S V A L B A R D
W I L D L I F E
R E C O N N E C T
Fair Travel Co is a group expedition company specializing in sustainable, responsible, and ethical travel. As we explore our planet, we aim to provide ethical roamers with unique and memorable experiences that support the environment and local communities
As a 1% for the Planet member, 1% of Fair Travel Co. revenue is pledged to environmental organizations.
WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS
Our online store allows you to shop by your values and delivery is 100% carbon neutral.
We do the legwork so you don t have to! Our ethical framework makes sure your adventure is environmentally friendly does the most good (and the least harm) and builds strong relationships with the communities we explore
From researchers to entrepreneurs to volunteers, humans have badass ideas to save and sustain our planet Your expedition gives back to these innovative thought leaders, bolstering our collective societal and environmental impact
11% of global CO2 emissions are caused by the travel and tourism sector Let’s change that In addition to reducing GHG emissions we put your expedition’s equivalent volume of CO2 back into carbon storage via carbon removal
Whether you have a companion in mind or are a solo traveller looking to meet fellow explorers, we've got you covered!
Each expedition is an opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences, seek a new way to look at the world and connect deeper than the average tourist
Your itinerary has been crafted and evaluated against our sustainability and ethics framework All you have to do is show up throw on your best pair of shades, and be ready to enjoy the moment
Because group sizes are small (5-25 people) we get you to niche locations large tour operators with big buses can't We also leave our destinations with less disruption, both culturally and environmentally
Fair Travel Co was founded in 2023 by Mary Cate Bernal and is proudly a female owned company
JUNE 4-13, 2024
Embark on an Arctic Expedition to reconnect with nature, take in the fresh sea air, and explore one of Earth’s last wild frontiers. Aboard Tilvera, you’ll traverse an unparalleled sailing route, far removed from overly touristed waters. Here, we lessen our burden on nature and are rewarded with stark beauty and extraordinary wildlife encounters. Join our crew of ethical roamers, scientists, and sailors to create memories as you immerse yourself in this awe-inspiring archipelago.
Incredible arctic wildlife encounters polar bears, whales, foxes and more
Powerful glaciers and remote fjords
Experienced and passionate crew sailors; scientists
Delicious, healthy food with a sustainable approach
Rest and relaxation under the midnight sun
Stirring latitudes some of the northernmost settlements in the world
Stunning natural beauty of the Svalbard landscapes
Learn to sail! Not required, but an eager set of hands is always welcome
Heimirhasbeenworkingasacaptainformorethan20years, primarilyintheArcticregions.Hismainpassionsarewildlife, photographyandthetraditionalwayofsailing Originallyfrom Húsavík,Iceland,heisanexplorerbyheartandasailorbysoul Heisalwaysseekingnewadventureandaspiringtolead inspiringexpeditions
BelénisamarinebiologistandPhDcandidate Shehas dedicatedthelast10yearsofherlifetoleadingprojectsin sustainabletourism,whaleresearch,underwateracoustics, plasticpollutionandcitizenscience In2023,sheworkedto establishIceland’sfirstHopeSpot anareathat’sscientifically identifiedascriticaltothehealthoftheocean.
MaryCatehasbeenexploringplanetEarthforover20years.She’s campedontheshoresofAntarctica,conductedresearchinthe PanamanianRainforest,livedinSouthAfrica,andreveledinFrenchand Mayanart In2023,shefoundedFairTravelCo Sheisacuriousand passionateexploreronamissiontoharnesstravelasaforceforgood Shebelievesgoodpeopleattractgoodpeopleandisinvigoratedby whatwemightaccomplish,together!
HeimirHardarson
Sail with 7 to 12 ethical roamers.
Daily presentations given by experts.
Digital archive of your voyage.
Zodiacs get you closer to the action.
CO2 stored via carbon removal.
Welcomed with flavorful libations!
Ethically curated experiences. Give back.
Supports: Ocean Missions
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Seaicebeginstomelt providingpassage
POLAR BEARS
AURORA BOREALIS (NORTHERN LIGHTS)
WEATHER
-30°C (4°F)
Harsh + hostile environment Ice sheets make it nearly impossible to sail. Bears cease hunting to shelterandrelyonfatreserves.
