Svalbard Wildlife Trips: Photography & Pilates
Two incredible Svalbard wildlife trips to the Arctic Archipelago are planned for the summer of 2025; each of the two trips will be for an intimate small group of 12 guests. So, what can you expect? A frozen dreamscape of mountains, tundras, icecaps, sea ice and glaciers, Svalbard is a truly unique environment and an awesome sight to behold. Home to thousands of polar bears as well as walrus, seals, countless bird species, arctic fox and whales – from beluga to blue – you can expect plenty of magical wildlife encounters, all wrapped up in this breath-taking scenery.
We have chartered small cruise ship to be the home for our Arctic adventures. Specifically designed for life in the ice and with just 7 passenger cabins, our ship, MV Polarfront, is petite but hugely comfortable. With plenty of deck space from which to spot wildlife and admire the scenery, there is also a small gym, sauna and hot tub – and one of the most esteemed chefs in the Arctic. A refurbishment is planned for this coming winter (ahead of our departures), which will further add to the style and comfort of this lovely vessel.
Each of our Svalbard wildlife trips will allow guests to deep dive into a much-loved hobby – photography or Pilates – under the tutelage of an expert. Both departures offer wonderful opportunities to spend time with group of people with a shared interest, learn new skills and to explore one of the earth’s frozen frontiers. We expect places to sell out fast so read on to find out more or get in touch with our Destination Experts to secure your place today.
Dates
Svalbard Photography Tour, 25th May - 4th June 2025; Polar Bears + Pilates Tour, 4th June - 13th June 2025
Group Size
12
Price: POA
Reserve A Spot
Choose your Svalbard Wildlife Trip Group
Polar Bear and Pilates or Photography
Svalbard Photography Tour
Svalbard is a photographer’s paradise, and our first Svalbard wildlife trip reflects this. Over the course of a 10-day voyage, you can be sure to get the best photos possible under the expert guidance of a professional photography coach.
Many Svalbard photography tours operate around the professional taking awesome pictures, but we’re shifting that focus to support you to take the most accomplished photos – which is why we are bringing a coach. This is an opportunity for anyone, no matter your experience, to capture incredible images from the Arctic, at a time of year when the light is perfect and there is every chance of amazing wildlife sightings. Candid polar bear photo? This Svalbard photography tour is the trip to capture your own.
The benefits of being one of only 12 guests on this luxury small group travel experience are invaluable: we can be flexible on landing times, lingering longer in locations when the light is right, our small ship can reach places that bigger ones cannot, and your coach will be able to spend time with each of you.
Svalbard Polar Bear & Pilates Tour
Our second departure to Svalbard will be an opportunity to relax and escape, surrounded by the silence and tranquillity of the ice. One of the most peaceful places on earth, Svalbard is an incredible location for a luxury wellness retreat; this departure will be hosted by a esteemed Pilates and Yoga instructor, who will lead daily sessions on the deck – can you imagine cruising past a glacier or spotting a polar bear while deep in a meditation?
There will be daily landings too, to ensure you squeeze the most out of the polar experience, and while the Svalbard wildlife trip is wellness-focused, you’ll also enjoy incredible wildlife encounters our excellent onboard chef will serve a full menu of delicious, gourmet cuisine.
What makes these Svalbard trips spectacular?
Svalbard Wildlife Trip Highlights
Improve your photography skills as you travel with a Photography coach
A different take on the typical Svalbard photography tour, Martin Gregus Snr will act as a coach, to teach you how to get the best photos and videos. The arctic is by far one of the most unique yet challenging destinations due to its extremely white landscapes and almost unavoidable glare – this is where Martin comes in, he’ll guide you as you explore the wilderness so you can capture flawless photos in a picture-perfect destination. A special opportunity to take everything you have learnt home with you – and your incredible photos too.
