app is great! Kudos also to the terrific Polarfront team. The food was innovative, delicious, and tantalizing at all meals. Chief Stewart, Lydia, was so welcoming and helpful. The Captain was informative and friendly. The whole crew took on the immense challenge of anchor problems with an amazing team effort that was amazing to watch. Just a great job by everyone which made for a fabulous trip! We really appreciated the organization and attention to details of the NWS team. The App is great. Each member - from Gemma and Chloe to everyone on the Polarfront - was top-notch. A really impressive group all around.
- —Joanna Wilson, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer, 2022
The guides and Kinfish crew made the trip perfect as much as the wildlife sightings we had. The Kinfish is so unique and the crew are very special which makes this trip stand out miles above other trips. We had such amazing, interesting and down to earth wildlife guides who went above and beyond for everyone. The bespoke combination of exclusivity and uniqueness of this is what makes the trip really stand out from the rest. The access to the wildlife is second to none and you do really feel like you are having the same access as the professional documentary makers receive.
- —Thomas F, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer, 2024
Ben was very attentive and easy to work with regarding every question I had. I booked very late in the process, and he did a fantastic job ensuring things were situated and ready to go as quickly as possible. The guides, the crew, the boat, and every other aspect of the trip were excellent. I have no complaints and would be hard-pressed to even come up with suggestions to improve the journey. Jeff and Ian worked hard to make sure our expectations were met. Both were professional and eager to assist. I appreciated that they were keenly aware of not stressing the wildlife and respecting boundaries while viewing. Great job. This was my first experience with NWS, but it will not be my last. Although I have traveled with other companies, NWS is a step above in terms of helpfulness, overall presentation, and delivery.
- —Alan Jenkinson who travelled on the Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Arctic Odyssey in 2022
We had excellent support throughout the booking process and it was a brilliant trip as a whole!
Client Reviews
- —Lauren T, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer
I had the most amazing time with NWS in Svalbard; the expedition leaders Mats and Hadleigh were great and got us really close to the wildlife and landscapes - the bear encounters were incredible (close and were able to watch them for literal hours demonstrating all sorts of behaviours), as were the opportunities to see walruses, seals, foxes and all sorts of birdlife. The ship was awesome, the open bridge policy was great and the crew were all lovely to chat to. The regular app updates on flight information, being able to see the travel docs etc. whilst on the boat (i.e. with no wifi) was also really useful.
- —Parker Borg who travelled on the MV Polarfront Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer
Our destination specialist, Gemma, was terrific! Gemma - and her colleague Chloe - were always quick to respond to our inquiries and provided very helpful information. We are very grateful they alerted the Polarfront crew (especially chef) to our need for a gluten-free diet. We didn't know what "muck boots" were and Gemma helped us figure out how to equip ourselves. Ten stars for Gemma! We had a great trip! Our guides, Hadleigh Measham and Mats Forsberg were phenomenal guides. They figured out the best daily plans given the weather and then the outlook for wildlife sightings. They said we were very lucky to have seen so many polar bears and cubs, plus great interactions with walruses and polar bears. But we know it was more than luck. They knew where to go to maximize wildlife viewings. They also kept us safe from polar bears. We also appreciated their knowledge when we visited historical sites. The NWS app is great! Kudos also to the terrific Polarfront team. The food was innovative, delicious, and tantalizing at all meals. Chief Stewart, Lydia, was so welcoming and helpful. The Captain was informative and friendly. The whole crew took on the immense challenge of anchor problems with an amazing team effort that was amazing to watch. Just a great job by everyone which made for a fabulous trip! We really appreciated the organization and attention to details of the NWS team. The App is great. Each member - from Gemma and Chloe to everyone on the Polarfront - was top-notch. A really impressive group all around.
- —Joanna Wilson, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer, 2022
The guides and Kinfish crew made the trip perfect as much as the wildlife sightings we had. The Kinfish is so unique and the crew are very special which makes this trip stand out miles above other trips. We had such amazing, interesting and down to earth wildlife guides who went above and beyond for everyone. The bespoke combination of exclusivity and uniqueness of this is what makes the trip really stand out from the rest. The access to the wildlife is second to none and you do really feel like you are having the same access as the professional documentary makers receive.
- —Thomas F, Svalbard Polar Bear Explorer, 2024
Ben was very attentive and easy to work with regarding every question I had. I booked very late in the process, and he did a fantastic job ensuring things were situated and ready to go as quickly as possible. The guides, the crew, the boat, and every other aspect of the trip were excellent. I have no complaints and would be hard-pressed to even come up with suggestions to improve the journey. Jeff and Ian worked hard to make sure our expectations were met. Both were professional and eager to assist. I appreciated that they were keenly aware of not stressing the wildlife and respecting boundaries while viewing. Great job. This was my first experience with NWS, but it will not be my last. Although I have traveled with other companies, NWS is a step above in terms of helpfulness, overall presentation, and delivery.
- —Alan Jenkinson who travelled on the Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Arctic Odyssey in 2022
We had excellent support throughout the booking process and it was a brilliant trip as a whole!