Start: January/February 2026, TBD* | Punta Arenas, Chile
End: January/February 2026, TBD* | Punta Arenas, Chile
Group: Maximum 15 guests
Price: From $15900 $14900 (Before August 27, 2025)
Round-trip flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica are included
Photography Leaders:
Mike Reyfman,
Dmitry Arkhipov
Experienced Captain, Professional Crew, and Expert Cook
☛ *DATES: We are currently working on confirming dates with the ship and airline. Please subscribe to our mailing list and stay tuned for updates.
«On the edge of our planet lies, like a sleeping princess, the earth clad in blue. Sinister and beautiful, she lies in her frosty slumber, in the folds of a mantle of snow, glowing with amethysts and emeralds of ice. She sleeps in the play of the icy halos of the Moon and the Sun, and her horizons are painted in pink, blue, gold, and green tones of pastel ... Such is Antarctica - a continent almost equal in area to South America, whose internal regions are actually less known to us than the illuminated side of the Moon».
These beautiful words written by US naval officer and polar explorer Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. in 1947 remain correct today.
From a visual point of view, little has changed here over the past 80 years, but the logistics have changed a lot. Since the early 2000s, many travel companies have been organizing trips to Antarctica. The most popular type of Antarctic tourism today is an expeditionary sea cruise. There is at least one drawback to this kind of Antarctic tourism for the photographer - the huge number of people on board and as a result - on shore. Modern technologies, navigation, and communication systems are allowing traveling to Antarctica in smaller vessels and we are happy to offer you a such unique opportunity.
If you’re looking to experience one of the most untouched regions of the world in an intimate, unhurried way away from the crowds — we are pleased to offer this private-charter photographic expedition aboard the Schooner Elsi to you!
Exploring Antarctica on a schooner gives us an opportunity to choose the best spots and conditions for photography. Each day will be different! We can photograph icebergs and wildlife from the schooner and zodiacs, land at penguin colonies, and explore historic scientific bases and whaling sites. The flexibility allows us to take full advantage of whatever Antarctica offers, from enjoying incredible southern sunset on the shore to following a pod of bubble-feeding whales with Elsi. We can stop, enjoy and photograph every time we want. The crew and itinerary flexibility mean that when there is an opportunity – we go for it.
We’ll also be able to push back the meal time if something interesting is going on onshore or in the water.
☛EXPEDITION FEATURES: RED SAILS & DRONES
We will have the unique opportunity to capture breathtaking photographs of a beautifully positioned schooner, framed by the awe-inspiring scenery of towering icebergs and majestic glaciers. This experience will enable us to fully use the photographic potential of the dramatic surroundings, providing ample opportunities to compose and capture the perfect shot of the iconic Antarctic landscape.
Additionally, in some locations, we will have the opportunity to fly drones. No drones will be flown near wildlife, but just imagine how incredible the icebergs will look from the air, with their bright blue underwater parts visible and the beautiful red-sailed ship positioned in front of them! Flying a drone from a floating platform is not easy, but don’t worry if you have no experience flying from a "carrier." Our Chief Flight Instructor, Dmitry Arkhipov, successfully brings back "runaway" drones for our clients.
☛EXPEDITION LOGISTICS: INCLUDED FLIGHTS OVER DRAKE PASSAGE
On this trip, we are not spending time crossing the Drake Passage. Instead, a round-trip flight to King George Island, which typically costs between $6,000 and $8,000, is included.
By flying over the Drake Passage, we maximize our time in Antarctica. This means ten full days immersed in the icy landscape, surrounded by icebergs, whales, and penguins. Even if there are a few snowy days, with ten days, you have a higher chance of witnessing spectacular high-latitude sunsets. This extended period spent entirely around the Antarctic Peninsula allows us to experience the true Antarctica, notice subtle changes, and observe the unique details of each penguin colony.
☛EXPEDITION FOCUS: BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE PHOTOGRAPHING ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPES
This expedition is dedicated to the specific needs and interests of photographers and is crafted to get the best experience possible photographing Antarctic wildlife and Landscapes. Vast Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguin colonies will be at the top of our priority list. Other photogenic wildlife we expect to meet includes several species of seals such as Weddell, Crabeater, Fur, Elephant, and Leopard seals. There are also many interesting birds around including Giant Southern Petrels, South Polar Skuas, Antarctic Terns, Blue-eyed Shags, and others. Several species of whales frequent cold Antarctic waters and with some luck, we can witness the unique bubble-net feeding performance. Antarctica is one of the hot spots for photographing wildlife in a great landscape. The breathtaking snow-covered landscape combined with the abundance of wildlife will be among our main subjects.
