Leica Photo Adventure: Svalbard | July 11-20, 2026
$18,995 ($4,995 Deposit)
Workshop at a Glance
Physical Activity
Photographic Intensity
Classroom Instruction
Climate/Weather Severity Food and Accommodations
Cultural Immersion Good for Non-photographers-
Join us for an extraordinary 10-day photography expedition to Svalbard next summer! We’ve partnered with Secret Atlas to explore the remote Arctic wilderness of Spitsbergen under the mesmerizing glow of the Midnight Sun. Each day brings a new adventure—witness towering glaciers calving into the sea, encounter incredible Arctic wildlife, and visit historic sites that tell the region’s fascinating story.
A photography tour in Svalbard is an immersive experience where every moment presents a new opportunity to capture the Arctic’s breathtaking beauty. From the deck of our expedition vessel, the MV Vikingfjord, you’ll photograph these dramatic landscapes bathed in the golden glow of the Midnight Sun. As we navigate fjords and frozen coastlines, you’ll have the chance to frame stunning compositions of towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and mirror-like waters reflecting the endless Arctic sky. Encounters with wildlife—polar bears patrolling the ice, walruses lounging on drifting floes, and seabirds soaring overhead—offer once-in-a-lifetime shots, while Zodiac excursions bring you up close to the raw, untamed wilderness. Whether capturing the intricate textures of ancient ice or the fleeting moment of a fox moving through the tundra, Svalbard is a paradise for photographers seeking both grandeur and intimacy in their images.
Guided by two expert leaders and supported by a dedicated and experienced crew, this exclusive journey welcomes just 12 guests and includes the expertise of two Leica Specialists (Peter Dooling & Michael Turek), ensuring an unparalleled photography experience.
Expedition Highlights
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Experience breathtaking landscapes that include majestic glaciers, mountains, and fjords.
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Witness the midnight sun, which creates a surreal and magical atmosphere by never setting.
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Explore Arctic landscapes on foot, hike with expert guides, and visit historical sites such as abandoned whaling stations and Russian mining towns.
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Use 2 Zodiacs for exploring and close-up photography of wildlife.
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Encounter polar bears, walruses, and whales in attractive lighting conditions during this great time of year.
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Enjoy a friendly and inclusive atmosphere with a small, intimate group size of just 12 like-minded explorers.
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Be led by world-class expedition leaders.
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Dates:
Saturday, July 11 - Monday, July 20, 2026
Cost:
$18,995 - Double occupancy cabins (can be 2 twin beds or 1 double bed)
*Two Signature single cabins available for $5000 each SOLD OUT
*One Signature Penthouse available for additional $6000 SOLD OUTSize:
Limited to 12 attendees
Included in the cost of the trip:
- Double occupancy cabins w/ private facilities
- Two Signature Single cabins available for $5000 each SOLD OUT
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One Signature Penthouse available for additional $6000 SOLD OUT
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Alcoholic drinks with evening meals
- Expert Svalbard expedition leaders
- Lectures on Svalbard
- Highly experienced captain and crew
- Zodiac expeditions for shore landings and photo opportunities
- Rubber boots for shore landings
- All airport transfers and ground transportation to and from vessel
- Gratuities for guides and crew
- In-the-field photography instruction
- Adobe Lightroom post processing instruction
- 1-on-1 critique/review sessions
Not included in the cost of the trip:
- International flights to and from Longyearbyen (LYR)
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Additional hotel nights before or after the trip
- Alcohol (aside from dinners)
- Items of a personal nature
- Visas (if necessary)
*Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our guides and captain will put us in the best possible position to find them.
About MV Vikingfjord
The MV Vikingfjord is the most environmentally friendly small expedition vessel in the Arctic with new systems creating a 95% reduction in NOX emissions and increased efficiency. Rebuilt from the ground up around the guest experience, Vikingfjord offers a new level of comfort with en suite cabins, an open plan panoramic lounge and restaurant, on deck sauna and hot pool with a view, a large mud room and ample equipment storage. It features a presentation TV, a mini bar, and a hot beverage service for all guests.
Designed to deliver an outstanding expedition experience, Vikingfjord has an ice strengthened hull for navigating the pack ice and is equipped with 2 zodiacs for exploring.
Passenger cabins include:
4 x Signature Twin/ Double cabins (can be 2 twin beds or 1 double bed)
2 x Signature Single cabins SOLD OUT
1 x Penthouse Double (1 double bed - requires 2 paid guests) SOLD OUT
Signing Up
To sign up for this photo adventure, checkout here on our website, call 305-921-4433 or email us (workshops@leicastoremiami.com). We are happy to answer any questions you may have. A $4995 deposit is required to hold your spot. The first balance payment of $7000 will be due on January 11, 2026 and the final balance payment of $7000 will be due on April 11, 2026.
We look forward to seeing you in Svalbard!
- Double occupancy cabins w/ private facilities
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Itinerary (subject to change depending on weather)
Day 1 (July 11) - Welcome aboard! Embarkation in Longyearbyen at 16:00
We begin our expedition in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. The airport code is LYR and you'll most likely fly through Oslo (OSL) to get here. In the afternoon we will embark on our expedition vessel after an introduction from our expedition leader and a safety briefing from the captain. We’ll set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord and as Longyearbyen disappears astern, wave goodbye to civilization.
*We recommend arriving a day early, on July 10th, for this trip just in case there are any travel or weather delays. You really don't want to miss the boat departure on July 11th!