Daily private and personalised Pilates classes
A sublime location for a luxury wellness retreat – Svalbard offers peace and serenity. Our second departure Svalbard wildlife trip brings well-known Gaby Lewis onboard, a highly regarded Yoga and Pilates instructor. Gaby will lead daily sessions on deck, an opportunity to focus on yourself and go on a journey of self-discovery as you begin to form a new connection with your body and mind.
You’ll come away feeling more grounded and aware of your deeper strength. To top it off, Martin Gregus Snr will remain onboard, to capture every magical moment.
Spot polar bears, walrus, whales and more
One of the most Northern inhabited places on planet earth, Svalbard is a magnificent archipelago for wildlife. The summer brings a hub of polar activity and an amazing opportunity to spot birds, land and marine species thriving in their natural habitat.
Whilst this is nature and nothing can be guaranteed, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the King of the Arctic – the Polar Bear as they roam the land and the waters. You’ll also likely spot the Arctic Fox, – the cutest canine you’ll ever see, plus the Svalbard Reindeer lurking about too. Marine life brings the once almost extinct Walrus which now thrives in Svalbard and potentially up to five species of whales. Not to forget the seals which are often found chilling in open waters on drift ice.
A true bird-lovers paradise too with over 237 species recorded including the distinctive puffin which we all know and love. Svalbard is a treasure trove of polar wildlife so do expect plenty of magical encounters.
Reach places other ships cannot
Specifically designed for ice, the MV Polarfront is small but majestically luxurious offering the sophistication of a big ship but with the benefits of sailing on a small boutique vessel. With only 7 cabins, you can expect an element of privacy you wouldn’t normally be able to achieve on a Svalbard polar bear cruise. Being so petite, she can travel where the larger ships cannot.
Equipped with a large hot tub and sauna plus viewing window, spacious outer decks to observe wildlife and minimize disturbance, a gym onboard and most importantly heated towel tracks in every bathroom for warm towels ready on your return, the MV Polarfront is the true epitome of luxury in the Arctic.
The Journey You Will Take
Itinerary
Svalbard is a truly unique destination, nestled in the Arctic circle and home to incredible Polar wildlife combined with breath-taking scenic landscapes.
Meet Your Experts
Martin Gregus Sr
The president and founder of Photofabrica and the One 50 Canada Society, Martin has over 40 years of experience in professional photography, design, advertising, and publishing. With a master’s degree in fine art and documentary photography from the famous Prague Film Academy – FAMU Martin has dedicated his recent works to the creation of photography books and documentary projects which focus on capturing our lives from all over the world. Over his many years in the business Martin has spent much of his life working with his camera in the studio with various well known individuals movie stars, presidents, prime ministers, or just beautiful people; shooting commercial, fashion architecture, and documentary projects. Together with his son Martin Jr (who won the National History Museum Rising Star award last year) they live and operate a photography studio as well as an aerial filming company in Vancouver, Canada.
Gabriella Lewis
Gaby Lewis is a renowned Pilates teacher who after a 10 year career in ballet, suffered a back injury which put a halt on her dancing. Her rehabilitation included Pilates which she very quickly fell in love with. After making a full recovery, she no longer had the same drive to dance and felt herself going into a new direction, igniting her passion for Pilates. After a 2-year training course at Pilates Off the Square, a Pilates centre of excellence in London, Gaby found her true calling. Pilates is her way of helping people discover their true self and understand the connections in their body. Gaby’s focus is on self-discovery, focusing on the mind, to relax body whilst performing a range of diverse functional movements, designed to strengthen. She is also fully qualified in massage, sports massage and reflexology too and keen to share her knowledge with anyone looking for a safe and effective path to health and fitness.
Photo Album
Gallery
Pricing Information
The Details
Price: POA
Per person based on two sharing.
Single supplement cost applies.