☛EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
To get an idea of the sort of wildlife and landscape photographs you can take on this expedition please look through the Gallery. You can play the full-screen slideshow even on your phone (just flip it horizontally).
We built this itinerary trying to make our expedition the most effective. We have favorite places on the Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, and always try to visit them. Nevertheless, the route depends not only on our desires but also on the current weather and ice situation. We will take advantage of weather and light to maximize our photographic opportunities at all times.
Your photography leaders have ultimate knowledge of the best landing spots, animal and bird behavior, and shooting in different, at times challenging Antarctic weather conditions. We will be permanently working with the captain to optimize our route and grab the best opportunities Antarctica will offer.
Steel sailing vessel for expeditions to the remote parts of the world
The two-masted schooner Elsi was built in 1986 by the German shipyard Blumenthaler Werft as a training expedition ship. In 2013, an extensive reconstruction and equipment of the sailboat was carried out for operation in the high latitudes of the Arctic and Antarctic. Subsequently, the schooner was used in medical humanitarian expeditions to remote corners of the world.
On board is a professional crew of five with extensive experience in sailing icy waters: Captain, First Mate, two sailors, and talented cook.
The yacht is ready for expeditions in sub-polar regions under any weather conditions.
For a comfortable stay of guests and crew on board, there are:
Schooner Elsi Deck Plan
Cabins & Prices
TRIPLE CABINS 1, 2 & 3 | $15900 $14,900 (before August 27, 2024)
Two lower and two upper berths. Shared Bathroom.
This cabin can accommodate four people, but we have limited occupancy to three guests for added comfort.
EXTRA CONFORT TWIN/DOUBLE CABINS 4, 5 & 6 | $16900 $15,900 (before August 27, 2024)
One lower (twin) and one upper (single) berths. Shared Bathroom.
Prices quoted per person in US$, are based on twin and triple share. If you wish to have your own private cabin, you can book a twin cabin as a single. The single occupancy supplement is 100% of the twin share price. No single accommodation available in the triple cabin.
Participating in this voyage does not require a high level of physical fitness but the length, commitment, and remoteness of this expedition require participants to be in overall good physical and mental health.
We will be on one of the biggest and most comfortable sailing boats operating in the Antarctic, with private double and triple cabins, a water maker, 3 bathrooms with hot showers, and a 24/7 running heater keeping the inside dry, warm, and cozy. Anyway, sailing on an Expedition Schooner means that the cabins and common places are rather small and all the crew and passengers share pretty much everything. It can be considered an Adventure in its true meaning!
This voyage is tailored for amateur as well as professional photographers, but you don’t need to be a photographer to join us on this expedition.
Payments are non-refundable. Please visit the "Terms & Conditions" page for our full Refunds and Cancellations Policy.
If you are excited by the idea of photographing the dramatic landscape and wildlife of Antarctica with a very small group of just fefteen photographers - now is the time to book your spot! Please fill out the registration form and we will send you payment instructions if the desired spot is available. Places are limited and once they are spoken for that's it!
I attended two trips with Mike, both were very well organized and value for money. I returned with many jaw dropping shots, and experiencing those animals in real life was even more exhilarating. I would go with him again and again - and eventually will.
I just came back from a four-week trip to South Georgia Island, Patagonia, and Iguazu Falls with Mike. It was a trip of a lifetime. Some of these places are remote and hard to get to. Mike managed and organized all of it. I would probably have never gone to these places if I had not joined his group. He had been very responsive and helpful during the time leading up to the trip; I asked him countless questions about camera gear, backpacks and clothing items to bring. He patiently answered them all. He was also extremely helpful during the trip, offering technical support, giving suggestions, and even offering an extra day to make up for a rained-out day. Overall, I had a wonderful time and took loads and loads of photos to take home to process.
I want to thank you for an amazing trip to South Georgia. My last-minute switch to your trip was a blessing in disguise. It was definitely one of my best trips ever- and the group made it so special. With the focus on photography with all of the amazing photographers you brought from all over the world - it could not have been better
One of my favorite trips of all times! Mike Reyfman was very responsive the full year before we left. I was in good hands every step of the way with the expedition team. I saw everything I'd hoped to see (and more). Highly recommend!