SUMMER 3.9°C (39°F)
Wildlife is active! Bears migrate to islands to hunt.
YOU ARE EXPLORING ONE OF OUR PLANET’S LAST WILD FRONTIERS!
WE’LL PROVIDE YOU WITH A DETAILED PACKING LIST ONBOARD THE TILVERA YOU’LL ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO WARM ROOMS AND TOASTY BEVERAGES
WILDLIFE
We’llbeonthelookoutforbeartracks,particularly aswejourneytowardEidembukta,ageologist’s paradise,andto“Lovefjord,”asheltered anchoragenearMonacoGlacierwherepolar bearsightingsarenowmorelikelythanever
OnourwayNorthwesailwherewalrusesare knowntogatherclosetotheshore
rosmarus
MakeZodiaclandingstoobservefoxes andreindeermoreclosely
Keepalookoutforflukesandsprays!Sail alongsidemarinebiologistsstudying thesemagnificentwhales
Takeinspectacularcliffswherebirdlifethrives.You’’ll spotcoloniesofglaucousgulls,kittiwakes,geese, Arcticskuas,andBrünnich’sguillemots SEA BIRDS
THE POLAR BEARS
STABLE POPULATIONS
Barents Sea Chukchi Sea Foxe Basin Gulf of Boothia 1 2. 3 4 of 19 distinct subpopulations ranging from <200 to 3,000 bears each
Svalbard has ~3,000 polarbears
Observing a polar bear for the first time in his/her environment can be challenging, but a truly life changing experience. There are few other animal species so majestic, impressive, and purelybeautifulastheArcticbear.
EXPEDITION DETAILS
DATE TWIN
JUNE 4-13, 2024
€2.950 EUR / $3,368 USD
€3.800 EUR / $4,339 USD TWIN + PRIVATE WC
VESSEL: TILVERA
TILVERA HAS EIGHT COMFORTABLE CABINS, A SPACIOUS SALOON WITH AN INSPIRING LIBRARY AND A CHARMING DECKHOUSE SHE IS BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED AND READY TO SAIL INSPIRING MINDS AND HEARTS SERVING AS A HOME FOR EXPLORERS AND RESTLESS MINDS
Gathering in Longyearbyen, we will welcome you onboard Tilvera and explain general aspects about the ship, life onboard and safety We will review the itinerary and adjust our sailing plan according to the ice and weather conditions
Our first anchor spot will be a safe harbor in a spectacular area: A historic whaling spot surrounded by stark beauty and breathtaking cliffs Here bird life thrives as numerous colonies of glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, geese, Arctic skuas, and Brünnich’s guillemots nest It is an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the bird sounds
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera!
We will sail across bird cliffs which are particularly outstanding because of the thousands of kittiwakes breeding there Reindeers and foxes may be searching for food in the mossy grass.
Breathtaking scenery, sustainable practices, timeless experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters. That is what you can expect during this marvelous voyage!
sailing into the Kongsfjorden. The village is sparsely inhabited aside from some inspiring arctic scientists It is known for being the starting point of polar expeditions led by Amundsen and Nobile. Birds in the area include different species of colorful ducks and geese that can be sometimes very tame Arctic foxes and reindeer may be hanging around and sometimes even polar bears can be sighted. Observing a polar bear for the first time in his/her environment can be challenging, but is truly a life changing experience. There are few animal species so majestic, impressive, and purely beautiful as the Arctic bear
DAY6
DAY7
The trip continues towards the northern fjords where magnificent icebergs are observed as well as immense and powerful glaciers in the backdrop.
A zodiac landing will be carried out to look for foxes and to observe and learn about the arctic flora.
