General questions
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Every trip is different. For each departure, the inclusions are listed on the ‘dates and rates’ page under: Rates include/exclude.
Usually, flights, hotels, transfers, insurances and optional activities are not included.
Most of our expeditions take place on board a ship. When traveling at sea, there is always a chance you may get into rough weather and feel seasick. But once sheltered by islands or fjords, the water is usually calm and you won’t feel much of the ocean swell.
When travelling to Antarctica by ship, you will cross the Drake Passage which takes approximately 2 days. This ocean passage is known for it’s storms and high waves, which often causes guests to get seasick. However, everyone reacts differently to these circumstances, and not all Drake Passage crossings are rough.
We recommend everybody going on an expedition cruise to bring preventative medications just in case you might feel seasick.
When you join an expedition (cruise) to Antarctica or the Arctic, you must be in good general health and able to walk some distance. If you want to join the excursions and landings, you have to be able to get up and down the gangway from the ship to the water level to board the zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. Keep in mind, during most expedition cruises in the polar regions, you could be hours, or even days away from the nearest hospital. Especially in Antarctica, there are no means of evacuation and the ship serves as an ambulance in case of severe medical incidents. Therefor, we recommend you only take part in an expedition to the polar regions when you are in good health and free from any life-threatening conditions.
When packing for a polar expedition, don’t weigh yourself down with too many clothes. Storage space is often limited on board. It’s advisable to pack your luggage in a soft-sided, collapsible bag or trolley that can be easily stored away. Select informal, practical clothing for your trip that can be worn in layers. For a Polar Snorkeling expedition you will require some specific items.
You will receive a detailed packing list prior to departure. Boots are usually provided on board, and on some expeditions a waterproof jacket is also included.
Below you’ll find a basic packing list for expeditions to the polar regions:
- Sturdy warm shoes with non-slip soles
- Water- and windproof jacket with attached hood
- Water resistant trousers (for example ski pants or rain pants)
- Fleece jacket or warm wool sweaters
- Thermal underwear, leggings, long-sleeve shirts and (ski-)socks
- Mittens or gloves and preferably thin liner gloves to wear underneath.
- Woollen hat, cap or beanie that covers your ears
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Waterproof dry bag to keep your camera and other gear dry during excursions
- Camera or GoPro, plenty of memory cards and new batteries
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
Travel insurance including worldwide medical evacuation & repatriation coverage is mandatory for all our expeditions. We also strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip due to an unforseen reason.
We advise you to take out the following insurances:
- Emergency Medical Transportation & Repatriation- Mandatory
- Trip Cancellation / Interruption – Highly recommended
- Baggage Loss / Delay – Optional
Contact your local insurance agent or have a look at the companies below for a travel insurance package:
Please note, for some expeditions, additional insurance coverage might be required.
We recommend you to book your own flight tickets.
If you prefer us to book your flights, we charge a € 250 fee per flight booking.
Please note that quoted prices for flight tickets are always subject to availability. The final price depends on the available fare at the moment of booking.
Winter Whales of Norway
During our expeditions from the end of October to mid-January you have the best possibilities to see whales and orcas. They usually come to the north of Norway during this period, however we can’t guarantee any wildlife sightings.
Please note that days are short during the winter months. At the end of November, the polar night sets in. From mid-December until the second week of January it’s too dark for us to go out on the water. Therefor, we don’t offer any trips during this period. Have a look at the following website for the amount of daylight during our expeditions: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/norway/tromso
Our trips take place during the winter months, and we travel above the arctic circle. It can be calm and sunny weather, but rain, snow and even storms are not uncommon. Expect temperatures to be slightly below freezing during the day.
The starting point of our voyages is Tromsø, located in Northern Norway. It has it’s own airport Tromsø Langnes (TOS) which is only 10 minutes from the city center.
Embarkation/boarding usually starts at 16.30 on the first day. We will gather at a hotel near the harbour in the center of Tromso. From the hotel we will either walk to the ship or we will arrange transport if the ship is not docked in the city center.
Our meeting point is at the Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø, which is close to where our ships are usually docked. You will receive more detailed travel information several weeks prior to departure.
Arrive in Tromsø at least one day before embarkation to avoid issues with flight delays or lost luggage. The ship cannot wait for delayed passengers!
