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Antarctica Wildlife and Photography Expedition

Photography Seminars Cruises & Tours

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There's no better way to sharpen your photography prowess than these special photography cruises and tours that feature not only the best subjects and backdrops in the world for photographers but also seminars throughout the trip to help you focus on getting the best shots. Whether you're a hobby photographer looking to expand your portfolio or a professional hoping to get that award-winning snap, these tours are perfect. Head to some of the most beautiful and exotic places on the planet, like Antarctica and the Arctic. Here, a bounty of wildlife (like penguins, whales, and walruses!) is set against a stunning background. Or take part in northern light or the aurora borealis photo workshop in Greenland. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your photography adventure!

Top 10 Photography Seminar Cruises & Tours for 2025-2026

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas to Ushuaia
13 Days from $20,095
Join a 13-day expedition cruise on the Sylvia Earle to explore the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, famous for its icebergs and historical significance. Experience the breathtaking wilderness as you navigate pack ice and encounter stunning tabular icebergs.
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Shackleton's Walk

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Roundtrip Ushuaia
20 Days from $30,595
Embark on a 20-day Antarctic cruise aboard Sylvia Earle, retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary journey from the Antarctic Peninsula to South Georgia. Experience wildlife sightings, including King Penguins and seals, while visiting historic sites like the Endurance shipwreck and Elephant Island.
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Spirit of Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia
12 Days from $14,895
Join a 12-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia on the Sylvia Earle and explore the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. Experience adventure through Zodiac navigation, land on the continent, and enjoy unique activities under the vibrant polar skies.
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Hauling kayaks out for a paddle

Antarctica - Basecamp

Roundtrip Ushuaia
13 Days from $9,700
Take your Antarctic expedition to the next level! This 13-day Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp voyage aboard MV Plancius is packed full of adventures with hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, kayaking, excursions in zodiacs, and overnight camping on the Antarctic Continent.
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A mother bear and her two cubs

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special

8 Days from $4,500
Embark on an 8-day cruise to and from Longyearbyen aboard the Ortelius. Explore the pack ice of northern Spitsbergen, offering abundant chances to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and a diverse array of Arctic wildlife.
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Arctic fox during spring in Svalbard

Svalbard Odyssey

Roundtrip Oslo
12 Days from $16,795
Join a 12-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer to explore the breathtaking Arctic landscapes of Svalbard. Experience exhilarating polar bear encounters, observe wildlife like beluga whales and arctic foxes, and navigate stunning fjords and pack ice.
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Exploring Greenland

Jewels of the Arctic

Reykjavik - Oslo
15 Days from $22,295
Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Reykjavik to Oslo. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice walruses, and hear guillemot calls. Venture through East Greenland's Scoresbysund, visit remote Ittoqqortoormiit and glide amidst stunning icebergs.
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Top 7 Destinations for Photography Cruises & Tours for 2025-2026

Penguin and landscape

Antarctica

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to the white continent. Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Some flight/cruise combinations, which cut a few day's sailing time off the voyage, start from Punta Arenas, Chile. A few cruises even venture to New Zealand and South Africa.
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Abandoned whaling village of Stromness, South Georgia

South Georgia

During the breeding season, South Georgia's northern tip may have more wildlife per square meter than any other place on Earth. Visited on a limited number of cruises to Antarctica, travelers encounter a sea of thousands of black and white king penguins and albatrosses. Glide silently in sea kayaks and spot seals, seabirds, and yes, more penguins.
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A group of penguins in the Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands

The remote Falklands are frequently visited on a cruise to Antarctica, though some stay longer and are rewarded by a unique culture that mixes both British and South American traditions with astounding wilderness and landscapes.
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A polar bear climbs glacial ice in the Arctic

Arctic

Bundle up for your exploration of the mysterious Arctic on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise of the far north with Adventure Life. From June until October, small hull-hardened expedition ships navigate under the glow of the Aurora Borealis through the northernmost regions of our planet in search of polar bears, seabirds and other wildlife.
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Beautiful arctic landscape

Iceland

Iceland cruises stop at Ísafjörður, Húsavík, and Seyðisfjörður fjords. Iceland trips explore Jökulsárlón lagoon, Skaftafell trails, and black-sand Reynisfjara. Iceland tours visit Geysir, Þingvellir, and the Blue Lagoon.
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Glass-still waters around Spitsbergen

Svalbard

The Norwegian island of Svalbard (Spitsbergen), 400 miles North of Norway and 600 miles south of the North Pole is the land of jagged mountains, fjords, giant glaciers, and the highlight of this region, the polar bear. Trek across the ice and explore the hardy wildlife and expansive landscapes via dinghies on an authentic Arctic expedition.
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Early morning in Tasiilaq, East Greenland