We may sail into the fjord which lies just below 80°North! These are stirring
Tilvera will take you towards the “Love fjord”, a sheltered anchorage where polar bear sightings are now more likely than ever Here we can witness the beauty of the amazing Monaco Glacier and its color contrast with the tundra landscape, among other natural wonders
After reaching the most northern areas in beautiful Svalbard, Tilvera begins a Southerly course, sailing through the Fuglefjord (Bird fjord) and towards Isfjorden were we drop our anchor for the last time at Trygghamna to enjoy a wonderful dinner in a beautiful evening sunset
During this expedition we may visit some of the remote islands and rarely visited places where will make a landing to explore the surroundings and feel the connection with nature
The last day we will arrive at L b h
INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE 10daysaboardtheTilvera
Meals:breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily. Warmbeverages,sailinglessons,zodiac landings,conservationtalks,stunning Arcticviews,visitstooldwhaling operations,andopportunitiestosee Arcticwildlifeincludingbelugawhales, minkewhales,polarbears,walrus,Arctic fox,reindeer,andmanyseabirds
INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
10daysaboardtheTilverawithaprivate waterclosetinyourcabin
Meals:breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily Warmbeverages,sailinglessons,zodiac landings,conservationtalks,stunning Arcticviews,visitstooldwhaling operations,andopportunitiestosee Arcticwildlifeincludingbelugawhales, minkewhales,polarbears,walrus,Arctic fox,reindeer,andmanyseabirds
BOOK NOW!
INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
10daysaboardtheTilverawithacabinto yourself
STARTING AT
Meals:breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily Warmbeverages,sailinglessons,zodiac landings,conservationtalks,stunning Arcticviews,visitstooldwhaling operations,andopportunitiestosee Arcticwildlifeincludingbelugawhales, minkewhales,polarbears,walrus,Arctic fox,reindeer,andmanyseabirds
At Fair Travel Co., we believe in transparency and giving our customers the power to make informed decisions. Expedition travel should be accessible to everyone daring enough to seize it!
Modern cruise ships come with hefty price tags due to expensive construction and operation costs Schooners a type of sailboat can be crafted and maintained for a fraction of the cost. They are also far less taxing on our fragile Arctic environment. By choosing us, you can save thousands on your Arctic voyage while enjoying a unique and sustainable travel experience
Did you know that 5.2% of your investment in your Arctic voyage goes towards processing fees? Skip these fees when you choose to book with us through a wire transfer By opting for this payment method, you can save up to $225. That's more to spend on unforgettable experiences like an extra day in Norway, a warmer expedition jacket, or a little extra towards that new telephoto lens
Choose Fair Travel Co. for an Arctic adventure that truly puts you first.
BYMARYCATEBERNAL May3,2026
WithaneyetowardExpeditionTravel,EthicalRoamers tendtobeopenmindedandreadyforalittleadventure Thismeanswecouldsetsailatanytimeofyear,butfor Svalbard Wildlife Reconnect, this summer’s Arctic sailingcruise,wedecidedonJune.Here’swhy…
At latitude 78° N, the Svalbard archipelago (formerly known as Spitsbergen) is further north than most explorersventuresouthwhenjourneyingtoAntarctica. Thewinterisharshandcold(-30°C/4°F) Seaicemakes it nearly impossible to sail safely; and despite a significant decrease in Arctic sea ice, many of our favoritedestinationsremainimpossibletoreachwhen seaicegrowthisatitsmaximum
It’s not just humans who find the winter environment to be hostile. In these conditions, polar bears cease huntingtoshelterthemselvesfrominclementweather, relying on fat reserves to make it through the rough wintermonths.
In May, the sea ice begins to melt, providing early passage for traveling sailors By June, the ice has receded and the wildlife becomes extremely active Fromlargemammalstosmallbirds,everyspeciesisin motion Eventhefloraofthetundrajoinsintoputona show!
It’snowthattheBarentSea’s~3,000polarbearsheadto the islands to hunt Early June boasts abundant ice sheets under the shining midnight sun increasing your chances of witnessing a majestic Arctic bear prowlingtheice’sedge.
