Svalbard: Small Ship Photography Expedition 2025
May 2025
May 2027
​2025 - SOLD OUT
2027 - BOOKING FAST
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8 Night Arctic Small Ship Photography Safari + Optional Extras*
* optional dog sledding & glacier experience
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* optional specialist photography excursion on foot: Arctic fox, ptarmigan & reindeer
On board ice-class MS Virgo with unlimited zodiac exploration
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Small group - max 6 photographers
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Photographic tuition & creative inspiration with Trai Anfield
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2027 rate from £9,950 per person based on sharing twin berth ship cabin & hotel room
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*optional additional days charged separately
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AVAILABILITY
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08 - 17 May 2025 plus optional extras - SOLD OUT
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30 April - 09 May 2027 plus optional extras - NOW BOOKING
" This trip should be on everyone's bucket list!!! "
" Majestic glacial scenery populated by polar bears, whales, walruses, Arctic foxes and a host of other Arctic fauna and flora. Plus almost 24 hours of amazing light each day. When we add in a small ice-class ship that can explore areas larger craft can't access, with zodiac and shore exploration too, it's an irresistible Arctic combination that gets you up close! "
Trai Anfield, tour leader
But don't just take my word for it... Jules joined the trip this year...
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​" What a trip! The beauty of Svalbard and the intimacy of the wildlife encounters far exceeded my expectations.
The trip was meticulously well organised including the land based trips before and after the sea expedition.
Trai was available throughout the trip with help and advice on photography and editing as well as always encouraging and making sure everyone had plenty of opportunities at each wildlife encounter.
The ship, MS Virgo, was very comfortable and the crew and guides were first rate. They were all clearly determined that we should have an unforgettable experience. The guides barely slept scouting for wildlife, we went out in zodiacs whenever possible and we were put in the best possible positions for photography. In addition, there were other once in a life-time experiences like walking on the Arctic sea ice which made this trip even more special.
I could not recommend this trip any more highly; it was absolutely fantastic."
Jules C, Svalbard guest in 2025
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Arctic wildlife:
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Polar bear
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Walrus
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Whales
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Arctic fox
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Ptarmigan
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Reindeer
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Seals
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Breeding seabirds
Highlights of Svalbard
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Arctic landscapes:
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Glaciers
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Icebergs
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Break Through Pack ice
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Mountains & Cliffs
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Midnight sun
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Wildlife In The landscape
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Expedition Ship MS Virgo
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Specialist Arctic waters ship with a strengthened hull to enable cruising in pack ice
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Relatively small ship - can access places larger craft cannot go
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Swift ship - 9 knots cruising speed
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Large stable decks and an open bridge are great photography vantage points onboard
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2 Zodiacs - all guests can board zodiacs at once - no rotation or waiting to get off the ship and explore
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Max 6 guest photographers to 1 tutor
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Plus 2 experienced English-speaking Expedition Team Leaders, who are experts in Arctic wildlife, will accompany us throughout the trip
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Comfortable berths with private bathrooms
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Vegan/vegetarian diets and allergies catered for
Optional Dog Sledding and Ice Cave experience:
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A really fun way to start our trip, taking a full day out in the snow with the incredible sled dogs!
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Soak up the scenery and visit an ice cave.
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Sit back and relax or have a go at mushing yourself.
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Visit the dogs back home and meet the pups.
This is also an excellent opportunity to acclimatise to Svalbard, take an extra night to rest up and a day to fine tune your Arctic photography before setting sail. Trai will be available to help set up your camera and troubleshoot any issues.
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Optional post-extension in Longyearbyen, focussing on:
Arctic fox
Ptarmigan
Reindeer
King Eider
While Arctic fox, ptarmigan and reindeer may be seen on our expedition around Svalbard there are some very reliable spots around this area where it is easier to gain reliable and even closer access.
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additional night accommodation in Longyearbyen (B&B basis)
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ground transfers
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local naturalist guide
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photographic tuition
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Cost of optional excursions will depend on numbers - please contact us for booking
Dates & Rates
Svalbard Small Ship Photography Expedition
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may 2025 SOLD OUT
may 2027 Booking FAST
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£9950 per person based on sharing a twin berth cabin & hotel room
Single supplement only £75 (for included Longyearbyen hotel night, no single supplement for ship)
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PLUS
Optional 2 day pre-extension from £645pp (plus £75 single supplement).
Dog sledding, glacier, walking photography safari for Arctic fox, ptarmigan, reindeer (or snowmobile adventure) - please enquire when booking for availability.
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Arrival & Departure Dates to note:
- For only the core ship expedition you will need to book *flights to arrive in Longyearbyen on or before April 30th 2027.
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- To partake in the optional pre-cruise add-ons you will need to book *flights to arrive in Longyearbyen on or before April 29th 2027.
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- Departure from the ship will be at or before 09:00 on May 9th 2027, so *flights departing Longyearbyen may be booked on this day.
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​*Flights: Norwegian and SAS flight schedules for 2027 are not yet available - we are happy to advise on flights as soon as they are published.
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Full Packing List And Expedition Notes:
These will be provided on confirmation of booking.
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Includes:
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1night hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen (B&B basis)
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8 night expedition cruise on board MS Virgo (all-inclusive basis, based on 2 adults sharing a cabin)
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All transfers in Svalbard
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Specialist English-speaking naturalist guides
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Photography tutelage from award-winning wildlife photographer Trai Anfield
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Daily (subject to weather conditions) Zodiac and shore expeditions
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Optimum access to wildlife and landscapes
Excludes:
International flights, visa if required, personal insurances, alcoholic beverages, any meals not specified, all items of a personal nature, optional additional nights and pre-cruise excursions.
