Photo Expedition to Svalbard: Arctic Cruise
10 Days of Arctic Wildlife & Landscape Photography
- Dates: June 4-13, 2027
- Expedition Leader: Cheryl Opperman
- Group Size: 8 + Expedition Leader
Journey deep into the high Arctic on an unforgettable 10-day photography expedition through the remote wilderness of Svalbard, Norway. Designed for passionate photographers and adventurous travelers alike, this immersive expedition offers extraordinary opportunities to capture both dramatic polar landscapes and iconic Arctic wildlife in one of the world’s most pristine environments.
Aboard our intimate expedition vessel, you’ll explore a constantly changing world of towering glaciers, sculpted sea ice, rugged mountain peaks, and endless tundra illuminated by the magical light of the Arctic summer. Every day presents new photographic possibilities as we navigate through fjords and along remote coastlines inaccessible to larger ships.
Svalbard is one of the finest Arctic photography destinations on Earth. With expert guides and flexible expedition routing, you’ll have exceptional opportunities to photograph walrus gathered along remote beaches, Arctic foxes, reindeer grazing the tundra, vast colonies of seabirds soaring above dramatic cliffs and, with a bit of luck, polar bears roaming sea ice.
Our eight guests will enjoy exclusive hands-on photography instruction from Cheryl Opperman, a professional photographer who brings both technical expertise and a deep connection to wild places. Whether you’re shooting sweeping landscapes, wildlife within the grandeur of the environment, or atmospheric Arctic scenes, Cheryl will help you make the most of every opportunity through guidance on composition, light, camera settings, and field techniques.
Our polar expedition vessel carries just twelve guests in total — eight traveling with Reefs to Rockies and four additional passengers — creating an intentionally small and unhurried atmosphere. Cheryl’s photography instruction is exclusive to our eight guests, while two expedition guides provide expert natural history interpretation and support for all twelve passengers throughout the voyage.
Unlike traditional cruises, our expedition approach prioritizes time in the field Zodiac cruising, shore landings, and spontaneous wildlife encounters allow us to adapt to changing conditions and maximize photographic opportunities throughout the voyage.
From powerful wildlife encounters to breathtaking Arctic vistas, this expedition offers a rare opportunity to experience and photograph one of the last great wilderness regions on the planet.
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime — and return home with extraordinary images and unforgettable memories from the edge of the world.
Guests should plan to arrive in Longyearbyen on June 3, 2027. We are happy to assist with accommodation that evening.
About Your Expedition Leader
Cheryl Opperman is a nationally acclaimed nature photographer who has photographed on all seven continents, capturing unforgettable images of wildlife, natural landscapes, and indigenous cultures. Her work has appeared in The Denver Post, National Geographic Society publications, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
She’s earned top honors from organizations including the International Photography Awards, Nature’s Best Photography, and the National Wildlife Federation. A sought-after educator and keynote speaker, Cheryl leads with passion, patience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned shooter, her teaching style inspires confidence and creativity.
Details
Price – Signature Twin Cabin: $21,950* per person based on double occupancy (two people sharing a cabin; 2 cabins – 4 berths available)
Price – Class Single Cabin: $24,000* per person based on single occupancy (2 cabins available)
Price – Signature Single Cabin: $24,575* per person based on single occupancy (2 cabins available)
Includes: 10-day cruise; breakfast, lunch and dinner during cruise with wine and beer at dinner; Photo Guide – Cheryl Opperman with daily photo instruction; 2 Expedition Cruise Guides; Zodiac excursions; shore landings; on board lectures; rubber boots for shore landings; and Longyearbyen airport transfers on arrival and departure days. A conservation donation will be made on behalf of all participants.
Excludes: flights (we will assist with flight planning); Longyearbyen accommodations the night of June 3, 2027; mandatory travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation (quotes available); optional activities; passport/ visa fees; alcohol except dinner inclusions; personal expenses; and gratuities.
*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time pf payment.
Important Note on Cabin Arrangements: To make the most of the vessel’s limited accommodation and ensure all eight Reefs to Rockies guests can participate, twin cabins on this departure will be shared by two guests. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed and will be paired with a same-gender cabin mate whenever possible. The cabins are designed for expedition travel, and sharing accommodation is a common and enjoyable part of the small-ship polar experience.
Level of Difficulty – Moderate: This expedition is designed for travelers with a reasonable level of mobility and fitness. Guests should be comfortable boarding and disembarking Zodiacs, walking on uneven terrain such as tundra, gravel beaches, and snow-covered ground, and spending extended periods outdoors in Arctic conditions. Most shore excursions are unhurried and focused on wildlife viewing and photography rather than strenuous hiking. No previous expedition cruising experience is required.