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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: +$1,995.00
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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
Ultimate Polar Bear Photography: Journey to one of the best places on Earth to photograph polar bears, with over 2,500 roaming Svalbard’s icy wilderness—often seen hunting, swimming, or resting on sea ice.
Arctic Wildlife & Seascapes: Capture walruses, seals, whales (including humpbacks, belugas, and even blue whales), and immense seabird colonies, all set against breathtaking Arctic backdrops of glaciers, fjords, and icebergs.
Exclusive Small-Ship Luxury: Sail aboard Svalbard’s most luxurious 12-passenger expedition vessel—custom-built for photographers—with Zodiac access to remote shores, tidewater glaciers, and dramatic landscapes.
Expert-Led Arctic Expedition: Travel with two Backcountry Journeys photo guides and two seasoned local expedition leaders, plus enjoy onboard post-processing sessions to refine your images in real time.
If you have any questions about our trip process, policies, or procedures, our photo adventure specialists will help answer them on a personalized consultation.
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!
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.
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Awarded 2024 Travelers' Choice For World-Class Photography Tours & Workshops
Our All-Inclusive Accommodations Keep You Focused on Your Photography.
Each trip is carefully planned out by our dedicated logistics team and allows for a worry-free experience where most expenses are bundled into one simple package.
Most Trips Include:
Meals
Lodging
Transportation Between Workshops
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Photography Instruction
Small Groups
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