An Exclusive Arctic Photo expedition in Golden Light of the High North

Regulations in Svalbard have changed in recent years, increasing the required distance between vessels and polar bears. While these rules are important for protecting wildlife, they also make traditional wildlife viewing from crowded expedition ships far more limited.

Our answer is simple: go where the bears actually live.

Instead of waiting along the edges of the archipelago, we travel deep into the drifting pack ice North, where polar bears hunt, travel and live naturally across the frozen Arctic Ocean. Out here the experience is completely different. Vast landscapes of moving sea ice stretch to the horizon, wildlife encounters happen on the bears’ terms, and the sense of wilderness is absolute.

Photographing polar bears in their true habitat, deep in the pack ice, is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth.

The MS Kvitungen

To make this possible we operate from a very special vessel: the MS Kvitungen.

This is not a luxury cruise ship. It is a serious Arctic expedition vessel, built for strength, endurance and the ability to travel where most ships cannot.

With a reinforced Ice Class hull, the MS Kvitungen is designed to withstand the immense pressure of shifting sea ice and safely push through dense pack ice conditions. This strength allows us to venture far beyond the normal routes of tourist ships and explore remote areas of the Arctic Ocean.

Simply put, the stronger the ship, the deeper we can go.

And deeper in the ice is exactly where the best wildlife and most dramatic photographic opportunities exist.

For photographers, the MS Kvitungen offers an outstanding platform. Open decks provide excellent vantage points for shooting, while the vessel’s size and manoeuvrability allow us to position ourselves quickly when wildlife appears.

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Guided by Experts, Designed for Photographers

You’ll be hosted by Wim van den Heever the NHM Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2025 who will provide hands-on guidance and personalised feedback throughout the journey.

Our expedition leader is Piet van der Bemd who is arguably one of the best Polar expedition leaders in the world. Piet is also a professional photographer and drone pilot and brings with him a vast array of skills and knowledge.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer or a passionate enthusiast, you’ll gain new skills, insights, and a powerful portfolio. The flexible itinerary is designed to follow the best light and wildlife opportunities, so you’re always in the right place at the right time.

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