World Photo Travels | Photography Tours and Expeditions
- Mike Reyfman
Where Icebergs are Born• Expedition Cruise, Eastern Greenland, September 2024
Start: September 11, 2024, Reykjavík, Iceland
End: Septtember 19, 2024, Reykjavík, Iceland
Group: Maximum 12 guests
Price: From $10500
Round trip flights from Reykjavik to Constable Point included
SOLD OUT! Please register for the waiting list and we will notify you if spots become available.
About our Scoresby Sound Photo-Expedition
The Scoresby Sund (Kangertittivaq) in East Greenland is the largest fjord system in the world and the home to one of the most dramatic landscape settings on Earth. Icebergs like in Antarctica, mountain peaks like in Patagonia, fjords like in Norway all gathered in one place. The multi-faceted flora of Greenlandic tundra and large mammals including Seal, Musk Ox, and Polar Bear, are also great highlights of the area.
Vibrant reds and oranges of autumn Arctic tundra, depthless blues of the icebergs serenely floating among the fjords, and Aurora lightening starry sky will fill your viewfinders if you decide to join us on this unique expedition. Become one of a small elite group of photographers that gets to experience it in person and capture it in your photos and videos.
The beauty of this part of the world is raw and visceral and photography expeditions rarely venture here. If you’re looking for a truly unique photo experience and want to capture these unparalleled landscapes, reserve your spot today.
Please watch the video and look through the photo gallery (all taken during a single trip). This will give you a hint about the photographic potential of the place.
☛ FEATURE: SEASIKNESS FREE. Crossing the Denmark Strait could be a challenging experience as this passage is famous for strong storms and heavy seas. To avoid spending several days in bumpy seas we arranged flights from Iceland to Greenland and back. The flight takes around 90 minutes each way. The time-saving flights not only allow us to shorten the total length of the trip but also make this trip appealing for people prone to seasickness, as the voyage will start and end within the sheltered waters of a massive Scoresby Sund fjord system.
☛ FEATURE: NORTHERN LIGHTS. In September, the nights are coming back to Greenland. We will check the Aurora Forecast and will make sure we are in the right spot during a promising night to photograph Northern lights over the beautiful icebergs and mountains!
☛ FEATURE: SMALL GROUP In spite of the total capacity of 18 clients, we will limit the group size to a maximum of 12 participants to make our Zodiac cruising and onboard experience more pleasant.
☛ FEATURE: DRONE FRIENDLY. On this trip, we are continuing to introduce our idea to make some of our trips "drone friendly". Our ship MV Freya has a large open deck and is a great floating platform for drone launch and landing. Don't worry if you have no experience flying from the "carrier". Our Chief flight instructor Yves Adams has a successful record in bringing back "runaway" drones for our clients. Participants will also be able to do shore landings with time for aerial photography. Just imagine how beautiful the icebergs will look from the air, when bright blue underwater parts are visible!
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 | September 11, 2024
- Our flight to Greenland departs in the morning on September 12 from Reykjavik Airport (RKV). Please arrive in Iceland (Keflavik International Airport) on September 11 to minimize the impact of international flight and luggage delays and prepare for the following morning’s flight to Greenland.
- Accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik in front of the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church is included (twin rooms). It takes approximately 45 minutes by “Fly Bus” from the Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to downtown Reykjavik.
- For those arriving prior to September 11, downtown Reykjavik offers many excellent options for accommodations, dining, and activities, in and around the city.
Day 2 | September 12, 2024
- In the morning we transfer to Reykjavik airport (RKV) for our flight to Constable Point.
- Board MV Freya @ approximately 3:30 p.m.
- Our exploration of the Scoresby Sund fjord system begins after a safety briefing. Icebergs are already in our viewfinders and the excitement of adventure ahead of us is overwhelming!
Days 3-7 | September 13-17, 2024
- We will spend time exploring and photographing the incredible landscapes and icebergs of the Scoresby Sound. Our actual daily itinerary will depend on the prevailing weather and ice conditions as well as the wildlife presence. A briefing will be given each morning and evening on what to expect and how to prepare for the upcoming photographic activities.
- We will make shore and Zodiac excursions to photograph the awe-inspiring Arctic landscapes of Scoresby Sound and look for the local wildlife. These fjords are home to the most incredible iceberg formations in the world. In the best locations, we will reserve a decent amount of time for those who want to fly drones. Greenland does not have the density of Arctic wildlife as we normally see on Svalbard, but there are good possibilities for photographing Arctic hare, seals, seabirds, musk oxen and even polar bear.