- Accommodation, tours, transportation, meals, and transfers as set out in the above itinerary
- VAT
- Local guides
- Activities as described
- International Flights
- Anything stated to be optional
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel services
- Telephone, laundry, or any personal items
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees when you are not travelling with our guide
- Any surcharge levied on payment by Credit Cards
- Any changes you may choose to make during your holiday
What You Need to Know
The Benefits of Small Group Travel
Private Access
Our hand-picked specialists, guides and leaders ensure unrivalled insider access that you wouldn't normally be able to achieve unless you were travelling as a group, allowing guests to experience the destination in a very special way.
Specialist Guides
Small group travel gives you an amazing opportunity to spend time with true experts in their field. Each trip is accompanied by a cazenove+loyd Destination Expert– as well as top specialists, guides, and leaders.
DESIGNED BY EXPERTS
Each Small Group Trip is hand-crafted by one of our Destination Experts. Using their passion, knowledge, and curiosity for a destination they create a bespoke journey that showcases the wonders of the place you’re visiting.
MAKE NEW CONNECTIONS
Our Small Group Trips often form the beginning lifelong friendships. Much of the journey is spent as a group, however there is always plenty of time to relax and enjoy your own space too. Our trip leaders are brilliant at reading the group and being proactive and reactive to the flow of the trip.
Our Service
Getting It Right Every Time
Secure your Small Group Trip spot
Personalise + Extend
Personal Service
Immersive Travel
24/7 Service
We work in some of the most ecologically and culturally sensitive parts of the world, so have always been conscious of operating in a way that has a positive impact on both the environment and the people.
When you join one of our Small Group Trips, we will make a contribution on your behalf to one of the following charities: All About the Light Foundation in Africa, ABOUTAsia Travel & Schools in Cambodia, the Alalay Foundation in Bolivia and Scott Polar Research Institute in the Polar Regions.
If you are interested, we are always keen to get clients involved in local projects and conservation efforts. Whether it be whale counting in Antarctica or rhino relocation in Kenya, you will leave knowing your actions have made a difference.
The price of all our Small Group Trips includes domestic flights but excludes international flights. We suggest flights for our clients that work well with the itinerary and are happy to book and manage these flights. However, you can also book your own international flights if you would prefer. We can also organise private charters and private jet travel for both international and domestic flights.
We have a fantastic VIP service in place to help you navigate the airport and make your journey as smooth and easy as possible. We can collect you from your home, take you to the airport and escort you through check-in and immigration to avoid any queues, straight through to the airport lounge before boarding your flight. The same service can be put in place on your return journey.
We understand that one of the most important factors to our clients is flexibility in order to give you peace of mind when booking your trip. If you would like to discuss the latest updates on flexibility on any of our luxury small group tours, feel free to contact us.
We have excellent relationships with a handful of insurance companies who provide various forms of cover. Each one offers a different policy with varying terms and conditions, so we strongly recommend getting a series of quotes and discussing your personal requirements in detail with them in order to find the best one for you.
Booking and travelling with an accredited tour operator is more important than ever. cazenove+loyd is a bonded tour operator and is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Our ATOL number is 3208. This means that the UK government guarantees all funds paid out to a bonded operator and is bound to pay in full if the bond holder is unable to deliver as contracted. This gives our clients peace of mind and full financial protection. Please see our booking conditions for further information.
We have put the relevant measures in place on every one of our Small Group Trips, so that we are ready to welcome you safely. Sanitation and hygiene in our vehicles and the properties in which we will be staying is extensive, with cleaning protocols followed rigidly as well as other necessary safety requirements.
Each trip has a set price per person that is dependent on the intricacies of the itinerary. We have detailed above everything that is included, excluded and the cost of a single supplement if applicable. For the latest details on deposit and balance payments and schedules, please get in touch to speak to an expert.
DATES
Svalbard Photography Tour, 25th May - 4th June 2025; Polar Bears + Pilates Tour, 4th June - 13th June 2025
GROUP SIZE
12
Price: POA / Per person based on two sharing.
Single supplement cost applies.
Register Your Interest