Introduction
Step onboard an expedition vessel for this Svalbard photography tour with photographer Rick Tomlinson as we journey north to explore and photograph the Arctic wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard. This unique voyage takes place in August as the end of the summer in Svalbard approaches. This tour takes place on a warm and comfortable expedition vessel with just 12 guests. The exact route will be determined by the sea ice conditions which is all part of the spirit of adventure of exploration.
Svalbard Photography Tour Highlights
- The season gives us the opportunity to venture north and photograph Svalbard’s landscapes and wildlife.
- Explore the frozen North-west of Spitsbergen with a good chance of encountering polar bears.
- Develop your photography skills in the field with a highly experienced Arctic photographer.
- Learn about the area from our expert Svalbard guide.
- Encounter the wildlife which could include polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and whales.
- Photograph and explore the coastline by Zodiac landing craft.
- Comfortable, and intimate ice-strengthened expedition vessel.
Booking Promise
As we look forward to exploring with you again in 2021 we would like to reassure our customers with our risk-free booking promise.
Advanced Safety Measures
Find out about the advanced safety measures we will be taking on our future voyages to ensure your safety.
The Voyage
Day 1 Welcome aboard! Depart Longyearbyen pm
Day 2 Prins Karls Foreland
Day 3 Sea Ice
Day 4 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 5 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 6 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 7 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 8 Ny-Alesund
Day 9 Arrive Longyearbyen am
Day by Day
Day 1
Longyearbyen
Our Svalbard photography tour departs from Longyearbyen. Upon leaving the port we will say goodbye to civilisation for the next 8 days to explore the rugged coastline, searching for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities at every stage. As we sail north we are likely to encounter glaciers and sea ice which make the perfect photo subjects. Our exact route will be determined by the sea ice conditions which vary year on year.
Day 2
Prins Karls Foreland
As we leave the Isfjord we will keep a good lookout on deck for whales and other marine life that is common in this area. We have frequently encountered whales including blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses. We plan to land on the island of Prins Karls Foreland and do a short hike to a walrus colony. Here we will spend some unhurried time observing and photographing the walruses as they swim and haul out onto the beach.
Days 3 – 7
Sea Ice and North-west Spitsbergen
We will sail as far north as possible along the west coast of Spitsbergen keeping a lookout for wildlife including polar bears that inhabit the area. Our ultimate plan if the conditions allow is to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time there searching for polar bears that use the sea ice to hunt from. The sea ice itself is a mesmerising photography subject and in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise in between the ice. We will then explore the frozen north-west coast travelling as far as the ice will allow us in search of photography opportunities.
Day 8
Ny-Alesund
As we head back south towards Longyearbyen if the ice conditions permit we will visit the scientific research settlement of Ny Alesund, the most northerly settlement on earth. We will explore the area around Kongsfjord and sail as close as we can get to one of Svalbard’s largest glaciers on the Lillyhook fjord for some great photo opportunities.
Day 9
Longyearbyen
Our Svalbard photography tour ends back in Longyearbyen. After our final breakfast we will say our goodbyes and disembark at the port after making new friends and sharing an exciting photography adventure together.
The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much a possible.
Inside This trip
Our Svalbard photography tour is aimed at anyone with a passion for exploring the Arctic with a small group of like minded individuals on a comfortable small ship cruise and include :
Photograph Amazing Wildlife
We will visit areas where walruses haul out, encounter reindeer and Arctic foxes on land, observe whales and other marine life and explore coasts where polar bears are known to roam.
Stunning Scenery
We will encounter mighty glaciers, cruise tranquil steep-sided fjords and spend time outside exploring the beautiful untouched wilderness.
Expedition Vessel With 12 Guests
We believe the best way to photograph an environmentally sensitive place such as the Arctic is with a small group of photographers. The new expedition cruise ships now take over 300 passengers, we believe smaller is better.