Day 8 | September 18, 2024
- This morning finds us exploring the landscapes and huge icebergs along the southwestern coast of Jameson Land. The afternoon takes us further into Hurry Inlet for another opportunity to explore on land and photograph the surrounding arctic terrain.
- We end this day with our ship anchored near Constable Point.
Day 9 | September 19, 2024
- We make our final landing at Constable Point this afternoon as we disembark MV Freya and meet our charter flight back to Reykjavik.
- Due to our late afternoon arrival time, we recommend booking a hotel in Keflavik or Reykjavik.*
*We are traveling in the Arctic region and there is always a possibility of a flight delay due to inclement weather conditions such as fog, heavy winds, etc. If you are planning to fly back home from Iceland on September 19 we recommend buying flexible tickets for this leg. You can also add an extra day to your trip and spend it in Reykjavík - "the smallest big city in the world". There are just so many things to see and do.
Expedition Route
The Scoresby Sound on Greenland’s east coast is the largest fjord system in the world, and the major focus of our exciting photography cruise. Scoresby Sound pierces East Greenland for nearly 70 miles. Numerous fjords radiate from the sound—the longest is 130 miles long—and extend to the edge of the inland ice cap. The fjords are fed by the seasonal “flow” of the immense glaciers. This is one of the birthplaces of Greenland’s famous giant icebergs.
We built this itinerary trying to make our expedition the most effective. The selection of places that we are planning to visit represents most of Scoresby Sound incredible photographic potential. Our passages and landings will depend not only on our desires but also on the current weather and ice conditions and we will be very flexible to make the most of our time spent in Greenland.
What is Included
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- World-class team of leaders: Mike Reyfman and Yves Adams, offering generous instruction, guidance, and feedback throughout the expedition.
- One night accomodation in Reykjavik.
- Ptivate charter to Reykjavik Aairport.
- Roundtrip flights Reykjavik - Constable Point.
- All nights onboard the MV Freya.
- All meals onboard the vessel.
- Excursions with two Zodiacs.
- All permits and park fees.
- Big icebergs, saw-toothed rocky peaks, countless glaciers, and lots of fun!
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Travel to and from Reykjavík, Iceland.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Мeals in Iceland.
- Accommodations in Iceland after the workshop.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Medical & Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Tips for the crew.
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
Expedition Ship MV Freya
With a crew of 9 and planty of space to accommodate clients, MV Freya is an ideal base for this expedition. The highest ice class (1A) makes our travel safe like onboard a big icebreaker but it feels intimate like sailing on a private yacht. We'll have onboard a highly experienced photo guide, an expedition leader, and a polar guide.
With an engine power of 1360 hp, the highest ice class (1A), and certificates for unrestricted trade, MS Freya is without a doubt an excellent expedition ship for polar regions. With an experienced Swedish team and a captain that has made hundreds of expeditions on similar boats in Arctic waters, our voyage will be safe. Our Expedition Leader for this trip has been chosen for his extensive experience in the Arctic. Low vessel draft allows us to sail into fjords and bays that are closed for big cruise ships.
MS Freya is one of the best ships in the Arctic for Polar exploration and Photography. She is spacious and well suited for photography vessel. Two Zodiacs will let all clients land and explore at the same time.
The ship has 2 Single cabins with private WC / shower, 6 Twin cabins with private WC / shower and one Mini suite with a double bed and private WC / shower along with cabins for the crew and expedition staff. Bed linens and towels are provided. Food service will be at a designated time, but we intend to be flexible. The chef has a varied and tasty menu and European cuisine is tasty and various on board. You can always have tea, coffee and drinks from the bar. The sauna on board the MV Freya is the best way to end the day!
Registration
Deep fjords and vast glaciers, ridged mountain peaks and huge icebergs, Musk Ox and Polar Bear, unspoiled nature and a deafening silence ...
The Scoresby Sund (Kangertittivaq) in East Greenland is the largest fjord system in the world and the home to one of the most dramatic landscape settings on earth. Icebergs like in Antarctica, mountain peaks like in Patagonia, fjords like in Norway all gathered in one place - the Scoresby Sund. The multi-faceted flora of Greenlandic tundra and large mammals including Seal, Musk Ox, and Polar Bear, are also great highlights of the area. From the vibrant reds and oranges of the glacier-carved terrain to the depthless blues of the icebergs that serenely float among the fjords, the overwhelming beauty of this vast fjord system fascinates any photographer who is lucky to visit this remote and rarely visited part of Greenland. The main structure of Scoresby Sund is about 110 km (approx. 68 mi) long, with a large number of islands and numerous side fjords, of which the longest extends to about 350 km from the coastline inland. Some of the fjords further inland are up to 1,450 m (4,760 ft) deep. The town of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in this remote area. The name of this town with about 490 native Greenland inhabitants, the Inuit, translates into something like “those who live in big houses”. The sea ice blocks ship access to Ittoqqortoormiit for up to nine months of the year.
