Join Backscatter’s founder Berkley White with Blue Green Expeditions for an EXCLUSIVE special full-boat charter aboard M/V Ortelius for a rare opportunity to visit both Spitsbergen and Greenland! The best of the Arctic includes opportunities to see the polar bears and walrus of Spitsbergen and then transition through pack ice to visit a local Greenland village. The ice and history of Greenland is quite remarkable!
Travelers will have the opportunity to participate in several citizen science projects (phyto & zooplankton collections, benthic surveys, and beach clean-ups of plastics and nets.)
Diving and snorkeling are offered, as well as talks by our team of renowned scientists and image-makers. Your scientific knowledge and appreciation of this pristine, delicate Arctic ecosystem and the megafauna we encounter will grow. Land excursions, presentations by the expedition team, and zodiac tours will allow you to experience the very Best of the Arctic!
Please note that medical evacuation insurances such as Dive Assure or Divers Alert Network (DAN) is mandatory on all trips.
Additionally, comprehensive Cancellation, Accident, Medical and Baggage insurance such as DAN, Dive Assure, or Generali Global Assistanceis highly recommended.
Travelers will have the opportunity to participate in several citizen science projects (phyto & zooplankton collections, benthic surveys, and beach clean-ups of plastics and nets.)
Diving and snorkeling are offered, as well as talks by our team of renowned scientists and image-makers. Your scientific knowledge and appreciation of this pristine, delicate Arctic ecosystem and the megafauna we encounter will grow. Land excursions, presentations by the expedition team, and zodiac tours will allow you to experience the very Best of the Arctic!
GOALS:
- Contribute to scientific knowledge of the Arctic ecosystem
- Raise funds for charities dedicated to getting youth involved in marine careers
- Use images/video from professionals and data collected from citizen scientists to develop multimedia educational tools across a variety of platforms, including live-streaming to classrooms
- Use the expertise of scientists onboard to explore new areas above and below the water with the assistance of citizen scientists. Projects include plankton tows, reef surveys of key indicator species, sample collections, and marine mammal ID.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Longyearbyen hotel 1 night 8/16/25
- 9 days exploring Spitsbergen (5 days), Scorsby Sound & Greenland (4 days) aboard Ortelius
- All meals aboard Ortelius
- Disembark Akureiyi, Iceland
EXCLUSIONS:
- International flights (arrive LYR, return from KEF)
- Gratuities
- Alcohol, boutique items
- Recommended trip insurance
- Required diving insurance
- Transfer to Reykjavik for return flight (for non-Iceland add-on)
PRICING:
- Quad: $9,700
- Twin Porthole: $12,500
- Twin Window: $14,000
- Twin Delux: $15,200
- Superior: $16,500
- Discount: $400 for Non-Divers/Non-Snorkelers
ICELAND ADD-ON AUG. 30-SEPT. 7
- DIVER: $4,600
- NON-DIVER: $4,000
Please note that medical evacuation insurances such as Dive Assure or Divers Alert Network (DAN) is mandatory on all trips.
Additionally, comprehensive Cancellation, Accident, Medical and Baggage insurance such as DAN, Dive Assure, or Generali Global Assistanceis highly recommended.
Berkley White is the owner and founder of Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo. Berkley is one of the leading underwater imaging professionals, who’s passion for underwater imaging is equaled by his passion for educating others. His images and articles are regularly seen in national and international scuba diving publications, and he leads several educational underwater imaging expeditions each year, such as The Digital Shootout. To view his online portfolio, please visit berkleywhite.com.
