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Wildlife Land of Polar Bear and Walrus World Photo Travels | Photo Workshops, Guided Tours, Safaris & Expeditions

When the good place, good light and good eye find each other - the photo is born.
     - Mike Reyfman
   Svalbard:
Autumn Magic in the Kingdom of the Polar Bear•  Photography Expedition Cruise. August/September 2026
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Start: August 29, 2026, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

End: September 9, 2026, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

Price: €12700 | Single accommodation supplement: 1.8×

Group: Maximum 12 guests


Photography Leader:
Mike Reyfman

Expedition Leader / Photography Guide:
Vide Brandt

Expedition & Photography Guide:
Jens Wikström

FOUR SPOTS AVAILABLE

Svalbard Pack Ice Photo Expedition

Nothing can prepare you for Svalbard. It is an incredible wilderness at the top of the world, a wildlife photographer’s dream! A high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, massive sheets of ice, and magnificent wildlife. Travel aboard ice-reinforced Arctic Expedition Ship Terschelling in a small group, limited to 12 guests, search for the iconic symbol of the Arctic — the polar bear — and witness these majestic creatures in their natural environment.

A comfortable ship, an experienced crew, and seasoned Expedition and Tour Leaders who understand wildlife, ice, and light offer the best possible conditions for unforgettable photography. The rest is up to Mother Nature.

The whole ship is at our exclusive disposal and we decide where and how long we can stay and when to dine. We use two Zodiacs (6 clients per boat and not 10-12 as on standard cruises). 2 armed guides travel with us in case of meeting the masters of the Arctic – Polar bears.

The main objectives of our trip are wildlife in the context of the rigid Northern scenery, and dramatic Arctic landscapes themselves.

Our goal during this photo safari is to photograph and experience as much of Arctic's beauty as possible. From polar bears and walruses to arctic foxes and whales, this photo safari promises not only unbelievable photo opportunities but memories that will last you a lifetime.

Get your cameras ready – we are going to Svalbard!

☛ FEATURE: SMALL SHIP. Enjoy the small group flexibility our expeditions provide. We do what we want, when we want!

☛ FEATURE: PACK ICE EXPERIENCE. Navigate deep into the pack ice of the far north for close-up wildlife encounters and greatly increased opportunities for stunning images!

☛ FEATURE: GOLDEN LIGHT. In late August and early September, the Arctic is bathed in richer, more vibrant light. After the long summer of endless daylight, stunning sunsets and sunrises return, creating unforgettable moments and spectacular photographic opportunities.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1 | August 29, 2026

  • It's possible to arrive in Longyearbyen on August 30 th just before the ship will leave the dock, but we advise you to come earlier, get acclimatized, walk along the cozy streets and buy some souvenirs. After all - Longyearbyen is the Northernmost capital in the world and the weather could be moody here. There is always a possibility of a flight delay due to inclement weather conditions such as fog, heavy winds, etc.
  • We strongly recommend arriving in Longyearbyen a day in advance on August 29th, 2026. To encourage you to do so your transfer from the airport and overnight stay in the beautiful trapper's lodge-style Basecamp hotel on August 29th is included in the price.
  • There are daily SAS flights from Oslo/Tromso to Longyearbyen. Norwegian also has direct flights from Oslo on select dates.

Day 2 | August 30, 2026

  • You can photograph landscape on the shore of the Ice Fjord in the morning and look for birds or even arctic foxes on the outskirts of the town.
  • We board our expedition ship at 6:00 p.m. and our Ice Odissey starts!

Days 3-10 | August 31 - September 7, 2026

  • Just north and east of the Svalbard Archipelago, out in the high Arctic Ocean, lies a remarkable wilderness known as "the pack ice." This floating world is the true domain of polar bears, where they roam the drifting floes in search of seals once the fjord ice has vanished for the summer.
  • New regulations in Svalbard now prohibit approaching polar bears closer than 500 meters (300 meters in August-September). To ensure we can observe and photograph Arctic Kings without such restrictions, our expedition will travel beyond Svalbard's 12-mile territorial waters and into the pack ice, where these rules do not apply. This allows us to explore the bears' natural habitat with greater freedom and enhanced opportunities for intimate close encounters.
  • Traveling deep into the pack ice is an adventure in itself. The ice resembles a vast, unnamed, ever-shifting continent shaped by wind, tides, and ocean currents. Navigation can take time, but the rewards come quickly once we begin spotting wildlife.
  • By late August and early September, the Arctic light becomes especially striking. After the long period of continuous daylight, the return of sunsets and sunrises bathes the ice in rich color, creating exceptional conditions for photography.
  • Along the shores of Svalbard, we will also visit walrus haul-outs and search for Arctic foxes. This is the season when fox kits are especially active and playful, offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
  • We are in the Arctic, a region shaped entirely by ice, weather, and constant movement. Our exact itinerary depends on these natural forces. The primary goal of our expedition is to experience and photograph the wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard, with a strong focus on finding and photographing the King of the Arctic, the polar bear, in the best possible settings and light.