Photo Guide and Expedition Leader
On this tour, we will be accompanied by world-renown photographer Rick Tomlinson who will be our photography guide. Rick will provide advice to assist you in getting the best out of your photography. We will also be accompanied by an expedition leader who will share their passion and knowledge of Svalbard throughout the trip. We offer the best guide to guest ratio available.
Zodiac landing craft for shore landings
Shore landings are the essence of every expedition and your guides will take you exploring to photograph ashore. The vessel is equipped with landing craft that can be used to shoot from. With a small group, there is room for everyone and it offers the perfect opportunity to get great shots of sea ice, wildlife and glaciers.
Climate Compensated
Caring for the environment is what we do. For every trip we run we plant trees in Greenland to offset the emissions. As a member of AECO we follow strict guidelines to ensure we do not cause a disturbance to wildlife on our trips.
Meet Our Experts
Rick Tomlinson
Photography Guide
Rick is a marine photographer specializing in yacht racing, expedition photography and workshops. His work has featured in National Geographic and he has extensive shooting in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Expedition Motor Vessel Togo Togo is a 102ft /31m motor yacht, custom built in 1965 by legendary Dunston Shipyard and last refitted in 2018. Originally built as North Sea trawler she was converted into Lloyd’s safety vessel in 1980s, then into a Yacht with extensive refit 2012 and upgraded to expedition yacht in 2018. Togo has a well-appointed galley and mess room, elegant and comfortable mahogany paneled salon with bar and kitchenette. Her deck areas are spacious with semi-enclosed sides. She is a sturdy vessel with elegant sheer, sails with abundant intimacy from the bygone era of tramp steamers. Comfortable accommodation in twin cabins and double cabins with private shower and w/c (mostly en-suite) Small group size of 12 guests ensures an intimate experience Hot Showers Large deck space for photography Large saloon with bar. Ice-strengthened hull for travel in the polar regions Full safety gearYour Vessel
Step aboard M/V Togo a classic expedition vessel.
Svalbard Photography Tour Dates and Prices
Prices quoted are per person. Twin and double cabins are based on double occupancy.
2021
|
Date
|
Trip Name
|
Duration
|
Cabin A
|
Cabin B
|
Cabin C
|
Cabin D
|
|
|
10th - 17th May 2021
|
8 Days
|
£7,000
|
£7,000
|
£6,300
|
£5,700
|
|
|
|
4th - 12th June 2021
|
9 Days
|
£7,700
|
£7,700
|
£6,900
|
£6,300
|
|
|
|
4th - 12th July 2021
|
9 Days
|
£7,200
|
£7,200
|
£6,400
|
£5,800
|
|
|
|
12th - 26th July 2021
|
15 Days
|
£11,200
|
£11,200
|
£10,400
|
£8,000
|
|
|
|
12th - 20th August 2021
|
9 Days
|
£7,200
|
£7,200
|
£6,400
|
£5,800
|
|
|
|
21st - 29th August 2021
|
9 Days
|
£7,700
|
£7,700
|
£6,900
|
£6,300
|
|
|
|
29th August - 12th September 2021
|
15 Days
|
£11,200
|
£11,200
|
£10,400
|
£8,000
|
|
|
Date
|
Trip Name
|
Duration
|
Cabin A
|
Cabin B
|
Cabin C
|
Cabin D
|
|
|
10th - 17th May 2021
