Natural Wonders of Svalbard Photography Tour

On this expedition we will explore the north-west coast of Spitsbergen searching for photographies opportunities throughout which includes sea ice, wildlife, landscapes and glaciers. Our small expedition vessel is equipped with 2 Zodiacs which will allow us to get up close to nature and reach the places the larger ships can’t reach.

This trip is ideal for wildlife and landscapes photographers looking to capture the Arctic as it emerges from the winter with a good chance (but never guaranteed) of encountering polar bears. Every expedition offers a different experience.

Learn and Develop New Photography Skills
Our photography expert will assist you where required to help you improve your skills and get the best images possible. Our experts have lots of experience in Svalbard and along with our expedition team they will seek out the places for photography based on the conditions.

Amazing Wildlife. We will visit areas where walruses haul out, encounter reindeer and Arctic foxes on land, observe whales and other marine life and explore coasts where polar bears are known to roam.
Stunning Scenery. We will encounter mighty glaciers, cruise tranquil steep-sided fjords and spend time outside exploring the beautiful untouched wilderness.
Climate Compensated. Caring for the environment is what we do. For Svalbard cruise we run we plant trees in Greenland to offset the emissions. As a member of AECO, we follow strict guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and natural sites.
Expedition Leader and Guide. On this Svalbard photography tour we have an expedition leader, 2nd guide and photo expert. An aspect of our journeys is to learn about the place you are visiting. Our onboard guides are the core of what we do and will share their passion and knowledge of Svalbard throughout the trip. We offer the best guide to guest ratio available.
Zodiac landing craft for shore landings. Shore landings are the essence of every expedition and your guides will take you exploring on a daily basis. The vessel is equipped with landing craft that can be used to reach remote beaches so you can experience the wilderness firsthand.
Expedition Vessel With 12 Guests. We believe the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive place such as the Arctic is with a small group of travelers. New expedition cruise ships now take up to 350 passengers, we believe smaller is better.

Enquire about this journey

ITINERARY

Day 1 78.2232° N, 15.6267° E Longyearbyen

Our Svalbard photography tour departs from Longyearbyen, the most northerly town on earth. Upon leaving the Port of Longyearbyen we will say goodbye to civilisation for the next 8 days to explore the rugged coastline, searching for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities at every stage. As we sail north we are likely to encounter glaciers and sea ice which make the perfect photo subjects. Early in the season, our exact route will be determined by the sea ice conditions which vary year on year.

Day 2 78.3413° N, 11.7250° E Prins Karls Foreland

As we leave the Isfjord we will keep a good lookout on deck for whales and other marine life that is common in this area. We often encounter walruses that can be photographed from the ship resting on ice flows. We will launch the Zodiacs to get closer to any wildlife we spot. We have frequently encountered whales including blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses in this area. In the afternoon we will launch the Zodiacs to get oppurtunities to take landscape and glacier shots.

Days 3-6 79.5223° N, 13.4638° E Encountering Sea Ice and North-west Spitsbergen

We will sail as far north as possible along the west coast of Spitsbergen keeping a lookout for wildlife including polar bears that inhabit the area. Our ultimate plan if the conditions allow is to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the sea ice to hunt from. The sea ice itself is a mesmerising photography subject and in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise in between the ice. We will then explore the frozen north-west coast travelling as far as the ice will allow us in search of photography opportunities.

Day 7 78.5810° N, 11.3932° E Hornsund

Another option, if the time and conditions allow, is to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. Early in may the fjords are usually still full of fast ice and it is possible to encounter polar bears hunting along the ice edge. Alternatively we may use this time to maximise our exploration of the North.

Day 10 78.2232° N, 15.6267° E Longyearbyen

Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Svalbard photography tour ends after After breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.

Please Note:

The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much a possible.

Vikingfjord

Vessel Type: Ice-Strengthened Expedition Vessel
Length: 41.8 m
Passenger Capacity: 12
Introducing MV Vikingfjord, a new ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests with great environmental credentials. MV Vikingfjord enters service in Svalbard for low impact expeditions in May 2023. She offers cruise ship comfort on a small ship with 9 ensuite cabins, an open plan saloon with rear facing windows, and on on deck hot tub and sauna.
What we love about Vikingfjord
• The most environmentally friendly small ship in the polar regions with a 95% reduction in NOX emissions.
• Large, open plan saloon and comfortable lounge located at the stern with sofas and large rear facing windows to enjoy the view.
• 9 Spacious cabins with modern decor, comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with a choice between doubles, twins or singles.
• Enjoy a sauna or outdoor hot tub on the upper deck.
• Lounge area on the bridge with a great view.
• Ice strengthened hull with 1B rating for exploring the polar regions.
MV Vikingfjord Key Features:
• New energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning fitted in 2022 offering the best environmental credentials.
• Rebuilt from the ground up in 2022 as a modern expedition vessel offering cruise ship comfort.
• Accommodates 12 guests in 9 ensuite cabins with windows that are all situated above the waterline.
• Modern interior finished to a high standard in 2023.
• Equipped with 2 x Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings
• Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders.
Interior
• Large open plan guest area with lounge, dining and seating area located at the stern. Equipped with TV for presentations, mini bar and hot drink service.
• Observation lounge area with seating area on the bridge.
• Spacious cabins with ensuite toilet and shower.
• Large mudroom and storage spaces for skis, and equipment.
Exterior
• Outdoor hot tub and sauna with a view on Deck 2.
• Large viewing area on the bow.
• 4 open decks for lots of viewing options.
• Accessible bow deck.