Ocean Geographic In & Over Water Arctic Photographic Expedition 2026
2 June - 10 June 2026 Svalbard, High Arctic
Ocean Geographic is collaborating with WildPhoto, the experts in polar wildlife photography, to bring you this unique opportunity to explore and photograph the arctic. With a small team and one of the best polar guides this expedition is specially created for wildlife enthusiasts and passionate photographers who want to travel in a small group to spend more time with the enigmatic wildlife of the Arctic.
Join Michael AW for this unforgettable sojourn in the far north
from EUR 10033 per person ( standard room).
Make your reservation now – 6 spots available
An Exclusive Arctic Wildlife Expedition - Above & Beneath the Ice
Since 2013, Michael AW has led 11 photographic expeditions to the high Arctic aboard a variety of vessels—from cutting-edge USCG icebreakers to nimble Russian ice class research ships. But nothing compares to the freedom and flexibility of small-ship exploration. In June 2026, Michael will return to Svalbard with a stealthy, elite team aboard a newly refurbished, ice-strengthened expedition vessel to photograph the Arctic’s most iconic wildlife—polar bears, belugas, walruses, bearded and ringed seals, whales, puffins, and more—both above and below the water.
This is much more than a tourist class Arctic cruise. It’s a wildlife photographic expedition designed specifically for serious photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to experience and capture the raw, intimate beauty of Arctic life—with minimal disruption, maximum access, and 24 hours of golden light.
Expedition Focus
In collaboration with the renowned polar photography team at WildPhoto, this exclusive voyage is tailored to maximise time with wildlife on drifting sea ice, glacial fronts, and coastal cliffs.
Whether from the deck, a zodiac, beneath the waterline, or the sky, we’ll use customised drones, pole cams, and remote camera systems to get closer than ever before—while always respecting the Arctic’s fragile wilderness.
When conditions allow, we’ll snorkel in the icy waters among bergs and seals—one of the rarest and most exhilarating photographic experiences on Earth.
The Small Ship Advantage
- Small team: Only 12 participants in two zodiacs ensures flexibility and focus.
- 24 hours of daylight: Unlimited golden-hour opportunities.
- Flexible meals: So, we never miss magic moments.
- Special permits and seasoned guides: To get closer, safely and ethically.
Your Expedition Leaders
- Michael AW - Award Winning Photographer, explorer and founder of Ocean Geographic
- Jonas Beyer - Arctic specialist and acclaimed Wildlife Photographer with deep expertise in polar animal behaviour
Expedition Highlights
- Polar bears – drifting sea ice encounters
- Belugas – pole cam underwater footage
- Walruses in water – filmed with polecam from zodiacs
- Bearded & ringed seals – above and below the surface
- Snorkelling – with icebergs, sea birds and seals.
- Bird cliffs & nesting sites – puffins, guillemots, eiders
- Land mammals – Arctic foxes, reindeer, ptarmigans
- Arctic light & landscapes – glaciers, fjords, midnight sun
Preliminary Itinerary ( Subject to ice and weather)
Day 0: Arrive in Longyearbyen (recommended at least 1 day early)
Day 1: Depart Longyearbyen via Isfjorden
Day 2–3: North to the pack ice edge (Spitsbergen or Hinlopen Strait)
Day 4–5: Explore Hinlopen Strait – sea ice, walrus haul-outs, bird cliffs
Day 6: Northwest Spitsbergen – glaciers, marine mammals, seabirds
Day 7–8: Liefdefjorden & Monaco Glacier – polar bears, seals, puffins
Day 8 (PM): Return to Longyearbyen
Day 9: Disembark after breakfast
Note: If sightings of mother and cub polar bears are reported in Bellsund or Hornsund, we may alter course to maximise photographic opportunities.
Expedition Vessel: M/S Virgo
A sturdy, ice-class small expedition ship, fully modernised for Arctic cruising, M/S Virgo has proven itself over multiple summer seasons in Svalbard. Compact yet fully equipped, Virgo is fast, efficient, and built for photography-first exploration.
Expedition Package Includers:
- All meals onboard (flexible schedule)
- Zodiac excursions & guided landings
- Ocean Geographic Explorer Patch
- Expedition Beanie & Jumper
- Expert guides from Ocean Geographic & WildPhoto
Prices ( in EURO **) :
- 2 single cabins - standard: EURO 10538 pp
- 1 twin - Standard cabin - EUR 10033 pp
- 1 twin - Suite cabin: EUR 10538 pp
- Deposit: EUR 3500 pp
* Prices are per person. You must apply to participate this expedition.
This is your chance to experience the High Arctic like few others ever do - close up, in small numbers, with time, tools and a team to capture it with purpose ad precision.
To express interest or if you need further information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you are ready to book please go to booking link
CLICK HERE to book your spot
** Prices are in EURO. Online booking form link above will show approximate price in USD however you will be invoiced in EURO.
NB. Booking is not confirmed until deposit is paid. Payment details for payment of deposit will be provided once booking is completed. Booking username and password is not the same as your OG username and password. If you are new trip client you can leave the existing client login blank and complete the booking . If you are an existing trip client please contact us first and we will book you in manually.
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MS Virgo Images
