Svalbard Polar Bear Photo Expeditions, Tours & Safaris

Svalbard Expedition 2026 & other trips

I have traveled with Mike on three trips, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. As a photographer himself, Mike designs his trips with photographers' needs in mind. The groups are small, the itineraries are flexible, and he makes the most of changing weather conditions to create the best photographic opportunities. Every trip with him is a wonderful experience. I highly recommend World Photo Travels!

Ultimate Namibia, 2025

Dear Mike, thank you for the wonderful trip to Namibia! It exceeded all my expectations and amazed me with its incredible diversity. Excellent organization, great company, and impeccable planning are always the keys to a successful trip. I'm very happy with my photographic "catch" from this adventure! Looking forward to our next trip together!

Mashatu, Botswana & Ultimate Namibia 2025

In the spring of 2025, I had an amazing trip through Southern Africa. It was a perfectly organized journey by true professionals. Mike Reyfman is not only a top-level photographer but also an excellent travel organizer.

This wasn't my first trip with World Photo Travels, but the most recent one to Namibia and Botswana impressed me the most. If three things align - time, health, and finances - I will definitely explore more countries with Mike and his company.

Svalbard 2026 Expedition

It’s always a pleasure to travel with World Photo Travels. An amazing experience. Mike is a special person.

Lower Zambezi NP & Mashatu Game Reserve | Zambia/Botswana, 2026

A truly unforgettable journey with World Photo Travels — two back-to-back safaris through Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia, and Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana. The breathtaking landscapes filled with magical light, incredible wildlife with amazing action, plenty of adrenaline, and that awe-filled feeling of being completely immersed in nature made every day special.

A heartfelt thank you to Mike, our wonderful guide, whose knowledge, passion, and warm personality made this adventure so memorable — and whose planning kept the logistics between the two countries seamless, so we never lost a moment to transfers or downtime. The selection of accommodations exceeded expectations: perfectly connected to the surrounding wilderness, with staff offering genuine hospitality and personalized attention. The professional and knowledgeable local guides always seemed to know exactly where to be at the right time, creating truly extraordinary wildlife experiences.

An incredible adventure with unforgettable memories!

Desert & Stone Landscape Workshop | California 2025

One of the most wonderful and memorable trips I have ever taken. Mike Reyfman proved to be an excellent organizer, and the itinerary was thoughtfully planned from start to finish. Weather is always a crucial factor on landscape-focused photo tours, and November in California can be unpredictable, but Mike always had alternative locations ready for any challenge we encountered. We never had to wait for the weather. There was always an opportunity to photograph, and the results speak for themselves. I came home with many strong, impressive images.

We traveled comfortably in a spacious, terrain-capable vehicle along the iconic roads of the Far West, soaking in the spirit of the place, and stayed in authentic American motels that felt straight out of a Hollywood movie. Most important of all was the warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the trip, which made the experience truly special.

Svalbard 2024 Expedition Cruise

This was our second expedition with WorldPhotoTravels and we had a wonderful experience both times!

The trip is very well organized down to the last detail. Mike was working very hard with Pieter-Jan and Yves to make sure the group had the best opportunity for the best shots!. Personally, for photo travel, I would not consider any other company. Highly recommend to anybody!

Thank you again, and looking forward to the next adventure together!

Japan Wildlife in Winter & Winter Landscape workshops 2025

I had an excellent experience on a two-week photo tour with Mike Reyfman. From breathtaking landscapes to dancing cranes, eagles, snow monkeys, and other wildlife, every moment was unforgettable.

Mike led the group with a great attitude, ensuring everyone found the best perspectives, perfected their camera settings, and resolved any challenges along the way.

Beyond the incredible photography experience, I was deeply touched by the kindness and hospitality of the Japanese people. It’s something you have to experience for yourself—it left a lasting impression on my soul.

Japan Wildlife in Winter & Winter Landscape workshops 2025

I had a great time and captured amazing photos during Mike’s workshops in wintertime Japan!

Those were my second and third trips with him as a guide and photo tutor, and I will surely join one of his future workshops!

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

 

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.

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.

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!

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.

2022 Scoresby Sund Expedition

Amazing and well-organized journey. Tons of great memories and stunning photos. Thank you Mike Reyfman for the unforgettable experience

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.