Carlos Monforte View Profile
Nature Photographer
We are currently working on the upcoming schedule.
Spring in Svalbard is a season of transition.
Sea ice shifts, mountains soften under pastel skies, and light drapes slowly across frozen fjords—changing moment by moment, rewarding those who slow down and pay attention.
This compact spring photo tour is built for photographers who want time to work a scene properly. Guided by Carlos Monforte, the focus is on reading weather, understanding Arctic light, and creating images that capture atmosphere and change—not just a single instant.
Early season brings sub-zero temperatures and a refined colour palette of muted blues and soft pinks. The light is calm and studio-like, ideal for landscapes, ice textures, and wildlife against pristine snow.
There are few places on Earth that reward patience like Svalbard in spring.
Rather than rushing from landing to landing, this expedition embraces a measured pace. We stay with locations as conditions shift—clouds forming and clearing, sea haze drifting through fjords, light lifting slowly across ice and mountain faces. Under Carlos’ guidance, you’ll learn how to anticipate these changes and make small, deliberate decisions in the field that shape stronger final images.
Expect snow-capped peaks rising directly from the sea, fjords scattered with crystalline ice, and wildlife emerging after the long polar winter. Encounters may include polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, seals, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds, and whales—each photographed with care, distance, and respect.
This is an expedition for photographers who value observation over urgency—and who want to leave with images that feel considered, calm, and grounded in place.
A compact spring expedition designed to maximise photographic opportunity without rushing—ideal for photographers with limited time
Soft, pastel Arctic light at sunrise and sunset, perfect for landscapes, ice textures, and minimalist compositions
Opportunities to photograph Arctic wildlife against pristine snow and sea ice, with an emphasis on patience and ethical encounters
In-field guidance from Carlos Monforte, focusing on composition, light-reading, low-light technique, and simplifying your photographic process
A small-group expedition that allows flexibility, repeat visits, and time to work scenes as conditions evolve
“The most rewarding images are rarely single moments. They’re the result of staying with a scene long enough to understand what it’s becoming.”
— Carlos Monforte
Every expedition leaves a mark. Discover honest reflections, unforgettable moments, and personal highlights shared by guests who have explored the polar regions with us.
Carlos Monforte is a travel and landscape photographer known for his weather-driven approach and meticulous capture process. His work centres on patience and preparation—tracking conditions, returning to the same viewpoints, and waiting for brief alignments of light, weather, and scale.
While widely recognised for photographing dramatic tropical skies, Carlos’ methods translate seamlessly to the Arctic: reading cloud movement, understanding atmospheric change, and building images that reflect the evolution of a scene rather than a single instant.
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks!
So all our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with AECO regulations.
For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.
We depart Longyearbyen at 4pm, sailing out through Isfjorden and past the striking cliffs of Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain). As we leave civilisation behind, this first evening offers an introduction to Arctic light—low contrast, soft tones, and subtle shifts in colour as the sun dips toward the horizon.
At the mouth of Isfjorden, Alkhornet marks a dramatic geological transition from plateau landscapes to sharp, alpine forms. Snow-covered slopes and bird cliffs provide opportunities to work scale and layering within the frame.
Later, we land at Poolepynten on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus haul-out and historic burial site. This is a location where patience matters—waiting quietly as light and behaviour align can result in powerful, intimate wildlife images set against a stark Arctic shoreline.
We venture toward the ice edge, a constantly shifting environment defined by texture, contrast, and atmosphere. This is prime territory for seals, seabirds, and polar bears—and a masterclass in reading light on ice. Carlos works closely with guests here, helping anticipate conditions and refine compositions in a dynamic setting.
We continue exploring northern and western Spitsbergen, landing at Sallyhamna, a remote 1937 hut set among cultural remains from the 1600s whaling era—an ideal place to slow down and work scenes as light and weather shift.
Further south, Gravnesodden in Magdalenefjorden combines dramatic mountain scenery with historic burial sites, blending landscape and human history.
At Camp Zoe, an old trappers’ hut, we connect with Svalbard’s past before a Zodiac cruise along Lilliehöökbreen, where calving ice and changing textures offer rich photographic opportunities. We then sail south through Isfjorden, capturing final moments as the light softens on our return to Longyearbyen.
We disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am, concluding the expedition with a deeper understanding of Arctic light, weather, and the value of patience in photographic storytelling.
Your home-from-home in the Arctic.
A new ice-strengthened ship with industry-leading environmental credentials.
We are currently working on the upcoming schedule.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
Lectures, workshops on board, and daily exploratory activities
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) beverages served during meals, while on board our micro cruises
Rubber polar standard boots for shore landings
One piece insulation suits available on board
IAATO and AECO fees, and operational fees and permits included
Due to restricted local service options, all transfers included - from the airport to your hotel on arrival, between your hotel and the ship for embarkation and disembarkation, and from your hotel to the airport on departure day
International flights – we recommend booking early. For excellent service and support, consider using our partner Exito Travel
Travel and cancellation insurance – we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your expedition. For guidance, see our Travel Insurance Checklist
Additional expenses outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
Gratuities
Additional purchases or services on board
Other transfer or hotels unless specified as included as part of the voyage description
Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers, particularly on our photo voyages – the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:
Single cabins (where available)
The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender
The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability
To get the most from a Secret Atlas expedition, it’s important to be stable on your feet and able to undertake short hikes. But there’s no requirement to undertake any given activity, and we usually split into two groups: those who want to go to the top of the hill, and those who’d prefer a more leisurely stroll at the bottom (or a Zodiac cruise!).
All our Svalbard photo tours depart from and return to the town of Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is easily reached by daily flights from Oslo in Norway, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in the High Arctic. To find out more about how to get to Longyearbyen, please see our guide below.
Not at all. We welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Our Svalbard photo tours are designed for guests that are looking to spend time out in the field taking photos. We welcome all levels of photographer. Whether you’re an experienced professional or completely new to photography, this is a great opportunity to spend time in nature capturing images.
In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Svalbard.
Our photography guides are in-field tuition experts, experienced in group and one-on-one coaching. They’ll be on-hand throughout the expedition to offer in-field advice, scout photo opportunities, and deliver lectures and workshops.
Guests are not permitted to use drones during the expedition. In any case a drone is being used during your expedition, it will be for professional use only by a member of the Secret Atlas team with the required permissions.
Limitations are in place to protect the wildlife we encounter. Often, it is not possible to get up-close to the wildlife we see. For more information, check out the ‘Visitor Guidelines’.
In 2025, the Norwegian government introduced stricter environmental regulations in Svalbard to better protect its fragile Arctic ecosystem and wildlife.
At Secret Atlas, our Expedition Micro Cruise concept is built around conscious, responsible travel. These new rules align perfectly with our mission to explore with care and leave a minimal footprint.
We understand you may have questions about how these changes could affect your journey. To help, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the updated regulations. And of course, if you’d like to chat through the details, our team is always here to help.
Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
Share the journey with those who matter most.
This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins.
The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration.
The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.
The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy.
It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck.
The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.
Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout.
Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.
Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.
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