Greenland

Cross the Arctic circle as you float between ice floes and icebergs along dramatic coastlines and visit quaint villages. Explore the frozen icescapes of Greenland on an Arctic cruise through the Northwest passage or the European islands of Svalbard and Iceland. Day excursions include hikes across glaciers and panga navigations around fjords.
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10 Best Antarctica Photography Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition $23,795 12 Get a chance to observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat. Spend 12 days aboard the Sylvia Earle exploring Antarctica's huge white continent. Additionally, fly through the Drake Passage during this expedition.
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Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Sail Expedition $17,895 12 Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle to explore Antarctica's stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, including penguins and whales. Enjoy enhanced exploration with a flight across the Drake Passage, maximizing your adventure in this pristine, ice-covered wilderness.
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Antarctic Wildlife Adventure $17,195 23 Embark on a 23-day expedition cruise aboard the Sea Spirit from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, exploring vibrant cities and diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island, and the bird-filled Falkland Islands before concluding your journey across the South Atlantic.
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Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery - Fly/Sail $20,395 13 Join a 13-day Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition on Sylvia Earle with New Scientist Discovery Tours, exploring Antarctica's remote regions rich in ice, wildlife, and history tied to Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Encounter seals, discover ancient fossils, and observe migrating whales while delving into polar science and the unique ecosystem.
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Quest for the Circle $10,995 12 Embark on a 12-day Quest for the Circle cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica aboard Ocean Albatros. Cross the Drake Passage, explore the Antarctic Peninsula's stunning landscapes, and encounter diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.
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Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities) $16,995 14 Embark on a 14-day Antarctica trip from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage to the White Continent. Explore Antarctica's landscapes and enjoy activities like kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and snorkeling. Optional experiences include the polar plunge. Return via the Drake Passage, attend lectures, and reflect on your journey.
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle $14,295 13 During this 13-day Crossing the Antarctic Circle cruise aboard Ocean Victory. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, including Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island, Damoy Point, and Wilhelmina Bay. Witness penguin colonies, whales, and icebergs, and cross the Antarctic Circle for a rare achievement.
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Roundtrip Cruise to Antarctica $13,880 15 Set sail on a 15-day Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia aboard SH Vega. Explore glaciers, icebergs, and penguin colonies. Enjoy enriching lectures, photography guidance, sea days with observation decks, and the unique landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle $15,395 13 Join this 13-day Antarctica cruise aboard Ocean Albatros, departing from Ushuaia. Discover penguin colonies, glacial wonders, and the stunning Lemaire Channel before crossing the iconic Antarctic Circle.
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Christmas Season in Antarctica $11,895 11 During this 11-day aboard Ocean Victory, explore Ushuaia before crossing the Drake Passage. Cruise through the South Shetland Islands’ volcanic landscapes and glide by kayak across icy waters. Enjoy lectures, Citizen Science programs, and festive celebrations on board.
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Antarctica Travel Video

Top 6 Arctic Photography Tours for 2025-2026

Polar bear viewing

Great Ice Bear

7 Days from $14,698
During this 7-day Great Ice Bear Safari tour, spend your week exploring the rugged and beautiful coastline of Hudson Bay. Witness and photograph Arctic wildlife and their habitats, such as moose, wolves, and a great polar bear, with the help of an expert guide.
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Watching bears near the lodge

Birds, Bears & Belugas

8 Days from $14,698
Spend a week exploring Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba, Canada, and stay in a remote luxury eco-lodge in this unique and wild wilderness known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage with the help of the Churchill Wild Ecotour.
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Polar bear den emergence quest

Nanuk Emergence Quest

14 Days from $19,491
Witness female polar bears and their young cubs as they leave their den and head out onto the sea ice on this challenging 14-day Nanuk Emergence Quest in Canada's Hudson Bay Arctic Region. Located at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, spend long hours in the field getting up close and personal, at ground level, with Arctic wildlife.
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Bear in the lodge

Polar Bear Photo Safari

7 Days from $14,942
Join this 8-day Polar Bear Photo Safari Tour at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Hudson Bay, Canada, a wildly rugged and remote location, catering to the photographer willing to spend long hours in the field getting up close and personal, at ground level, with Arctic wildlife.
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Polar Bear viewing in the lodge

Arctic Safari

9 Days from $16,795
Join this unique 9-day Arctic Safari, an opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most magnificent wildlife in the Canadian Arctic. Fly to the remote tundra camp and Arctic lodge set along the coast of Hudson Bay for a private arctic wildlife viewing and photography experience like none other.
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Icebergs

Spring Polar Bears & Icebergs of Baffin Safari

9 Days from $25,584
Visit Baffin Island, Nunavut, in the spring to see polar bears and their cubs frolicking in the icebergs. This 9-day Arctic safari is a dream come true for professional wildlife photographers and keen amateurs who want to observe polar bears on icebergs and see the incredible northern lights.
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Photography Seminars in the Tropics

A pod of long-beaked common dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico

Baja California: Among the Great Whales

8 Days from $6,450
Set sail from Loreto on an 8-day Baja California expedition aboard the National Geographic Venture to explore the Gulf of California’s vibrant wildlife and desert landscapes. Kayak, snorkel, and hike remote islands, encounter gray whales in Boca de Soledad, and swim with sea lions at Los Islotes for an unforgettable adventure guided by experts.
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Snares Penguin on The Snares Island