For our Winter Whales of Norway expeditions, we provide a complete snorkeling package from our partner, Waterproof Sweden. This package includes:
- D9 Snorkel Drysuit
- High Visibility Hood
- 7 mm Mittens
- Marine Boots
- Fins, Snorkel and Mask
You are also welcome to bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer.
Thermal Overalls
Special thermal overalls are available for rent. Please make sure to reserve these when you book your trip. From our 2026 season onwards, the thermal overalls will be included in the price of your expedition.
Drysuit Fitting and Sizing
We carry a limited range of drysuit sizes on board: S, M, L, XL and XXL. You will receive a form to indicate your preferred size several months before departure. A fitting session is typically held on the first evening of your voyage. If your suit doesn’t fit properly, our guides will do their best to find a suitable alternative. Men’s and women’s suits are interchangeable, and we usually have a few spare drysuits available. However, please note that we cannot cannot be held liable if the size you selected does not fit. If you are uncertain of a fitting size, we strongly recommend bringing your own drysuit which you have tried out prior to the trip.
You can find our size chart and more details about the snorkeling equipment here: Snorkeling Package
The minimum age for children on our expedition cruises in Northern Norway is 12 years old. Due to the nature of our expeditions they must be under constant parental supervision and must share a cabin with their parent.
Please note that our polar snorkeling activity is accessible for passengers from 16 years and older but only when a drysuit is available in their size. The drysuits provided on board start from size extra small, which is a EU women’s size 34. It is also allowed to bring your own drysuit.
We have WiFi onboard our ships, however this is not always stable and additional charges can apply depending on the vessel. We are usually close enough to shore to access mobile phone reception and data roaming.
In Norway, you are generally allowed to fly in the open category if you are registered as an operator. However, any drone use during the expedition must be approved by both the expedition leader and the captain to ensure it doesn’t disturb wildlife or interfere with operations. Please notify us upfront when making your booking in case you would like to bring a drone.
Drones can only be launched from the ship, and flights are limited to daylight hours and calm weather conditions. These windows often overlap with our snorkeling activities, so if you choose to fly your drone, you’ll need to remain on board while others head out on the water.
General rules for flying a drone in Norway:
- Your drone must be registered.
- For drones up to 2.5 kg, the maximum speed limit is 60 knots (111 km/h) and for aircrafts up to 25 kg the maximum speed limit is 80 knots (145 km/h).
- Maximum altitude is 120 metres.
- Stay at least 50 metres from the whales.
- Only 1 drone is allowed to film a whale or group of whales at any one time.
- Keep the drone in sight at all times and only fly in daylight.
- You are required to have a responsibility insurance.
Tips for the ship’s crew and expedition guides are handled separately.
- The customary tip for the crew is distributed among all crew members, and preferably in cash (EUR/USD/NOK).
- Tips for the two expedition guides are also preferably given in cash (EUR/USD/NOK).
Your guides will provide practical instructions towards the end of the voyage. The amount you wish to give is entirely at your own discretion. As a general guideline, many guests tip €15–20 per person per day
Svalbard Signature Expeditions
Starting January 1, 2025, all tourist ships in Svalbard must follow new rules designed to protect the environment and safeguard wildlife in this fragile Arctic ecosystem. These changes respond to the challenges of climate change and increasing visitor numbers, ensuring that Svalbard remains an extraordinary destination and a unique opportunity to see Arctic animals in their natural habitat. You’ll continue to enjoy close encounters with Arctic wildlife, alongside breathtaking landscapes, all in a responsible and sustainable way.
Key Restrictions in Protected Areas
- Passenger Limit: Ships may carry a maximum of 200 passengers.
- Landing Sites: Landings are limited to 43 approved sites, with 13 sites restricted to 39 guests at a time.
- Drone Use: Drones are strictly prohibited in all protected areas to prevent disturbance to wildlife.
These changes have little to no impact on our Svalbard Signature Expeditions. Our journeys take place aboard small ships with just 12 guests, so we continue to enjoy access to all approved landing sites in Svalbard without restrictions. At the same time, our high ice-class vessels allow us to venture beyond Svalbard’s territorial waters into the pack ice, where incredible wildlife encounters await. This flexibility means you’ll experience the Arctic as it truly is, wild, remote, and unforgettable.
