Join a 9-day Svalbard Photography Tour On An Expedition Vessel with 12 Guests
SALE: 20% Discount on bookings made by March 31st 2020
Step on board an expedition vessel with Arctic photographer Rayann Elzein on this Svalbard photography tour to explore and photograph wildlife and Arctic landscapes.
Experience this unique voyage to explore the west coast of Svalbard early in the season, with just 12 other guests.
Highlights:
- Numerous opportunities to photograph Svalbard’s wild and stunning landscapes from the ship and shore.
- Get up close and photograph glaciers and sea ice.
- Develop your photography skills in the field with a highly experienced Arctic photographer.
- Learn about the area from an 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.
Svalbard Photography Tour Key Information
| Departure Location | Longyearbyen |
|---|---|
| Arrival Location | Longyearbyen |
| Trip Style | Photography and 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 - April, May, June 2021 |
| Time of Year | May |
| Included | |
| Not Included |
The Voyage
The planned route departs from the Longyearbyen, the world’s most northerly inhabited town. From there we will explore the Isfjord and then sail up the north-west coast of Spitsbergen as far as weather and ice conditions allow.
Svalbard Photography Tour | A Journey Into The Arctic Wilderness
Upon leaving Longyearbyen 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 subject.
Every morning Rayann will give a brief workshop to help you get the best out of your photography for that day. In the evening we will run feedback sessions to help you improve your photography skills. Rayann will be on hand at all times to provide you with assistance if needed. We will also be accompanied by an expert Svalbard guide who will share information about the places we are visiting and the varied history the area offers.
We will drop anchor in remote bays to take advantage of the photography opportunities ashore, ideal for landscape and wildlife shots. During shore landings, we will be accompanied by a guide armed and trained in Polar Bear protection for our safety.
We will explore the different fjords of the west coast with a plan to visit glaciers and the scientific research settlement of Ny-Ålesund.
Our ultimate plan is to reach the edge of the sea ice where we will spend time searching for wildlife including Polar Bears. During the month of May, our final route will be dictated by sea ice conditions and the captain of the boat will work with the conditions to maximise photography opportunities.
Are you wondering if this Svalbard photography tour is a good fit for you?
Please get in touch and we will use our expertise to recommend the right voyage for you dependent on your experience and comfort levels.
Video | Introducing Expedition Micro Cruising
Meet Your Photographer
Rayann Elzein is a French nature photographer passionate about the Arctic and raising awareness about the challenges it faces. He currently resides in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) and travels worldwide for assignments and to lead workshops.
Rayann is a skilled photographer with years of experience running Arctic photography workshops making him the perfect choice to help the less experienced photographers on this voyage.
‘More than anywhere else in the world, there are clear signs of climate change, which affects both the wildlife and the local populations. I have made it one of my goals to contribute to raising awareness about the dangers of global warming through my photography.’
You can read a recent interview we did with Rayann here on his love for shooting in Svalbard.
Who This Trip Is Aimed At
This trip is aimed at anyone with an interest in photography and exploring a remote, natural wilderness. A basic level of fitness and mobility is required. A passion for adventure is a must. The focus of this trip is on exploring the coastline and looking for photographic opportunities.
What Photography Experience Do I need?
This trip is open to photographers of all levels from complete novice through to experienced professionals. Rayann will provide assistance and advice throughout the trip on the techniques he uses to help you improve your photography. Each evening we will run feedback sessions, and share tips and advice.
Is a Small Expedition Vessel Right For Me?
A small expedition vessel offers a comfortable and spacious platform to explore the Svalbard coastline. She is smaller than an expedition cruise ship with the huge benefit of offering a more intimate and personal experience with just 12 guests. There are large, open decks from which to shoot from. Inside there is a communal saloon area to warm up in after a day in the cold. She is equipped with 2 Zodiac landing crafts that are used for shore landings and can also be used to shoot from.
This voyage takes place along a mixture of sheltered fjords and open coastline. The Captain will make decisions based on the weather to ensure the most comfortable and safe experience.
Find out why we prefer small expedition vessels to larger ships here.
The Expedition Vessel
Step aboard M/V Togo a classic expedition vessel.
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.
Accommodation in twin cabins and double cabins with private shower and w/c (mostly en-suite).
Small group size of 12 photographers ensures an intimate experience
Hot Showers
- Equipped with 2 x Zodiacs landing crafts for shore landings
Large deck space for photography
Large saloon with bar.
Ice-strengthened hull for travel in the polar regions
Full safety gear
Svalbard Photography Tour Gallery
Dates & Availability
Select a date to start your journey
Pricing
Double Cabin with en suite – Sleeps 2
20% Sale! | Book by March 31st 2020
Was €8,200 / £6,950 / $9,100 per person based on double occupancy
Now €6,560 / £5,560 / $7,280 per person based on double occupancy
Last Space
Twin Cabin with en suite – Sleeps 2
20% Sale! | Book by March 31st 2020
Was €8,200 / £6,950 / $9,100 per person based on double occupancy
Now €6,560 / £5,560 / $7,280 per person based on double occupancy
Last Space
Twin Cabin with shared facilities – Sleeps 2
20% Sale! | Book by March 31st 2020
Was €7,700 / £6,530 / $8,600 per person based on double occupancy
Now €5,680 / £5,224 / $6,880 per person based on double occupancy
Last Space
Single Cabin with shared facilities – Sleeps 1
20% Sale! | Book by March 31st 2020
Was €6,200 / £5,400 / $6,880 per person based on single occupancy
Now €4,640 / £3,980 / $5,160 per person based on single occupancy
Payment Options
- Credit card
- Payment by bank transfer
- Monthly instalments to spread the cost of payments
Svalbard Photography Tour Kit List
Camera body. Consider bringing more than 1 camera body as a back up. We recommend using a camera body that is weather sealed such as the Canon 5D series, Nikon D series or the Sony A7 series.
Telephoto lens. For polar bears we recommend the minimum of 400mm. The ideal focal length is 600-800mm. Consider adding a range extender to give you further zoom.
Wide angle lens such as a 16-35mm is ideal for landscapes, glaciers and shots of sea ice.
- A general zoom lens such as a 24-70mm.
A way of backing up your photography such as a laptop or digital storage.
- Microfiber cloth for keeping your lens clear.
A lightweight tripod or monopod.
ND filters and polarising filters.
Multiple camera batteries.
A waterproof bag for shore landing to keep kit dry in the landing craft.
- A comfotable camera rucksack for hiking with waterproof outer cover.
Camera cleaning kit.
- Spare memory cards.
Svalbard Photography Tour Packing List
- A warm outer layer such as a down jacket
- A waterproof outer layer
- Waterproof trousers
- Base layers (wool or synthetic)
- Mid layer warm fleece top
- Mid layer warm trousers
- Gloves
- A neck warmer or scarf
- Warm hat that covers ears
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A waterproof backpack/day pack
- Swimsuit
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Medication
- Seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Voltage adaptor (the ships have standard European 220V at
60hz) - Casual clothing to wear onboard (jeans, t-shirts, sweaters)
- Comfortable non-slip shoes (without heels)
- Hiking boots for shore landings
- Comfortable, insulated rubber boots for shore landings (on
some trips these are supplied, so please enquire before
purchasing. - Soft luggage case – hard cases are more challenging to get
stored.
