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Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
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If you're new to photography tours, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
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About Our Company
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Svalbard: Ultimate Arctic Expedition
Ship-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$1,195.00
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Deposit: $5,500.00
Start/End
Longyearbyen, Norway / Longyearbyen, Norway
Length
11 Days/10 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 12 Guests
Highlights
- One of the most remote locations on Earth
- Polar bears
- Arctic wildlife – whales, walrus, fox, and more
- Rugged Arctic mountains
- Tidewater glaciers
- The most experienced crew for photography
- Luxurious, small-ship experience
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Svalbard is an archipelago located halfway between Norway and the North Pole. It is one of the most alluring travel locations on Earth due to its natural diversity and proximity to the North Pole.
The most popular resident? The polar bear. Svalbard is home to over 2,500 polar bears, and remains one of the top destinations to photograph them.
In addition, Svalbard's nutrient rich waters attract walrus, bearded seals, ringed seals, humpback whales, fin whales, blue whales and belugas. As well, as gigantic seabird colonies.
Expect to also witness dramatic Arctic scenes. We will photograph tidewater glaciers, icebergs, and mountains during our expedition. There are great opportunities for wildlife on the landscape shots as well.
Svalbard has the ability to offer experiences and photography unlike any place on Earth.
Over the course of the trip, we'll weave in and out of fjords and ice flows, looking for polar bears, whales, walruses, seals and more.
We'll use Zodiac's to access land, tidewater glaciers, and Arctic mountains.
There is also the opportunity for post-processing instruction in the lounge area on the ship.
We're proud to collaborate with our closest Norwegian partners for this trip. You'll be in the great hands of two BCJ Photo Guides PLUS two local expedition leaders.
Our expedition ship is the most luxurious small-ship in Svalbard waters. It holds only 12 passengers, was rebuilt in 2022, and the crew only works with photographers. Our ship has single cabins available and twin cabins for couples and room sharing.
We've made it possible for you to join us on an expedition to one of the most remote and captivating places on Earth, in comfort and luxury.
Join us for the biggest BCJ photo adventure yet!
The most popular resident? The polar bear. Svalbard is home to over 2,500 polar bears, and remains one of the top destinations to photograph them.
In addition, Svalbard's nutrient rich waters attract walrus, bearded seals, ringed seals, humpback whales, fin whales, blue whales and belugas. As well, as gigantic seabird colonies.
Expect to also witness dramatic Arctic scenes. We will photograph tidewater glaciers, icebergs, and mountains during our expedition. There are great opportunities for wildlife on the landscape shots as well.
Svalbard has the ability to offer experiences and photography unlike any place on Earth.
Over the course of the trip, we'll weave in and out of fjords and ice flows, looking for polar bears, whales, walruses, seals and more.
We'll use Zodiac's to access land, tidewater glaciers, and Arctic mountains.
There is also the opportunity for post-processing instruction in the lounge area on the ship.
We're proud to collaborate with our closest Norwegian partners for this trip. You'll be in the great hands of two BCJ Photo Guides PLUS two local expedition leaders.
Our expedition ship is the most luxurious small-ship in Svalbard waters. It holds only 12 passengers, was rebuilt in 2022, and the crew only works with photographers. Our ship has single cabins available and twin cabins for couples and room sharing.
We've made it possible for you to join us on an expedition to one of the most remote and captivating places on Earth, in comfort and luxury.
Join us for the biggest BCJ photo adventure yet!
What's Included
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- Airport transfers
- Rubber boots and floating suits for Zodiac excursions
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- On-board Naturalist and experienced expedition guides in addition to BCJ guides
- Gratuities for ship crew, expedition guides, and restaurant staff
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR)
Passport and visa fees (if applicable)
Meals and lodging outside the workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
This is not expected. But, we reserve the right to add a surcharge for excessive fuel cost increases. This is highly unlikely and has not happened in the last 10 years, but it must be noted as a possibility.
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (D)
Arrive to Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR) and transfer to your awaiting hotel. We will meet for introductions and enjoy a great dinner.
Day 2 – Day 10 (B, L, D)
On Day 2, we will have breakfast, an orientation, and early afternoon transfer to our ship and begin our Arctic adventure!
During our days aboard the ship, we’ll explore the archipelago of Svalbard. Our priorities will be Arctic wildlife and landscapes
We will spend time locating polar bears, whales, walruses and other wildlife. In addition, we will photograph the Arctic mountains and glaciers as we make our way through the fjords and ice floes.
We have Zodiacs available to use for landscape/wildlife opportunities, as well as accessing land. The photography opportunities are literally endless.
Each day will be a different adventure, and dependent on wildlife sightings and weather.
Day 11 (B)
We will get into port in the late hours.
We will enjoy a final breakfast and then transfer from the ship to our original hotel, and then back to LYR airport for departures home. There are usually two flight departures on this day, either option will work but the earlier flight is preferred (this flight is non-stop to Oslo).
Day 1 (D)
Arrive to Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR) and transfer to your awaiting hotel. We will meet for introductions and enjoy a great dinner.
Day 2 – Day 10 (B, L, D)
On Day 2, we will have breakfast, an orientation, and early afternoon transfer to our ship and begin our Arctic adventure!
During our days aboard the ship, we’ll explore the archipelago of Svalbard. Our priorities will be Arctic wildlife and landscapes
We will spend time locating polar bears, whales, walruses and other wildlife. In addition, we will photograph the Arctic mountains and glaciers as we make our way through the fjords and ice floes.
We have Zodiacs available to use for landscape/wildlife opportunities, as well as accessing land. The photography opportunities are literally endless.
Each day will be a different adventure, and dependent on wildlife sightings and weather.
Day 11 (B)
We will get into port in the late hours.
We will enjoy a final breakfast and then transfer from the ship to our original hotel, and then back to LYR airport for departures home. There are usually two flight departures on this day, either option will work but the earlier flight is preferred (this flight is non-stop to Oslo).
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
IN THE
BUSINESS
IN THE
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
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PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024