From the first time I saw Mike's captivating Namibia pictures, I knew this is the place I must see. I signed up for the next expedition without hesitation. And yes, I got everything and even more than I expected: spectacular scenery of Namib Desert and Sossusvlei, mesmerizing ghost town Kolmanskop, surreal sights of Deadvlei, scenic helicopter rides over the desert and ocean with mind-blowing views, desert "rollercoaster" rides, and safari game drives. It had been an unforgettable and unique experience. The logistics of the trip were extremely complex, but they were very well and thoughtfully crafted by Mike, with attention to details such as exclusive lodge locations where we stayed, ensuring we enjoyed the accommodations and were always in the right place at the right time.
Mike's leadership, professionalism, and willingness to help every member of the team go above and beyond. He shared his experience, knowledge, and skills and made sure we were able to get That perfect shot. Participating in Mike's expeditions is always a very inspirational, enriching, and learning experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared it with such a passionate and talented photographer.
I did two Greenland trips with World Photo Travels and I was absolutely impressed by the outstanding service provided by the company's founder Mike Reyfman. Both times the planning and expectations for the adventure were very well communicated and executed. Mike provided sufficient pre-departure information and helpful tips for the participants to properly prepare for the sailing photo tour in the Wild North.
Everything was handled perfectly during the trip. The boat, the crew, the guides, and the itinerary they chose were excellent. Everybody did their best to make the most out of the trip. It was a great Arctic adventure with comfortable onboard accommodations and elaborate cuisine. There were two photo guides so we had plenty of opportunities for one-on-one feedback and professional help and tips to boost our photography skills. The shooting locations and times were carefully selected; the guides and the boat captain worked as a team choosing the best route and navigation to give us paramount vantage points for shooting.
World Photo Travels is not just about photography but the experiences, the people, great social time, and lots of fun!
Great trip. Mike worked constantly with the crew and expedition guides to maximize our opportunities at all times of day and "night" - photo opportunities 'round the clock in the Arctic midnight sun - even waking us for 0-hour zodiac excursions. Can't say enough about the ship crew and the tour leads in making it the best trip possible.
Svalbard was a five-star plus photo expedition The location offers an unprecedented number of photo opportunities; both wildlife and landscape. It is truly dramatic. Each day of the expedition brought a new experience as we sailed around the archipelago. Mike was a first-class leader of the expedition always on hand to offer support and advice with each photo opportunity. Mike has a wealth of experience and knowledge.
It is also worth highlighting his partnership with Yves, our Expedition Leader. Yves was a critical element to the overall success with his in-depth knowledge of Svalbard and its wildlife inhabitants. Freya is a "first-class base" for the trip; well-equipped, superb crew, great food, and extremely comfortable cabins and social space. Over and above the "photography side" of the trip, it was a very sociable trip with many very talented amateur photographers coming together from different continents.
I just got back from an EPIC trip ice-breaking through Svalbard. Usually, when I go on these trips as weather and animal sightings can be so unpredictable, my expectation is to go home with ONE framable photo! However, on this trip, I easily have 10 framable photos plus many hundreds of great images of rare animals in their natural habitat! Beautiful!
One of the things I love about Mike's trips is that they are for real photography, there is no compromise. If we don't sleep in days to get the shot, then we don't sleep! But get the shot. Too many of these tours end up being travel and not photography. So for this reason, if you want the shot, you book one of Mike's trips. This is my second time with him and another thing that stands out is the quality of the guides, they have always been above excellent and super dedicated to the cause, which is always enjoyable and refreshing. This trip was truly great as we also had an amazing mixed group of nationalities. Look forward to the next trip!
I just got back from an AMAZING photo tour to the Cypress Swamps hosted by Mike Reyfman and Dmitry Arkhipov! Mike and Dimitry planned and executed everything beautifully. They know exactly where and when to take you for the best photographs, as he knows these swamps so well. Mike and Dmitry both are world-class photographers and they shared their knowledge with us throughout the trip. If we had questions (no matter what kind of cameras we had), they had answers. It was also a great group! For a few days, we stayed in these cabins and it was a fun time collaborating on photography, cooking, and eating meals together. and establishing friendships...it really made this tour special!
I will definitely be taking another tour with Mike and/or Dmitry...hopefully soon!