Svalbard Photo Tour

What is an Expedition Micro Cruise?
An Expedition Micro Cruise is a voyage with just 12 guests on a purpose-built expedition vessel. The style of the trip is an expedition and the emphasis is on exploring and learning about the natural environment. We are led by 2 expedition leaders who share their knowledge throughout the trip. The vessel is equipped with Zodiac landing crafts to make shore landings on a daily basis.

The vessels we use offer a good level of comfort, and allow us to visit places the larger ships can’t access. Our trips are designed for those who wish to escape the crowds on larger ships and experience the nature in a small, friendly group.

Svalbard Photography Tour Highlights

• The season gives us the opportunity to venture north and photograph Svalbard’s landscapes and wildlife.
• Explore the frozen North-west of Spitsbergen with a good chance of encountering polar bears.
• Develop your photography skills in the field with a highly experienced Arctic photographer.
• Learn about the area from our expert Svalbard guide.
• Encounter the wildlife which could include polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and whales.
• Photograph and explore the coastline by Zodiac landing craft.
• Comfortable, and intimate ice-strengthened expedition vessel.

Day 1  Depart Longyearbyen
Day 2 Prins Karls Foreland
Day 3 Sea Ice
Day 4 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 5 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 6 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 7 North-west Spitsbergen
Day 8 Ny-Alesund
Day 9 Arrive Longyearbyen

Day 1 : Longyearbyen
Our Svalbard photography tour departs from Longyearbyen. Upon leaving the port 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. Our exact route will be determined by the sea ice conditions which vary year on year.

Day 2 : 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 have frequently encountered whales including blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses.  We plan to land on the island of Prins Karls Foreland and do a short hike to a walrus colony. Here we will spend some unhurried time observing and photographing the walruses as they swim and haul out onto the beach.  

Days 3 – 7 : 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 there 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 8: Ny-Alesund
As we head back south towards Longyearbyen if the ice conditions permit we will visit the scientific research settlement of Ny Alesund, the most northerly settlement on earth. We will explore the area around Kongsfjord and sail as close as we can get to one of Svalbard’s largest glaciers on the Lillyhook fjord for some great photo opportunities.

Day 9 : Longyearbyen
Our Svalbard photography tour ends back in Longyearbyen. After our final breakfast we will say our goodbyes and disembark at the port after making new friends and sharing an exciting photography adventure together.

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.