|
8 Days
|
€8,100
|
€8,100
|
€7,100
|
€6,500
|
|
|
|
4th - 12th June 2021
|
9 Days
|
€8,800
|
€8,800
|
€7,800
|
€7,200
|
|
|
|
4th - 12th July 2021
|
9 Days
|
€8,300
|
€8,300
|
€7,300
|
€6,700
|
|
|
|
12th - 26th July 2021
|
15 Days
|
€12,900
|
€12,900
|
€12,000
|
€9,000
|
|
|
|
12th - 20th August 2021
|
9 Days
|
€8,300
|
€8,300
|
€7,300
|
€6,700
|
|
|
|
21st - 29th August 2021
|
9 Days
|
€8,800
|
€8,800
|
€7,800
|
€7,200
|
|
|
|
29th August - 12th September 2021
|
15 Days
|
€12,900
|
€12,900
|
€12,000
|
€9,200
|
|
|
Date
|
Trip Name
|
Duration
|
Cabin A
|
Cabin B
|
Cabin C
|
Cabin D
|
|
|
10th - 17th May 2021
|
8 Days
|
$8,700
|
$8,700
|
$7,700
|
$7,000
|
|
|
|
4th June - 12th June 2021
|
9 Days
|
$9,500
|
$9,500
|
$8,500
|
$7,800
|
|
|
|
4th - 12th July 2021
|
9 Days
|
$9,000
|
$9,000
|
$8,000
|
$7,300
|
|
|
|
12th - 26th July 2021
|
15 Days
|
$14,000
|
$14,000
|
$13,000
|
$10,000
|
|
|
|
12th - 20th August 2021
|
9 Days
|
$9,000
|
$9,000
|
$8,000
|
$7,300
|
|
|
|
21st - 29th August 2021
|
9 Days
|
$9,500
|
$9,500
|
$8,500
|
$7,800
|
|
|
|
29th August - 12th September 2021
|
9 Days
|
$14,000
|
$14,000
|
$13,000
|
$10,000
|
|
2022
|
Date
|
Trip Name
|
Duration
|
Cabin A
|
Cabin B
|
Cabin C
|
Cabin D
|
|
|
12th - 22nd April 2022
|
11 Days
|
£6,900
|
£6,900
|
£6,100
|
£5,300
|
|
|
|
24th April - 1st May 2022
|
8 Days
|
£7,500
|
£7,500
|
£6,800
|
£6,200
|
|
|
|
9th - 16th May 2022
|
8 Days
|
£7,000
|
£7,000
|
£6,300
|
£5,700
|
|
|
|
18th May - 26th May 2022
|
9 Days
|
£8,200
|
£8,200
|
£7,400
|
£6,800
|
|
|
|
3rd - 11th June 2022
|
9 Days
|
£7,700
|
£7,700
|
£6,900
|
£6,300
|
|
|
|
3rd - 11th July 2022
|
9 Days
|
£7,700
|
£7,700
|
£6,900
|
£6,300
|
|
|
|
11th - 25th July 2022
|
15 Days
|
£11,700
|
£11,700
|
£10,900
|
£8,500
|
|
|
Date
|
Trip Name
|
Duration
|
Cabin A
|
Cabin B
|
Cabin C
|
Cabin D
|
|
|
12th - 22nd April 2022
|
11 Days
|
€7,900
|
€7,900
|
€6,900
|
€6,000
|
|
|
|
24th April - 1st May 2022
|
8 Days
|
€8,600
|
€8,600
|
€7,600
|
€7,000
|
|
|
|
9th - 16th May 2022
|
8 Days
|
€8,100
|
€8,100
|
€7,100
|
€6,500
|
|
|
|
18th May - 26th May 2022
|
9 Days
|
€9,300
|
€9,300
|
€8,300
|
€7,700
|
|
|
|
3rd - 11th June 2022
|
9 Days
|
€8,800
|
€8,800
|
€7,800
|
€7,200
|
|
|
|
3rd - 11th July 2022
|
9 Days
|
€8,800
|
€8,800
|
€7,800
|
€7,200
|
|
|
|
11th - 25th July 2022
|
15 Days
|
€13,400
|
€13,400
|
€12,500
|
€9,700
|
|
|
Date
|
Trip Name
|
Duration
|
Cabin A
|
Cabin B
|
Cabin C
|
Cabin D
|
|
|
12th - 22nd April 2022
|
11 Days
|
$8,500
|
$8,500
|
$7,500
|
$6,500
|
|
|
|
24th April - 1st May 2022
|
8 Days
|
$9,200
|
$9,200
|
$8,200
|
$7,500
|
|
|
|
9th - 16th May 2022
|
8 Days
|
$8,700
|
$8,700
|
$7,700
|
$7,000
|
|
|
|
18th May - 26th May 2022
|
9 Days
|
$10,000
|
$10,000
|
$9,000
|
$8,300
|
|
|
|
3rd - 11th June 2022
|
9 Days
|
$9,500
|
$9,500
|
$8,500
|
$7,800
|
|
|
|
3rd - 11th July 2022
|
9 Days
|
$9,500
|
$9,500
|
$8,500
|
$7,800
|
|
|
|
12th - 26th July 2022
|
15 Days
|
$14,500
|
$14,500
|
$13,500
|
$10,500
|
|
See Cabins
Cabin A – Double with Ensuite
A comfortable cabin that sleeps 2 in a double bed with an en-suite toilet and shower situated on the lower deck.
