Photo-expedition
Svalbard Photography Tour
Midnight sun of Arctic spring
Midnight sun of Arctic spring
Svalbard Photo Expedition, April/May 2020
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Start: April 25, 2020, Longyearbyen, Svalbard
End: May 4, 2020, Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Guides: Mike Reyfman, Dmitry Arkhipov
Price: From USD $8950
The tour canceled due to coronavirus and inability to enter Norway.
End: May 4, 2020, Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Guides: Mike Reyfman, Dmitry Arkhipov
Price: From USD $8950
The tour canceled due to coronavirus and inability to enter Norway.
The main focus of this expedition will be an Arctic landscape and wildlife. In late April and early May, the light conditions on Svalbard are unique. It is still very early spring here but at the same time, there are already 24 hours of daylight. This gives us a chance to search for wildlife around the clock. Some fjords are frozen this time of the year and we will look for polar bears on the fjord ice in front of snow-covered mountains and blue glaciers. Reindeers and arctic foxes are in winter coats, seals and walruses are resting on the ice and birds are beginning to return to breeding grounds.
White bear on the sunset
The whale
Usually, an early spring trips on Svalbard are limited to one-day snowmobile trips close to the city of Longyearbyen. With our expedition ship we will explore a much larger area, including the western and northern regions of Spitsbergen.
Those who have already been to Svalbard will get a new experience of travelling to the Arctic in spring. This wildlife and landscape photo tour will be an unforgettable voyage and spectacular experience for you.
This exclusive expedition is designed for a strictly limited number of only 12 participants, photo guides and the expedition leader, and we kindly recommend an early booking to secure your spot.
Those who have already been to Svalbard will get a new experience of travelling to the Arctic in spring. This wildlife and landscape photo tour will be an unforgettable voyage and spectacular experience for you.
This exclusive expedition is designed for a strictly limited number of only 12 participants, photo guides and the expedition leader, and we kindly recommend an early booking to secure your spot.
InTRODUCTION
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 polar bears. Travel under the midnight sun aboard an arctic classice-strengthened M/S Malmo in a small group, strictly limited to 12 guests, and search for the very symbol of the Arctic—the Polar bear — and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The combination of a comfortable ship, the crew that has already made dozens of expeditions in this region, an experienced captain who knows how to approach the animals taking into account ice situation and light will give us many chances for an unforgettable hunting with a camera. Everything else is in the weather's hands.
The combination of a comfortable ship, the crew that has already made dozens of expeditions in this region, an experienced captain who knows how to approach the animals taking into account ice situation and light will give us many chances for an unforgettable hunting with a camera. Everything else is in the weather's hands.
The whole ship is at our exclusive disposal and we decide where and how long we can stay and when to dine. We use 2 zodiacs (6-8 people per boat and not 12-14 as on standard cruises) to shoot wildlife, icebergs and landscape from the water and to go ashore. 2 armed guides travel with us in case of meeting the owners of the Arctic – Polar bears. So if anybody wants to shoot landscape from the shore, there will be such opportunity.
One of the main topics of our trip is wildlife in the context of dramatic Northern scenery.
Nothing can prepare you for Svalbard. It is an incredible wilderness at the top of the world, a wildlife photographer's dream and our goal during this photo safari is to photograph and experience as much of it'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.
Hunting is banned in Svalbard. So wild animals are not afraid of people at all and come pretty close.
Get your cameras ready – we are going to Svalbard!
One of the main topics of our trip is wildlife in the context of dramatic Northern scenery.
Nothing can prepare you for Svalbard. It is an incredible wilderness at the top of the world, a wildlife photographer's dream and our goal during this photo safari is to photograph and experience as much of it'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.
Hunting is banned in Svalbard. So wild animals are not afraid of people at all and come pretty close.
Get your cameras ready – we are going to Svalbard!
Polar bear, Svalbard
MAP
We have favourite places on the archipelago, and always try to visit them. Nevertheless, the route depends not only on our desires but also on the current ice situation, the latest data on the whereabouts of animals and never repeats exactly.
TOUR PROGRAM
Day 1 (April 25, 2020)
Participants arriving in Tromsо, a city in northern Norway, and a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle.
There are no flights to Svalbard from the mainland on April 25th and only one flight from Tromso on April 26th. We would like to minimize the chances of missed connections and lost luggage and recommend all participants to stay overnight in Tromso. We will meet at dinner and talk about our plans for the next week.
There are White Nights in Tromso this time a year and we can take a walk with cameras along the waterfront.
Hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and dinner included.
There are no flights to Svalbard from the mainland on April 25th and only one flight from Tromso on April 26th. We would like to minimize the chances of missed connections and lost luggage and recommend all participants to stay overnight in Tromso. We will meet at dinner and talk about our plans for the next week.
There are White Nights in Tromso this time a year and we can take a walk with cameras along the waterfront.
Hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and dinner included.
The whale, Svalbard
Day 2 (April 26, 2020)
After breakfast and check-out, we are going to the airport to take our 12:30 SAS 4414 flight to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival, the group is transferred to the harbor where we will board our expedition ship M/S Malmo at 16:00.