South Georgia 2023 & Svalbard 2024 expeditions
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.
– Agnes Koltay, UAE/Hungary
South Georgia, Patagonia & Iguazu Falls workshops 2023
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.
– Ruyin Ye, US/Hong Kong
South Georgia Expedition 2023
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
– John Rubin, US
South Georgia Island Photography Expedition 2023
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!
– Barbara Tricarico, US
Multiple trips with World Photo Travels in 2009-2022
I am a recreational photographer and have taken multiple trips with World Photo Travels. I love going on tours with this group because you will be immersed in opportunities to photograph beautiful places. I've taken other photo trips with companies and none have compared to World Photo Travels. You will be treated to golden hour photography mornings and evenings and the spots are scouted in advance to make sure it is a smooth experience. After that, all you will need is for mother nature to cooperate with her magic wand!– Iza W
Namibia 2017 workshop
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.
– Svetlana Magdel, US
Greenland 2018 & 2022 Scoresby Sund Expeditions
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!
– Diana G, Canada
Svalbard 2023
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.
– Steven Wachtel, US
Svalbard June 2023 Expedition
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.
– Keith Fleming, UK/Scotland
Scoresby Sund Expedition, Greenland, 2022
I had the pleasure of taking a trip with World Photo Travels and it was the most amazing trip! It was organized perfectly and Mike is an amazing photographer, but most of all, he is an amazing teacher. If you want to see exotic places, not think about any of the logistics, and most of all, take your photography to a totally different level - Mike and World Photo Travels are exactly what the doctor ordered. I'll be definitely traveling with Mike more!– Alla Gribov, US
Greenland 2022 Scoresby Sund Expedition
I enjoyed every second of this trip, not only because of the scenery but also for the perfect organization. Both the tour leader and the guides were knowledgeable, kind, and prepared to take you when and where the most interesting scenes could occur. Also, I'd like to emphasize the multicultural environment we were in, and last but not least - the tasty kitchen.– János Demeter, Hungary
2022 Scoresby Sund Expedition
Amazing and well-organized journey. Tons of great memories and stunning photos. Thank you Mike Reyfman for the unforgettable experience– Evgueni Strok, Canada
Svalbard 2023 Expedition
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!
– Alex Ferri, UK
Cypress Swamps 2021 Workshop
Mike and Dmitry thank you for making my first Photo Workshop with you and my first workshop since Covid so fantastic! The effort and energy that you put into securing canoes, kayaks, and wonderful accommodations in remote locations made for such an enjoyable and memorable trip. We made photos during the day and formed friendships in the evening as we shared wonderful home-cooked meals, discussed our day, and learned photo tips for composition while on the water. I look forward to traveling with you again!– Brenda Mitchell, US
Cypress Swamps 2022 Workshop
For many years now I wanted to go to the swamps. The workshop really exceeded by far my expectations. The spots were beautiful, the timing was excellent, learned a lot, took beautiful pictures, and had a great time with all of you. Could not ask for more. Thanks a lot! Hope to see you on another trip.– Laura Greenham, Mexico
Cypress Swamps 2022 Workshop
I attended a fantastic photographic workshop in the swamps of Louisiana and Texas. Our leaders Dmitry and Mike were perfect teachers, organizers, and best friends. We all had a great time, and I would highly recommend this experience to anybody passionate about photography. I can't wait to book some other destination with them.– Marco Brazzola, Switzerland
Cypress Swamps 2021 Workshop
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!
– Valerie Laney, US
Svalbard 2019 Expedition
Trip of a lifetime I have dreamt about seeing the Arctic for years and when I heard about 10 days on a small ship with a bunch of photographers from various backgrounds, I was sold. Mike and Dimitry were great photography leads, helpful regarding photography tips, and genuinely concerned about their client's experiences. Before the expedition, Mike and Dimitry advised on gear, travel, and photography equipment. They also talked with me on the phone to ensure I would be a good fit for the group as the trip does involve being on a boat for 10 days with strangers. By the end of the trip, you are all singing, drinking, laughing, and sharing photos.– John Di Tomaso, USA