AccordingtomarinebiologistandPhDcandidateBelen GarciaOvide,“Observingapolarbearforthefirsttime in his [or] her environment can be challenging, but a truly life changing experience. There are few other animal species so majestic, impressive, and purely beautifulastheArcticbear”
The Ursus maritimus (latin for marine bear) isn’t Svalbard’s only noteworthy species Norway’s High Arctic is also home to walrus, seemingly mythic narwhal,foxes,reindeer,belugawhales,minkewhales, andthousandsofseabirds.
The Svalbard Archipelago is so remote, no indigenous peopleshaveeversettledhere.Theislandfamouslyhas morepolarbearsthanpeople(3,000bearscomparedto 2,500humans) TheArctic’s“WildlifeCapitol,”isoneof Earth’slasttrulywildfrontiers
When seeking the Svalbard bears, timing is important, butit’sfarfromtheonlyconsideration
Fair Travel Co. teams up with seasoned scientists, experiencedsailors,andskilledphotographerstobring youauniqueandmemorableexperience Wevoyageto reconnect with our wild planet, but also to better understand and protect it Belen Garcia Ovide will not onlycookuphealthyandsustainablemeals,she’llalso conduct her research taking water samples to collect trace amounts of cetacean DNA and making underwater acoustic recordings of minke whales As a advocate for citizen science, she invites guests to join herinherwork
In 2018 Fair Travel Co I personally traveled to a different pole: Antarctica. Unlike this expedition, my focus then wasn’t on wildlife, but ice Sixteen years after land ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica started losing mass, I wanted to glimpse the Seventh Continentbeforeitchangedevenmoredrastically.
“Today,theArcticiswarmingtwiceasfastasanywhere onearth,andtheseaicethereisdecliningbymorethan 10% every 10 years,” notes WWF. Ironically, the best waytoviewSvalbardisbysea,leadingmosttravelers
to visit this land of shrinking ice via cruise ships a mode of transportation which burns dirty fuel and contributestotheconditionsresponsibleforiceloss.
Pollution is another important consideration when planningyourvoyage It’softendifficulttoimaginethe impact of your vacation’s carbon footprint when we canhardlycomprehendthefootprintofourdailylives.
In a single day, a docked cruise ship emits as much exhaust as 34,444 idling tractor-trailers an eyeopening finding from the Environmental Protection Agency
Choosing a “micro-cruise” on a smaller, more nimble vessel like Tilvera our partner for this year’s excursion allows Fair Travel Co to cut emissions dramatically Marine fuel burns more cleanly than the fuel used by most cruise ships. When anchored, we burn little fuel and when sailing we have the opportunity to leverage a renewable energy source: wind Wefeelthistypeoftransportationisn’tjustgood fortheenvironment,butalsoforadventuroussouls.
Small group tours have other benefits, including passage to more narrow inlets the larger cruise ships simplycan’treach
Routesareintentionallyplannedtocuratethesolitude requiredtoemotionallyreconnectwithnature Asmall group tour caters more personally to your unique interests and ensures you don’t have to compete with hundredsofguestsforagoodview Youcaneasilyjump inazodiacforacloserlookorchangecoursetoseekout theaction
AswithallFairTravelCo expeditions,June’sSvalbard WildlifeReconnecthasbeenethicallycurated,iscarbon neutral (thanks to our commitment to removing the carbon we do release), and gives back to this expedition’scharity:OceanMissions.
ReadytoexperienceSvalbard’sextraordinarywildlife? Booknowtostartyourthrillingadventure!
In need of help climbing stairs or taking thresholds of 2ft (60cm)?
From past experience, very prone to motion sickness (sea sickness)?
Prone to severe anxiety when engaging with bodies of water?
Diabetic, have respiratory issues or require refrigerated injections? If so, please make us aware in order to have appropriate resources onboard
In doubt about your fitness for a sea voyage on a sailing or rolling ship? If so, you are requested to seek your doctor's advice before embarking.
We make every effort to ensure the safety of every guest onboard Guests are expected as well to assume responsibility for their own safety Insufficient mental or physical health may create undue risks not only to yourself, but may also threaten the safety of others and may seriously disrupt the sailing program of the vessel
To ensure your comfort and to prevent misunderstanding, please consider if any of the above may describe you Life at sea isn’t for everyone That’s okay!