Day 2 (July 12) - West Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland Area
In the morning we sail by Prins Karls Forland, an uninhabited island of beautiful scenery off the west coast of Spitsbergen. This is a place where sometimes walruses are likely to haul out or be sighted. In the afternoon, we may get our boots on for a hike to spot grazing reindeer. If the conditions allow, we will sail along the coast exploring places such as Krosssfjorden, home to majestic glaciers, and some of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords and scenery.
Days 3-4 (July 13-14) - Exploring the Northern Fjords and the Ice Edge
Over the next few days, we will navigate between the coast and the sea ice that extends all the way to the North Pole. We will count on regular shore landings and zodiac tours to visit different natural and historical sites including glaciers, partake in wilderness hikes and fully immersive ourselves in the raw nature of the Arctic.
Every day we will explore deeper into the wilderness Svalbard has to offer. Under the guidance of our expedition leader, we will work with the weather and sea ice conditions to show you the best photography locations on the northern coast.
Days 5-6 (July 15-16) - Exploring the East Coast
If the sea ice grants passage, we will aim to head east towards the Hinlopen Strait area and venture deeper into a vast world of ice and cliffs. While attempting this we will be obliged to reach a new higher latitude to the voyage, crossing the 80 degrees North parallel. The days will be long and complemented with action, zodiac cruises and the search for wildlife.
The ice will extend all the way to the horizon, and the enigmatic presence of the northern king of wildlife will be felt. We will potentially come across some immense bird cliffs where thousands of birds fly in and out without a break. These days will be filled with a sense of adventure and exposure to nature, the ice and the winds might let us through to the south, or we might need to turn around and head back West over the north. Regardless of the exact route, the expedition will build into its climax.
Days 7-8 (July 17-18) - Exploring Southern Spitsbergen
We will follow the compass south and explore the region along the south coast of Spitsbergen. We will visit rarely visited landing sites and have lots of chances to take in the breathtaking nature, wildlife, and scenery. As we round the southern tip of Spitsbergen, we will enter the area around Hornsund where we will have a day to explore and do some wilderness hikes. We will then set sail north along the coast towards Isfjorden.
Day 9 (July 19) - Isfjord
Already back in the protection of Isfjorden, we will find peaceful landing sites to hike or simply relax and take it all in. Isfjorden offers a fantastic mix of landscapes, history and wildlife. Offering the best possible closure to our experience before heading back to civilization.
Day 10 (July 20) - DepartureBy morning we will have arrived back at the port of Longyearbyen. Disembarking the ship will involve saying goodbye to the new friends you’ve made but knowing you will keep the memories and photographs of this transformative adventure you shared together.
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Payment
A $4995 deposit is required to hold your spot. The first balance payment of $7000 will be due on January 11, 2026 and the final balance payment of $7000 will be due on April 11, 2026.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Enrollment is limited to 12 participants, and once you sign up, we are counting on your attendance. As we have chartered the MV Vikingfjord, our investment in this tour is non-refundable. Therefore our cancellation policy is different than our normal workshops and tours. This is our refund policy:
*PLEASE NOTE: Your deposit will be non-refundable if we cannot fill your spot.
If you cancel and we find someone to fill your seat, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $250 service charge and any credit card processing fees. If you cancel and we cannot find someone to fill your seat, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule:
At least 6 months before the start of the workshop: Full refund minus your deposit
Between 6 months and 3 months before the start of the workshop: 50% refund minus your deposit
Less than 3 months from the start of the workshop: No refund
If you need to withdraw from this workshop, please notify us in writing (email is acceptable) as soon as possible.Course Cancellation and Other Terms
Leica Store Miami reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 6 months prior to the start of the trip.
In the event that this workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits will be refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop within 24 months.
In the unlikely event of illness, accident or injury to one of the instructors, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to replace that instructor with a comparable instructor.
In the event of a natural disaster or severe weather event, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to postpone or cancel the workshop.Travel Insurance (required)
It is a requirement of booking that guests provide evidence of comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment, medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation), personal accident, injury and death in addition to loss of/damage to luggage and possessions, personal possessions and flight cancellations/delays. Companies like Travelex and Allianz Global Assistance are reputable but you can choose any vendor you like. Leica Store Miami is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation, nor are we responsible for trip cancellations due to medical emergencies, personal emergencies or other unforeseen events.
Camera Gear Insurance (STRONGLY recommended)
We advise all of our workshop attendees to insure their camera gear against damage, theft, loss, etc. If your gear is not already insured, check with your home owner's insurance to see if they offer coverage. There are several photo specific insurance policies out there as well.
Solo Attendees
As there are only 2 single cabins on this expedition and 7 cabins in total, chances are you'll be paired up with another solo traveler of the same gender. If there is not another solo attendee of the same gender, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation. *Of course, we will do all we can to make the pairings work.
Communicable Illness Protocols
Our main goal on all of our tours is to keep everyone safe. To that end, we ask that everyone do their best to avoid exposure to communicable diseases like Covid-19, influenza, RSV, etc before and during our trip. If someone in our group becomes ill on the trip and we deem it to be harmful to the group, we reserve the right to remove them from group activities where social distancing is not possible.Transfers
If for any reason you wish to transfer your deposit or workshop fee, please notify us by email. You must register and complete a new workshop within 24 months of the withdrawal. We reserve the right to accept or deny any transfer.There are no exceptions to our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.
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