Explore the icy waters and shores of Svalbard on this dedicated photography voyage focussing on the Arctic’s iconic wildlife aboard the MS Stockholm, accompanied by team member and photographer Bret Charman.
This voyage has been designed to maximise the opportunities to photograph the magnificent wildlife and spectacular scenery of the Arctic. With an exclusive charter of the 12-berth M/S Stockholm, we can travel to the best sites to capture a stunning portfolio of images and enjoy the expertise of the expedition team.
By visiting earlier in the season, we hope to enjoy a landscape covered in snow and ice where we can photograph several Arctic specialists, including the endemic Svalbard reindeer on the snowy shores, the diminutive Arctic fox as it searches the frozen world for food, walrus and seals as they haul out on the shore and on ice floes and if we are particularly lucky, the polar bear as they search for food on the sea ice. Moreover, there will be a constant backdrop of jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes.
An estimated itinerary is shown below, but this depends entirely on the weather and ice conditions.
In addition to this dedicated photo voyage, we offer a departure on our Svalbard Wildlife Expedition, which is ideal for those who would prefer less emphasis on photography.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Board M/S Stockholm
On arrival in Longyearbyen we are transferred to the quay, where we board the M/S Stockholm. Once on board, we are shown to our cabins before meeting the crew and expedition team, followed by a mandatory safety briefing. We will depart Longyearbyen and start our expedition. Our first meal will be served as we familiarise ourselves with our home for the next seven nights.
Accommodation: MS Stockholm, 7-nights
Days2-7: Cruise the fjords and coastline of western Svalbard
For the next six days, we work our way up the western coastline of the island of Spitsbergen as we search for the region's rich wildlife.
A typical day aboard the M/S Stockholm comprises a breakfast before a Zodiac cruise or landing (if possible). The maximum number of passengers per Zodiac is seven to enhance the wildlife sightings. Upon our return, there will be time to relax, review our images, and settle down for a hearty lunchtime meal. If we can go out again in the afternoon, we will do so.
It is important to state that with 24-hour daylight, there could be remarkable wildlife encounters and spectacular photography opportunities at any time of day or night. It is with that in mind that our daily schedule will be flexible. An exclusive charter of a small ship means the crew will be there to help us maximise our time in this stunning part of the world.
The mammals and birds of the Arctic we are likely to see during this expedition are certainly more than enough to occupy us throughout our voyage. However, the stunning landscapes of Spitsbergen are just as breathtaking. The sheer scale of the glaciers, mountains and fjords only adds more wonder to this exclusive voyage.
Our main focus will be photographing the Arctic wildlife and doing so with the help of the expedition leader and crew. We hope to photograph numerous iconic species including bearded seal, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, walrus and polar bear. At all times, we will ensure to abide by the authority's carefully laid out wildlife watching guidelines.
Day8: Arrive Longyearbyen & disembark
Please note: Exact itinerary will depend on local weather and ice conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £8,895 pp
Bret is an award-winning wildlife photographer with a background in the wildlife travel and safari industry, with a particular interest in African and Australian wildlife.
After spending a year in Australia to pursue wildlife photography, he was rewarded with success at the prestigious Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, as well as winning the Birds in Flight category in Bird Photographer of the Year. Bret has experience leading groups in Europe, the Americas and in Africa.
High above the Arctic Circle lies the remarkable archipelago known in Norwegian as Svalbard. Spitsbergen, the main island, means 'jagged peaks' and befits this remarkable land with its spectacular coastline, littered with glaciers flowing into the sea, and high cliffs with endless opportunities for viewing wildlife.
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The MS Stockholm is often considered to be one of the finest examples of small, ice-strengthened expedition vessels. It is the perfect platform for small groups to enjoy the wildest corners of the Arctic, escaping the crowds and allowing for intimate encounters with the region’s wildlife.
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