Subantarctic Discovery

15 Days from $15,295
Join a 15-day Subantarctic Discovery Expedition Cruise roundtrip from Dunedin, New Zealand aboard the Douglas Mawson. Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subantarctic Islands, Stewart and Ulva Islands, Fiordland, Campbell Island and Auckland Islands. Discover rugged beauty and wildlife, including brown kiwi and flightless weka.
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Wajag Island, Raja Ampat

Living Treasures of Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands

13 Days from $15,295
Arrive in Bali to begin your 13-day journey, then fly to Sorong for embarkation aboard the Greg Mortimer to explore Raja Ampat and the Moluccas. This trip combines adventure and cultural experiences, with opportunities for diving, birdwatching, and visiting remote villages and historical sites.
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Balloons take to the sky at dawn above Pharaoh Ramesses II memorial temple in Theban Necropolis, Upper Egypt

Passage Through Egypt

12 Days from $9,580
Sail the Nile aboard the luxurious Oberoi Philae on a 12-day adventure. Visit Egypt’s top sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Dendera, Philae, Abu Simbel, Esna, and historic Cairo, experiencing the country’s rich history and culture.
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Playa Manuel Antonio

Natural Treasures of Costa Rica

7 Days from $7,195
Join a 7-day cruise on Sylvia Earle to explore Costa Rica's protected jungles and vibrant ecosystems. Discover unique wildlife like the Scarlet Macaw and spider monkeys through land treks and sea excursions.
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Coral grouper, diver, & school of fish

Polynesia & Melanesia: Island Cultures & Coral Coasts

13 Days from $12,499
Discover Polynesia & Melanesia on a 13-day Cruise from Tahiti to Fiji aboard Seabourn Pursuit. Explore volcanic islands, coral reefs, remote villages, and vibrant South Pacific cultures. Enjoy snorkeling, cultural excursions, scenic cruising, and relaxing sea days as you cross the International Date Line.
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Aerial view of pack ice in Ross Sea, Antarctica

Ross Sea Odyssey

25 Days from $31,495
Join a 25-day cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson to explore the Ross Sea, where you can see yellow-eyed penguins and nesting albatrosses. Cross the Antarctic Circle to encounter emperor penguins and majestic glaciers at the Ross Ice Shelf, experiencing the raw beauty of this remote frontier.
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Emperor penguins in Antarctica

Mawson’s Antarctica

24 Days from $30,595
Join this 24-day expedition cruise on the Douglas Mawson, tracing Sir Douglas Mawson's historic journey through Antarctica's breathtaking scenery. Encounter diverse wildlife, penguins, and albatrosses while exploring remote landscapes and discovering Mawson's legendary base.
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Shot of Paradise Bay, Antarctica, complete with many ice formations in the water.

Ross Sea Odyssey

26 Days from $35,495
Embark on a 26-day Ross Sea Odyssey from Hobart to Dunedin aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore remote regions, starting with yellow-eyed penguins in subantarctic forests and royal albatross in mega herb moors. Cross the Antarctic Circle, cruise pack ice, and spot emperor penguins, orcas, and snow petrels.
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Tropical Island and Underwater Paradise for Divers

Remote Indonesia & Papua New Guinea

17 Days from $14,499
Explore remote islands and vibrant cultures on this 17-day cruise from Lautoka to Darwin aboard Seabourn Pursuit. Discover limestone caves in Fiji, witness Rom dances and land diving in Vanuatu, snorkel the pristine Conflict Islands, and visit Papua New Guinea’s historic and cultural villages. A rich journey across the South Pacific.
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Arctic Trip Video

Photography Workshops Travel Guide

What to expect from Adventure Life's photography tours
  • Personalized Professional Photography Lesson
A professional photographer will assist you in developing your skills and maximizing your experience. Your photography guide will follow you during the entire trip and provide ongoing instruction. This is often the case both in theory and experience, during lectures between trips and while photographing. You may expect to learn about all the technical aspects of photography, as well as composition and post-production. And the instruction is tailored to each participant's skill level, making our photo trips ideal for absolute beginners and semi-professionals alike.
  • Small Group Size
The group size varies from tour to tour, but photography tour groups are often small. Generally, travelers should expect anywhere from two to fifteen persons on a private trip. This provides for sufficient one-on-one instruction and helps bring out the best photographer in each participant.
Useful Photography Tours Checklist
  • Read and bring your manuals.
  • Bring lens paper and cleaning solution
  • Pack your battery charger and spare batteries.
  • Pack additional film, tape, and memory cards.
  • Carry electronic flash/tripod
  • Soft cloth for lens cleaning
  • Waterproof bag

Etiquette for taking photos
  • Never photograph a single animal or a group of animals in close proximity. Make a semi-circle to preserve the natural landscape. Never inflict harm on wildlife just to get a good shot. 
  • Respect the rights of other photographers. Allow others to take a clear shot before blocking their vision. 

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