Svalbard: Small Ship Photography Expedition 2025
May 2025
May 2027
​
8 Night Arctic Small Ship Photography Safari + Optional Extras*
* optional dog sledding & ice cave experience
​
* optional specialist photography excursion: Arctic fox, ptarmigan & reindeer
On board ice-class MS Virgo with unlimited zodiac exploration
​
Small group - max 6 photographers
​
Photographic tuition & creative inspiration with Trai Anfield
​
£9000 per person based on sharing twin berth cabin & hotel room
​
*optional additional days charged separately
​​
AVAILABILITY
​
08 - 17 May 2025 plus optional extras - SOLD OUT
​
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...
​
​" 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, Guest in 2025
​
​
Arctic wildlife:
-
Polar bear
-
Walrus
-
Whales
-
Arctic fox
-
Ptarmigan
-
Reindeer
-
Seals
-
Breeding seabirds
Highlights of Svalbard
​
​
Arctic landscapes:
-
Glaciers
-
Icebergs
-
Break Through Pack ice
-
Mountains & Cliffs
-
Midnight sun
-
Wildlife In The landscape
.png)
Expedition Ship MS Virgo
​
-
Specialist Arctic waters ship with a strengthened hull to enable cruising in pack ice
-
Relatively small ship - can access places larger craft cannot go
-
Swift ship - 9 knots cruising speed
-
Large stable decks and an open bridge are great photography vantage points onboard
-
2 Zodiacs - all guests can board zodiacs at once - no rotation or waiting to get off the ship and explore
-
Max 6 guest photographers to 1 tutor
-
Plus 2 experienced English-speaking Expedition Team Leaders, who are experts in Arctic wildlife, will accompany us throughout the trip
-
Comfortable berths with private bathrooms
-
Vegan/vegetarian diets and allergies catered for
Optional Dog Sledding and Ice Cave experience:
​
-
A really fun way to start our trip, taking a full day out in the snow with the incredible sled dogs!
-
Soak up the scenery and visit an ice cave.
-
Sit back and relax or have a go at mushing yourself.
-
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.
​
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.
-
additional night accommodation in Longyearbyen (B&B basis)
-
ground transfers
-
local naturalist guide
-
photographic tuition
​
Cost of optional excursions will depend on numbers - please contact us for booking
Dates & Rates
Svalbard Small Ship Photography Expedition
​
may 2025 SOLD OUT
may 2027 Booking now
​
£9000 per person based on sharing a twin berth cabin & hotel room
​
Optional pre-extension - please enquire when booking
Includes:
​​
-
1night hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen (B&B basis)
-
8 night expedition cruise on board MS Virgo (all-inclusive basis, based on 2 adults sharing a cabin)
-
All transfers in Svalbard
-
Specialist English-speaking naturalist guides
-
Photography tutelage from award-winning wildlife photographer Trai Anfield
-
Daily (subject to weather conditions) Zodiac and shore expeditions
-
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/post cruise excursions.
