Spitsbergen Explorer Photo Expedition with Paul Goldstein

Join accomplished and legendary wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein and our veteran guide duo John Rodsted and Mette Eliseussen, on a small ship photo expedition to explore Spitsbergen with just 12 guests on the magnificent MV Vikingfjord.

During June polar bears can be seen hunting on the pack offering gorgeous backdrops for photography. You can expect huge rafts of sea ice, walruses hauling out on remote beaches, Arctic foxes and encounter some of Spitsbergen’s countless glaciers with 24 hours of daylight. The expedition days will be spent searching for wildlife from the ship and the Zodiacs.

Exploring on a small ship allows a great deal of flexibility, Paul is big on flexibility and works VERY long hours. When wildlife is encountered, if pertinent, Zodiacs can be launched in under 15 minutes ensuring opportunities are rarely missed. There will be bags of instruction, advice, entertainment and chatter from Paul and plenty to learn about Spitsbergen from our experts John and Mette along the way.

MV Vikingfjord is a best in class small ship which benefits from an ice strengthened hull, fast cruising speed, a complete refit and a new engine making it the perfect choice for exploring polar waters. Expect onboard creature comforts including a large panoramic guest lounge, all ensuite cabins, situated above deck, an on deck hot tub and sauna to enjoy after a busy day (or indeed ‘night’) out in the ice and mountains of this captivating archipelago.

Learn from world class wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein and veteran expedition leaders John and Mette.
Explore in comfort on the newest and most environmentally friendly small ship in the polar regions with a 95% reduction in NOX emissions
Small, intimate group size of just 12 like minded guests.
No single supplement for solo travellers
June offers a great time of year to encounter polar bears, walruses and whales and sea ice.
2 Zodiacs to use for exploring and close up photography of wildlife
3 guides for a group of 12 offers the best ratio available
Friendly, inclusive atmosphere

Enquire about this journey

ITINERARY

Day 1 Longyearbyen

The expedition departs from Longyearbyen, the most northerly town on earth. The transfer will collect you from your hotel / airport and take you to MV Vikingfjord at 4pm. For the next 10 days civilization bid farewell as the wilderness of Spitsbergen is comprehensively explored. The aim of this expedition is to spend lots of time out in the field photographing the wildlife, nature, scenery, and glaciers of Spitsbergen. In the spirit of true exploration we don’t have a set itinerary which gives the expedition team flexibility to ensure you maximise your time.

Days 2 – 9 Exploring Spitsbergen

The focus of this voyage is capturing some beautiful imagery of Arctic wildlife. We will explore by ship and Zodiac in search of polar bears, walruses and Arctic wildlife under the guidance of Paul and the expedition team. Every day will offer a different experience and the focus will be spending time out on the Zodiacs and on deck to maximise photography opportunities. During June bird colonies become active, Arctic foxes can be seen beneath the steep cliffs and there are walruses in abundance.

Day 10 Longyearbyen

Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Spitsbergen photography tour ends after after breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.

Please Note:

The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition team will make sure you see as much a possible.

Vikingfjord

Vessel Type: Ice-Strengthened Expedition Vessel
Length: 41.8 m
Passenger Capacity: 12
Introducing MV Vikingfjord, a new ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests with great environmental credentials. MV Vikingfjord enters service in Svalbard for low impact expeditions in May 2023. She offers cruise ship comfort on a small ship with 9 ensuite cabins, an open plan saloon with rear facing windows, and on on deck hot tub and sauna.
What we love about Vikingfjord
• The most environmentally friendly small ship in the polar regions with a 95% reduction in NOX emissions.
• Large, open plan saloon and comfortable lounge located at the stern with sofas and large rear facing windows to enjoy the view.
• 9 Spacious cabins with modern decor, comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with a choice between doubles, twins or singles.
• Enjoy a sauna or outdoor hot tub on the upper deck.
• Lounge area on the bridge with a great view.
• Ice strengthened hull with 1B rating for exploring the polar regions.
MV Vikingfjord Key Features:
• New energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning fitted in 2022 offering the best environmental credentials.
• Rebuilt from the ground up in 2022 as a modern expedition vessel offering cruise ship comfort.
• Accommodates 12 guests in 9 ensuite cabins with windows that are all situated above the waterline.
• Modern interior finished to a high standard in 2023.
• Equipped with 2 x Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings
• Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders.
Interior
• Large open plan guest area with lounge, dining and seating area located at the stern. Equipped with TV for presentations, mini bar and hot drink service.
• Observation lounge area with seating area on the bridge.
• Spacious cabins with ensuite toilet and shower.
• Large mudroom and storage spaces for skis, and equipment.
Exterior
• Outdoor hot tub and sauna with a view on Deck 2.
• Large viewing area on the bow.
• 4 open decks for lots of viewing options.
• Accessible bow deck.