Trip Dates: June 23 - July 3, 2026, up to a three day date shift forward or backward, the charter company will confirm “soon”, but they are locking me into this week.

Photo Tour Fee: $13,200 for an eleven day, ten night voyage. Includes: Everything from the time we leave the dock in to the time we return and get off the boat on the eleventh day.
Does Not Include: It does not include your flight to Longyearbyen or optional gratuities to the ship staff. It includes double occupancy. Single occupancy is only possible by purchasing a second space on the trip.

Deposit: $3400 (to be deducted from the total. The balance of $9800 will be due six months prior to the trip (January 25, 2026).

From: Longyearbyen, Norway

Leader(s): Matthew Studebaker

Target Group Size: 11 photographers, we will have the entire ship to ourselves.

The above images were taken from the same ship we will use, on the same route, at the same time of year. They were not taken on a Studebaker Tours trip, but hopefully give a rough idea of what we may see. Credits to each photographer in the corner of each photo unless the photos were provided by the boat company itself.

The above images are behind the scenes showing the experience others have had from the same ship at roughly the same time of year. They were not taken on a Studebaker Tours trip. Credits to each photographer in the corner of each photo unless the photos were provided by the boat company itself.

Travel considerations: To fly to Longyearbyen, you will almost certainly go through Oslo first. Coordinate with me to meet in Oslo on July 11 for an optional dinner with most of the group the evening before the trip officially begins. Then most of us will go on the same smaller plane the next day, unless you prefer to get to Longyearbyen early on your own.

Equipment: Bring your favorite digital SLR and a backup SLR if you have one. On this photo tour, we will want a wide variety of lenses. A long lens will be useful for detailed portraits of wildlife and sea birds. We also will have opportunities for landscapes so bring a wide angle as well. Bring a tripod, and binoculars if desired.

Likely Species on the trip. We cannot guarantee any given species. There may be distance regulations in some fjords as well.

Mammals:

• Polar Bear

• Walrus

• Svalbard Caribou

• Arctic Fox

• Seals (various species)

• Whales (various species)

Birds:

• Dovkie

• Atlantic Puffin

• Brünnich’s guillemot

• Common Eider

• Pink-footed Goose

• Ivory Gull

• Black-legged Kittiwake

• Northern Fulmar

• Rock Ptarmigan

• more

I’m chartering the entire ship just for our group of 11 photographers plus myself. This smaller ship will allow us to get into small areas near wildlife and then launch zodiacs when desired. I chose the ship based on several factors: First the captain has thirty years of experience navigating these waters. Second it’s a smaller ship for a more intimate experience with nature, rather than some boats that are multiple groups all mixed together for 50 - 100 people. I’d rather it just be us. Third, this ship has a thick haul - thicker than the rest of the fleet and thicker than most ships up there along with ice guards around the propellors which will allow us to get into the ice flows for the best photography.

About our ship:

The lounge has a self service bar and windows to enjoy the views. The dining room is large enough for everyone to enjoy meals prepared by the staff all in a single seating. The vessel has two inflatable power boats that are perfect for landings and photography (plus one additional for safety). There’s an observation deck and bridge. Rooms have two bunks each. The cabin rooms should be comfortable but by no means luxurious. All cabins have private facilities and small windows. There are more luxurious sleeping quarters out there on larger ships but we are using this ship because it can get us into the pack ice and into small coves.

What to pack

• Boots: Waterproof Hiking Boots.

• Jacket: You will want a coat. Be prepared for temperatures in the lower 40's with a moderate wind at times.

• Hat and Gloves: A warm hood could be the perfect answer for a cooler than average morning. Gloves are optional but a very good idea if you have extra room in your luggage. Long underwear is not a bad idea either.

• Backup memory

 

Physical Requirements:
Although we will spend a lot of time exploring from our ship, we will be able to land most days. Be prepared for a light amount of walking. We don’t anticipate anything long or strenuous.

Photographic Objectives:
Svalbard offers an iconic arctic adventure. We will photograph whatever nature puts in front of us, and pay special attention looking for the more iconic large arctic mammals. We will also have opportunities at landscapes and bird photography as well.

Cancellation Policy: Participant will receive a full refund of their deposit minus a $250 re-listing fee if we are able to fill the cancelled space. If we are unable to fill the cancelled space, we cannot issue a refund or credit of any kind.