Early spring season is hands down the best time to visit if you’re a landscape photographer, as Svalbard presents its wildest side as the archipelago emerges from the depths of winter. Picture snow-capped mountains, fjords filled with sea ice, and a soft, elusive light so picturesque you’ll find yourself captivated to return time after time. Very few places in the world can match this unique allure!
Trip Details
Tour Highlights
Small, intimate group size of just 12 like minded explorers.
A minimum of 3 guides for a group of 12 offers the best guide-to-guest ratio available.
The best time to visit the Arctic for landscape photography.
2 Zodiacs to use for exploring and close-up photography opportunities.
Led by world-class photographers and expedition leaders.
Explore in comfort on a modern, ice-strengthened expedition vessel.
Thematics
Expedition
Photography
Wildlife
Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome aboard! Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Our Svalbard Photo Expedition departs from Longyearbyen. Upon leaving the port, we will say goodbye to civilisation for the next eight days to explore the breathtaking Arctic as it emerges from winter. During this time o...
Our Svalbard Photo Expedition departs from Longyearbyen. Upon leaving the port, we will say goodbye to civilisation for the next eight days to explore the breathtaking Arctic as it emerges from winter. During this time of year, our route will be determined by the sea ice. We will either sail north or south depending on the conditions. This expedition offers a chance to encounter the coast of Svalbard, as it is rarely seen. We will launch the zodiacs daily to search for the best landscape and wildlife photography opportunities every day.
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DAY 2
Isfjord & Prins Karls Forland
In Isfjord in April and Early May, fjord ice from the winter lines the coast. This is a great place to start scouting for polar bears that move from the land to the sea ice during this time. If conditions allow, it is a ...
In Isfjord in April and Early May, fjord ice from the winter lines the coast. This is a great place to start scouting for polar bears that move from the land to the sea ice during this time. If conditions allow, it is a great place to use the Zodiacs to explore the ice edge and open up close-up photography opportunities of wildlife.
After leaving Isfjord, our plan is to sail north, passing Prins Karls Foreland. As the ice recedes from the winter, this area is home to walrus haul-outs.
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DAY 3
Encountering Sea Ice and North-West Spitsbergen
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on ...
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.
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DAY 4
Exploring North West Spitsbergen - Sailing South
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on ...
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.
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DAY 5
Exploring North West Spitsbergen - Sailing South
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on ...
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.
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DAY 6
Exploring North West Spitsbergen - Sailing South
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on ...
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.
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DAY 7
Exploring North West Spitsbergen - Sailing South
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on ...
The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.
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DAY 8
Hornsund
If the time and conditions allow, we will attempt to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. In late April, there is usually still a great deal of ice blocking the deep fjords, which offers excellent scenery for landsca...
If the time and conditions allow, we will attempt to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. In late April, there is usually still a great deal of ice blocking the deep fjords, which offers excellent scenery for landscape photography. It is possible to encounter polar bears hunting along the ice edge of the fjord ice with some terrific scenery for a background.
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DAY 9
Hornsund / Longyearbyen
If the time and conditions allow, we will attempt to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. In late April, there is usually still a great deal of ice blocking the deep fjords, which offers excellent scenery for landsca...
If the time and conditions allow, we will attempt to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. In late April, there is usually still a great deal of ice blocking the deep fjords, which offers excellent scenery for landscape photography. It is possible to encounter polar bears hunting along the ice edge of the fjord ice with some terrific scenery for a background.
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DAY 10
Longyearbyen
Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Svalbard photo expedition ends. After breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sh...
Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Svalbard photo expedition ends. After breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure.
The above itinerary is a guide only. 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 as possible.
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Hotels
MV Vikingfjord
cruise ship
Luxury Hotel
Introducing MV Vikingfjord, a new ice-strengthened expedition ship for 12 guests with great environmental credentials.
MV Vikingfjord offers cruise ship comfort on a small ship with 8 ensuite cabins, an open plan lounge with rear facing windows, an observation lounge in the bridge, an on deck hot tub and sauna, and a light and modern Scandinavian design.
MV Vikingfjord will be exploring the shores of Svalbard and East Greenland (Scoresby Sund) during the Arctic seasons 2024 and 2025 (April to October).
Air Conditioning
WiFi
Price Details
Included
All meals indicated as B, L or D
All accommodations in Double Twin occupancy
All entrance fees indicated in the itinerary
Boat transportation
Assistance support during all your trip
Expert Svalbard Expedition Leader
Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
Polar Bear protection guides for shore landings
Highly experienced Captain and Cook
Rubber boots for shore landings
ransfers from airport to hotel and to vessel for embarkation + vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
Not Included
International flights
Domestic flights
Excess baggage charges
Personal expenses
Additional drinks and meals
Tips
Laundry
Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Medical evacuation costs
Visa fees (if required)
Optional activities
Other items not mentioned as included
Tourist card
Minimum Deposit
30% (The last payment must be completed 45 days prior to the start of the trip.)
Price Base
Price for 2 people:
-3 EUR
* Price is indicated per person
Terms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information .
