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camera_enhanceTrip Overview
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!
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
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.
- Final Balance Due 180 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​
- Specialized Itinerary terms & conditions apply. Please see our Cancellation / Transfer policy on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Trip Insurance Required​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.
Important Trip Information
Orientation Meeting Time: 5 pm
Trip Conclusion Time: 5 am
LONGYEARBYEN LODGING
(if this changes, you will be notified):
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen
Phone +47 79 023450
There is an airport shuttle bus service that offers direct transportation to the hotel. Should you wish to stay additional nights, please contact us.
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
In 2026, Norway and many other countries in the European Union will require non-EU citizens to register with ETIAS before visitation. ETIAS is an electronic visa-waiver program that automatically links to the applicants’ passports upon approval, creating a streamlined method of enhanced border security.
DISCLAIMER: Always check the online trip packet for the most up-to-date information, especially before booking your flights.
directions_runFitness Level
Much of the adventure is ship-based, and participants should be prepared for the possibility of seasickness, especially if the waters are rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, (or even if you are not) consider bringing medication or remedies to ensure your comfort during the journey.
Land excursions may involve walking on uneven terrain, rocky shores, or icy surfaces, which can be slippery and challenging to navigate. Additionally, the Arctic environment is known for its rapidly changing weather and cold temperatures. Being well-prepared will help you fully enjoy the trip.
Click here to see BCJ Fitness Levels
cloudWeather
Expect cool weather in the Arctic, even in late summer and fall. Temperature highs will be in the low 40s and lows will be in the mid-30s (F).
General Links to Weather Conditions: Longyearbyen, Norway
We recommend checking these weather links prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.
Rubber boots and floating suits will be provided and loaned out once on the ship. These items are great for the Arctic conditions and our activities on and off the ship.
We also recommend bringing a seasickness medicine / remedy with you. The waters are generally calm but we always suggest bringing over-the-counter medicine when traveling via boat.
Daily 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).
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.
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!
Recommended Gear List
Need some camera gear? Try renting, we do it all the time.
We recommend using LensRentals. Use the code 'BCJ15' for 15% off.
PHOTO GEAR AND TECH:
RECOMMENDED:
Mirrorless or DSLR Camera with Manual Controls
Backup Camera Body
Super-telephoto Lens (180-600mm, 600 prime or similar)
Telephoto Lens (100-400mm, 70-200mm or similar)
Teleconverter (1.4x and/or 2x)
Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm or similar)
Standard or Mid-Range Lens (24-70mm, 24-105mm or similar)
Rain Cover for camera and lenses
Laptop Computer
External Hard Drives
Camera Pack with a Rain Cover
Sufficient Memory Cards
Sufficient Batteries and Chargers (batteries will drain faster in the cold)
International Power Adapter - Type C
Polarizing Filter
Lens and Camera Cleaning Kit (with extra lens cloths)
Multi-Tool (with Allen keys and screwdrivers)
OPTIONAL:
Drone (certain certifications are required to legally use a drone on this trip)
Sensor Cleaning Supplies
Neutral Density Filter
Sturdy Tripod (gimbal head is ideal, ball head is fine)
Remote Shutter Trigger
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
CLOTHING AND FIELD GEAR:
RECOMMENDED:
*Warm suits and rubber boots are available to everyone onboard the ship. These options are great for Zodiac cruises and highly recommended.
Dry Bag
Warm and Breathable Base Layers (Synthetic or wool recommended, avoid cotton)
We recommend a pair of leggings or lightweight trousers to block the sun and give warmth at night.
Insulated Pants
Warm Jacket (Both Synthetic and Down are great)
Waterproof Outer Layer (Sailing jacket, technical Gore-Tex Shell, etc.))
Warm Hat
Warm Gloves or mittens
Warm Socks (wool or synthetic)
Buff/Balaclava
Glove Liners
Hand Warmers
Brimmed sun/rain hat
Casual Wear (For when we’re not in the field)
Slippers or booties for the boat
Sunglasses
Walking/Hiking Shoes
Warm and Waterproof Winter Boots
Reusable Water Bottle
Sunscreen
Toiletries
The ship has body gel in each bathroom, but no other toiletries
OPTIONAL:
Binoculars
Seasickness medicine
We recommend contacting your physician for recommendations on OTC and prescription medicine
NOT RECOMMENDED:
We Don’t Recommend Wearing Anything Cotton in the Field
Need some additional gear that you don’t already own? Try renting, we do it all the time. We strongly recommend using LensRentals. They provide high quality service, and their products are always in great shape. Use code ‘BCJ15’ for 15% off your order.
This is a general list. Please call with any specific questions you may have!
Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel, or travel bag. You will not be bringing all of your gear with you on every outing.
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