From 2025 onward, new regulations will help protect Svalbard’s incredible wildlife. Here’s what that means for your expedition:
- Polar Bears: From July to February Always keep 300 meters , and 500 meters from March to June. (Approaching polar bears has never been allowed and remains strictly prohibited.)
- Walrus Haul-Out Sites: Stay at least 50 meters away on land, and 150 meters by boat. Boats must keep a slow speed of 5 knots within 300 meters.
- Bird Colonies: To avoid disturbing nesting birds, boats must travel at 5 knots or less within 500 meters of certain cliffs.
These rules are in place to protect wildlife and ensure you enjoy the Arctic responsibly. Our guides are experts at finding the best viewing spots while respecting these distances. You’ll still have incredible opportunities to see wildlife, not to mention the stunning landscapes.
Regular visitors are not allowed to use drones in Svalbard according to AECO guidelines. Svalbard is one of the most pristine and fragile ecosystems on Earth. While drones may seem like a great way to capture the Arctic’s beauty, they pose serious risks to wildlife and the environment.
In addition to that, the Governor of Svalbard administers the environmental regulations in Svalbard. This includes strict regulations around the usage of drones by professionals. Drones are banned in all protected areas, near bird cliffs during breeding season, and within several kilometers of airports and settlements. Permits are required for most operations, and violations can lead to heavy fines.
For these reasons, we strongly recommend not bringing a drone to Svalbard. Instead, immerse yourself in the experience. Our guides will help you capture incredible moments with your camera while respecting nature. The Arctic’s magic is best enjoyed quietly, without disrupting the wildlife that makes it so special.
Tips for the ship’s crew and expedition guides are handled separately.
- The customary tip for the crew is distributed among all crew members, and preferably in cash (EUR/USD/NOK).
- Tips for the two expedition guides are also preferably given in cash (EUR/USD/NOK).
Your guides will provide practical instructions towards the end of the voyage. The amount you wish to give is entirely at your own discretion. As a general guideline, many guests tip €15–20 per person per day
Payments
We require a 30% deposit to confirm your booking. Once we have received your deposit, your reservation is confirmed and your place onboard guaranteed. The final payment is due 3 months prior to departure.
You can make your payment by bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).
When paying via bank wire transfer, please make sure to include all bank charges for both sending and receiving banks. The bank information and payment details can be found on your invoice.
If you prefer to pay by credit card, we will provide you with a secure credit card payment link. Please note that we charge a 4% service fee for credit card payments.
As a valued Waterproof explorer you will receive a 5% repeaters discount on any of our future expeditions!
In case you need to cancel you expedition, please inform us by e-mail before the start of the expedition. In the case of cancellation, the following cancellation costs apply:
– Until and including 90 days prior to departure: Deposits are lost.
– From 89 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price
Please note, deposits are non-refundable. It is possible that different cancellation fees apply to different travel components (e.g. in the case of direct issuing of air tickets, the cancellation costs are 100%).
If you wish to change your already booked expedition (e.g. the departure date, destination, ship, etc.), this is considered as a cancellation and cancellation costs will apply. In case of minor changes, we will need to charge reservation costs of at least 50 EURO or an equal amount in US$ per alteration. Please contact us via e-mail if you are looking to change your reservation.
We advise you to take out trip cancellation insurance to cover yourself for unexpected costs in case you need to cancel your reservation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Tips for the ship’s crew and expedition guides are handled separately.
- The customary tip for the crew is distributed among all crew members, and preferably in cash (EUR/USD/NOK).
- Tips for the two expedition guides are also preferably given in cash (EUR/USD/NOK).
Your guides will provide practical instructions towards the end of the voyage. The amount you wish to give is entirely at your own discretion. As a general guideline, many guests tip €15–20 per person per day
Always stay aware of the common tricks and phishing scams thieves use to obtain your sensitive information. Hackers may be trying to intercept, manipulate or impersonate our communications. Please be especially alert to suspicious emails or requests, especially those related to payments.
Please note that:
- We operate exclusively from the Netherlands.
- We always use the same bank account in the Netherlands and have no intention to change this.
- When making payments always use Waterproof Expeditions as the beneficiary with reference to your invoice number and/ or passenger name.
If you have any doubt as to the legitimacy of Waterproof’s communication, please do not click on any links or provide information before contacting us via another method, preferably by phone or whatsapp message. Above all, do not reply to the original fraudulent email.
Your security and the protection of your data are our highest priority.