Snow & Ice

Svalbard, May 2026

Trip Summary

Join William on one of the most exciting group trips to the Arctic Circle offered. For eight nights in May 2026 you’ll sale aboard the MS Sjøveien exploring the fjords of Svalbard Archipelago, searching for the regions endemic wildlife, experiencing a landscape found nowhere else on this planet and coming eye to eye with the holy grail of Arctic wildlife, the polar bear.

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The guides, William and Drew Doggett are both internationally renowned professional photographers and experienced Arctic guides, so there will be a strong photographic element to the trip. But for those more inclined to enjoy this trip without a camera in hand the itinerary has been designed to accommodate all kinds of traveller.

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2026 is currently fully booked, but the waiting list is open and there will be a 2027 option to join, so if you are interested in this trip then you can enquire below and Will can happily add you to the waitlist.

Itinerary

Overview

This has always been one of Will's most popular itineraries, selling out four years in a row. While there is only one night listed for Longyearbyen, Will recommends adding a few more before your trip if you are able and can happily help organise this. Head out husky sledding or on snowmobiles to explore the archipelago by land, before eight days at sea.

Meet Your Guides

William Fortescue

William is a multi award winning wildlife photographer and safari operator. Whether it's creating his award winning print collections or designing bespoke safari itineraries he does everything with passion and precision.

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Drew Doggett

A leading figure in the fine art photography world and one of Will's favourite photographers, Drew has led expeditions across three continents.

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4th May

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the only town on Svalbard and home to the northernmost pub in the world. Dinner at Funken restaurant - the best in Longyearbyen - so you can meet the rest of the group for the first time and receive a briefing on the trip ahead.

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5th May

Kit check by your guides in case you need any last minute gear in Longyearbyen, lunch at leisure and then we will board our boat, MS Sjøveien, meet the crew and set sail.

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6th - 11th May

We will have seven nights to explore the Svalbard archipelago, hoping to lay eyes on bears, whales, walrus and a multitude of sea birds. We will head out on zodiacs each day to get out amongst the wildlife, with a photographic guide in each zodiac as well as a local expedition leader. Each night we will anchor in a different fjord under the midnight sun, surrounded by glaciers, ice and mountains.

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6th - 11th May

There will be daily photographic tuition from the guides, Will and Drew Doggett. Including but not limited to, in-field workshops, private and group edition workshops, portfolio reviews and social media tips and tricks.

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12th May

On our final night we will return to Longyearbyen and dock in the port, ensuring everyone is back in time to catch return flights home.

Trip Cost

$13,500: Svalbard 2026 is currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist for this and future Svalbard trips by contacting Will on the form below.