Cabin B – Twin with Ensuite
A comfortable cabin that sleeps 2 in 2 single beds with an en-suite toilet and shower situated on the lower deck.
Cabin C – Twin with Shared
A twin cabin that sleeps 2 in 2 single beds with a shared toilet and shower situated directly opposite the cabin on the upper deck.
Cabin D – Single with Shared
A single cabin on the lower deck with a shared toilet and shower accessed via a staircase on the deck above.
Peace Of Mind Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty with travel due to the coronavirus so we have added a peace of mind guarantee for all bookings made for 2021. If your trip is interrupted due to coronavirus travel restrictions you will be able to move your trip to a future booking free of charge. At this point, we believe that all our trips will be able to operate normally in 2021, and we have put this in place as an added reassurance so you can have full confidence when booking. You can read our full statement here.
Payment Options & Information
We offer payment via the following methods:
- Credit card
- Payment by bank transfer
- Monthly installments to spread the cost of payments
Please let us know at the time of booking your preferred method.
A 30% deposit is taken at the time of booking with the final 70% payable 90 days prior to departure.
We highly recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking that also covers cancellation.
Single Travelers
Single travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host single travellers, particularly on our photo voyages so the chances are you won’t be the only single traveller. We offer the following accommodation options for single travellers:
- 2 x single cabins
- Option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same sex.
- Option to have your own cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability.
Booking terms
This trip is operated by Secret Atlas and is subject to the Secret Atlas terms and conditions of travel. You can read the full booking terms here.
Trip notes and what’s included / excluded
| Departure Location | Longyearbyen |
|---|---|
| Arrival Location | Longyearbyen |
| Trip Style | Exploration |
| Physical Rating | Easy |
| Maximum Group Size | 12 |
| Accommodation | 3 x Twins and 1 x Double with en-suite, 1 x Twin and 2 x Singles with shared bathroom |
| Duration | 9 Days |
| Time of Year | August |
| Included |
|
| Not Included |
|
If you have any questions about this
Svalbard photography tour please get in touch
Useful Information
Longyearbyen Travel Guide
All the information you need to plan your trip including how to get to Longyearbyen, arrival information, places to stay, and activities to do before your cruise.
What Our Customers Say
On each journey we welcome customers from all corner of the globe, with a variety of different ages and backgrounds all united in their passion to experience what the Arctic has to offer
Pan – Business Executive from Italy
‘This is the closest you can come to a real expedition. We saw glaciers seals, whales, walruses and polar bears’
From an early age Pan dreamed of visiting the Arctic. At the age of 42 he made that dream come true by joining Secret Atlas on an expedition micro cruise.
Annie – Interior Designer from the USA
‘The micro cruise experience felt like being on your own private boat. The crew were fantastic’
Annie had always wanted to go an expedition in Svalbard and joined us as a solo traveler.