Day 10 | September 8, 2026

  • Today we sail in Longyearbyen direction. We stop at places where we may see Arctic foxes and deer. In autumn, the fox kits are especially entertaining to watch, often playing around the tundra and sometimes already wearing their white winter coats. We arrive in Longyearbyen in the evening and spend the night on board.

Day 11 | September 9, 2026

  • Our expedition ends and the participants may fly home. Will have to leave the ship after breakfast before 9.00 a.m. Taxi service is available and the ride to the airport takes around 10 minutes. You can go directly to the airport and fly home at noon. If you decide to fly from Longyearbyen later in the day, you can store your baggage on board and explore the town on your own. In this case, you should pick up your bags no later than 2:00 p.m.   

Possible Expedition Routes

We built this itinerary trying to make our expedition the most effective. We have favorite places on the archipelago, and always try to visit them. Nevertheless, the route depends not only on our desires but also on the current weather and ice situation and the latest data on the whereabouts of animals. In the history of our voyages to Spitsbergen, the route never repeated.

We'll explore the western and northern parts of the archipelago, and if weather conditions allow, we will spend as much time as possible in the pack ice. Our route will be planned based on our captain's expertise, current weather and ice conditions, and updates from other ships in the area. We will remain highly flexible to make the most of our time in the Arctic.

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What is Included

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Hotel in Longyearbyen on August 29, 2026 (double occupancy);
  • Transfer from the airport to hotel in Longyearbyen;
  • Transfer from the hotel to harbor;
  • Accommodation aboard an ice-reinforced Arctic expedition ship;
  • Breackfast on August 30th and all meals on board;
  • Zodiacs for landings and shooting from water level;
  • Armed guides and safity equipment;
  • Photographic guiding and instruction;

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Travel to and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard;
  • Passport and visa fees (if applicable);
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks;
  • Medical & Evacuation Insurance (required);
  • Tips to the crew;
  • Transfer from the harbor to airport;

Terschelling — Arctic Expedition Ship

With an experienced crew, a spacious common area, and comfortable cabins, the Terschelling offers an ideal platform for this Arctic expedition. It combines the experience of traveling on a large cruise ship with the intimate atmosphere of a private yacht. On board, you will have a highly experienced photo guide, an expedition leader, and a dedicated polar guide. Two large military-grade Zodiacs with powerful 80 HP engines offer added security and plenty of room for shooting with long lenses.

Terschelling

Built in the Netherlands in 1963, the Terschelling was originally commissioned by the Dutch Coast Guard as a buoy-layer and lightship tender, designed to withstand the North Sea’s violent storms and treacherous waters.

After more than thirty years of coastguard duty, the vessel was retired in 1989 and later repurposed as a diving and salvage ship.

Throughout this period, the Terschelling participated in several notable projects, two of which earned it widespread recognition. One involved the salvage of bullion from the Rooswijk, a Dutch East Indiaman that sank off the English coastline at Goodwin Sands in 1739. The ship carried coins destined for trade in Batavia, present-day Jakarta.

The second project centered on the recovery of artefacts from the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII’s cherished warship. The Terschelling played a crucial role in raising key relics — including the anchor — now displayed at the Mary Rose Museum.

Today, under new ownership, the Terschelling has begun a new chapter as a private Arctic expedition vessel. Its sturdy ice-class hull and reliable engine allow it to navigate remote, ice-filled regions safely. A newly constructed 70-square-meter saloon with large 800×600 mm windows offers a warm and inviting space to enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and fjords.

With its rich maritime history and thoughtful refurbishments, the Terschelling is now fully equipped to deliver an unforgettable Arctic experience, combining comfort, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty

The original hold and accommodations have been converted into six spacious cabins with private bathrooms, fully refurbished in 2025. Four cabins offer two lower berths each, one cabin features an upper-and-lower berth arrangement, and there is also a suite with a queen bed.

The newly constructed lounge on the upper deck provides generous space, large windows on both sides, and direct access from the cabins. This bright and welcoming area is used for relaxing, dining, and holding presentations during the expedition.

Two large military-grade Zodiacs with powerful 80 HP engines ensure safe transport to shore, glacier encounters, and close observation of marine wildlife.

Booking and Payment Schedule

Please register for this expedition using the form below. A deposit payment of €4000 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit payment upon registration. The remaining balance is due April 29, 2026.


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Autumn Magic in the Kingdom of the Polar Bear | Photography Expedition Cruise

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