Our Ice Odyssey starts! This evening we drift along the splendid Ice Fjord.
Our Ice Odyssey starts! This evening we drift along the splendid Ice Fjord.
Days 3-8 (April 27 - May 2, 2020)
We are in the Arctic - the part of the world where everything is under ice movements' and weather's control. Our precise itinerary depends on many factors – bears', walruses', birds' and other animals' location and activity. The main goal of our expedition is to see and photograph wildelife and lanscape of Svalbard.
We will plan our route taking into account our captain's opinion, the weather, ice conditions and information from other ships in the area.
In the history of our voyages to Spitsbergen the route never repeated. We'll explore Western and Northern parts of the archipelago and if the weather conditions are fine we probably sail round its Northern part.
We'll also find time to discuss our footage and to listen about walruses and seals.
We will plan our route taking into account our captain's opinion, the weather, ice conditions and information from other ships in the area.
In the history of our voyages to Spitsbergen the route never repeated. We'll explore Western and Northern parts of the archipelago and if the weather conditions are fine we probably sail round its Northern part.
We'll also find time to discuss our footage and to listen about walruses and seals.
Day 9 (May 3, 2020)
The bear on the ice
Today we sail in Longyearbyen direction. We stop on Alkehornet point where we may see Arctic foxes and deer. The last stop (on the participants' request) we do at Arctic Coal trust ownership, Barentsburg. We arrive at Longyearbyen by midnight and spend the night on board.
Day 10 (May 4, 2020)
Our expedition ends and the participants may go home. You can book an early morning flight from Longyearbyen. If you decide to fly from Longyearbuen later in the day, you can store your baggage on board, but you will have to leave the ship after breakfast before 9.00 a.m. You should pick-up your bags not later than 2:00 p.m.
To those who never been to Longyearbyen and want to experience the Northern-most capital of the world, we recommend staying a day after our trip. You will need to book accommodation for your stay on your own.
To those who never been to Longyearbyen and want to experience the Northern-most capital of the world, we recommend staying a day after our trip. You will need to book accommodation for your stay on your own.
Svalbard landscape
Guides
Mike Reyfman
is a professional nature photographer, specializing in the Polar and sub-Polar regions of the globe. Mike is a passionate traveler, teacher, and adventurer and has been leading photography tours and workshops since 2005.
You can read more about Mike here
You can read more about Mike here
Dmitry Arkhipov
is Russia leading nature photographer. He has been leading photography workshops in the Arctic regions of Svalbard and Greenland for a number of years.
You can learn more about Dmitry here
You can learn more about Dmitry here
Both guides will be available for photographic instruction throughout the expedition. There will be informal lectures and masterclasses on board the ship at various times throughout the expedition.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
* Hotel in Tromso on April 25, 2020 (double occupancy, dinner, breakfast);
* Transfer from the airport to hotel in Longyearbyen;
* Transfer from the hotel to harbor;
* Transfer from the harbor to airport;
* Expedition on M/S Malmo ice class ship;
* Accommodation of your choice on board*;
* All food on board;
* Zodiacs for landings and shooting from water level;
* Armed guides;
* Guides' services;
* Hotel in Tromso on April 25, 2020 (double occupancy, dinner, breakfast);
* Transfer from the airport to hotel in Longyearbyen;
* Transfer from the hotel to harbor;
* Transfer from the harbor to airport;
* Expedition on M/S Malmo ice class ship;
* Accommodation of your choice on board*;
* All food on board;
* Zodiacs for landings and shooting from water level;
* Armed guides;
* Guides' services;
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
* Round-trip air ticket to Longyearbyen;
* Insurance (must have);
* Meal in Longyearbyen;
* Alcoholic beverages;
* Tips for the team - about $100 from each person;
* Fuel extra charge**;
* Round-trip air ticket to Longyearbyen;
* Insurance (must have);
* Meal in Longyearbyen;
* Alcoholic beverages;
* Tips for the team - about $100 from each person;
* Fuel extra charge**;
*Cabin are assigned on the "first-come, first-choose" basis.
**In the uncertain, often volatile oil market, it is difficult to predict long-term fuel costs, and more specifically, costs at the time of the voyage. Our prices are based on the prevailing fuel rates at the time of the publication, which is well in advance of departure. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if fuel prices increase significantly at or before the time of the voyage, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. Usually surcharge (if necessary) is not more than $350 per person.
**In the uncertain, often volatile oil market, it is difficult to predict long-term fuel costs, and more specifically, costs at the time of the voyage. Our prices are based on the prevailing fuel rates at the time of the publication, which is well in advance of departure. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if fuel prices increase significantly at or before the time of the voyage, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. Usually surcharge (if necessary) is not more than $350 per person.
CANCELATION
Special conditions for booking cancelation*
We reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants or logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other circumstances which may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of WorldPhotoTravels liability. WorldPhotoTravels is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees or other trip related expenses.
*We understand that unforeseen circumstances may force you to cancel your participation in our trip. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have to cancel and we will try to find replacement on your spot.
The full refund will be issued if we/you will find a full-paying customer taking over your spot.
- If we are informed 7 months and more prior to the expedition, deposit cost is deducted;
- If we are informed 7 months and less prior to the expedition, 50% of tour's cost is deducted;
- If we are informed 4 months and less prior to the expedition, 100% of tour's cost is deducted;
- No refunds are made to participants who do not complete the expedition (or in cases where a participant withdraws from the expedition prematurely), regardless of the reason.
We reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants or logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other circumstances which may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of WorldPhotoTravels liability. WorldPhotoTravels is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees or other trip related expenses.
*We understand that unforeseen circumstances may force you to cancel your participation in our trip. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have to cancel and we will try to find replacement on your spot.
The full refund will be issued if we/you will find a full-paying customer taking over your spot.
М/S Malmo
M/S Malmö has been in service for the Swedish Maritime Administration for many years as an ice-strengthened pilot ship. She was built 1943 in Helsingborg shipyard for the Maritime Administration and has been used as a mooring service vessel for laying out buoys, for marking of fairways, refueling of Kasun light houses with oil and water, for transport of acetylene to gas light houses, and also for ice breaking and pilot training.
This ship has a lovely patina and has been listed as a traditional ship of cultural value since 2004.
During 2013/14 she was gently refurbished to retain her original charm. New navigation and safety equipment was installed and the vessel has passed all necessary inspections and safety checks required.
M/S Malmö is a homely ship of maritime historical dignity, already loved by many. She is decorated in a classic style with an old fashioned Captain´s lounge and beautiful wooden decks. A perfect ship for a small group of photographers that need a lot of deck space.
The ship was reequipped for charter expeditions in 2013.
After the re-equipment a cozy dining room with a small bar was added, the majority of the cabins were equipped with a shower and WC. At the same time Malmo managed to preserve its out fashioned charm and fascination. In 2014 the boat began its new career as an expeditionary ship in the Arctic waters.
An experienced Swedish team and a captain, that made hundreds of expeditions on the boats of the similar class in the waters of Svalbard, will make our voyage safe. At the same time our sea-dogs didn't lose curiosity and hunger for adventure! Comparatively low vessel draft allows us to sail into fjords and bays that are closed for big cruise ships. In such places we can unite with wonderful animal nature of the archipelago and to make unique photos! Low Malmo's sides and vast decks allow us to make photos from the right angle shooting animals even from the ship. That allows curious bears to come close to the ship and allows us to be safe at the same time. All illuminators in the ship's cabins can be opened giving us unique shooting possibilities.
The main accommodation on board is a double cabin with facilities. All cabins have upper and lower berths. 5 out of 6 cabins have WC and a shower. There are also single and triple cabins. For more details see cabins and prices »
European cuisine is tasty and various on board. You can always have tea, coffee and drinks from the bar.
We won't go (or almost won't go) to the touristic sights such as the remnants of wintering unlucky explorers. There will be no crowds of tourists in red jackets in your viewfinders and nobody will scare away our funny walruses!
This ship has a lovely patina and has been listed as a traditional ship of cultural value since 2004.
During 2013/14 she was gently refurbished to retain her original charm. New navigation and safety equipment was installed and the vessel has passed all necessary inspections and safety checks required.
M/S Malmö is a homely ship of maritime historical dignity, already loved by many. She is decorated in a classic style with an old fashioned Captain´s lounge and beautiful wooden decks. A perfect ship for a small group of photographers that need a lot of deck space.
The ship was reequipped for charter expeditions in 2013.
After the re-equipment a cozy dining room with a small bar was added, the majority of the cabins were equipped with a shower and WC. At the same time Malmo managed to preserve its out fashioned charm and fascination. In 2014 the boat began its new career as an expeditionary ship in the Arctic waters.
An experienced Swedish team and a captain, that made hundreds of expeditions on the boats of the similar class in the waters of Svalbard, will make our voyage safe. At the same time our sea-dogs didn't lose curiosity and hunger for adventure! Comparatively low vessel draft allows us to sail into fjords and bays that are closed for big cruise ships. In such places we can unite with wonderful animal nature of the archipelago and to make unique photos! Low Malmo's sides and vast decks allow us to make photos from the right angle shooting animals even from the ship. That allows curious bears to come close to the ship and allows us to be safe at the same time. All illuminators in the ship's cabins can be opened giving us unique shooting possibilities.
The main accommodation on board is a double cabin with facilities. All cabins have upper and lower berths. 5 out of 6 cabins have WC and a shower. There are also single and triple cabins. For more details see cabins and prices »
European cuisine is tasty and various on board. You can always have tea, coffee and drinks from the bar.
We won't go (or almost won't go) to the touristic sights such as the remnants of wintering unlucky explorers. There will be no crowds of tourists in red jackets in your viewfinders and nobody will scare away our funny walruses!
M/S Malmo
REGISTRATION FORM
To register for the tour please fill the form below. We will notify you about availability and payment options. If there are no available spots, your registration will be automatically placed to the waiting list.