Arctic Photography Tour | Sailing Adventure in Svalbard

This tour is now Sold Out.  New dates will be announced in our Newsletter.

Join three polar bear experts in this one-of-a-kind expedition — learn about these magnificent and powerful beasts as your guides walk you through the polar bears' biology to their conservation status, and how to safely travel in polar bear country.

September is a serene, spectacular and magical time in Svalbard. It’s the time when the nights start to get longer, little by little and day by day — which means you'll see many morning and evening hours of quiet and breathtaking golden light that the region does not see in the summer. And because this season also means that winter is close, you'll also have some days with some snowfall, which adds an additional element to Svalbard's already amazing natural sceneries.

September is also a significant month for Svalbard's wildlife: Arctic foxes begin to change into their winter furs, and most of the mammals and the birds have already left their mating and breeding cycles behind during the past summer. The former will be readying themselves for hibernation or fattening themselves up for the leaner winter months — the Svalbard reindeers, for example, will have bulked up significantly and are more imposing to look at and photograph. Birds, on the other hand, will be flocking up to begin their migratory flight to warmer climates, or will have left some weeks earlier.

One of Svalbard's most popular wildlife attractions are the polar bears, which are present all throughout the year. September will have most cubs born within the year still spending their time with their mothers, but you may also encounter three-year-olds that are already independent, but due to their youth, are extra inquisitive and curious about things. More often than not, you'll also encounter bears scattered throughout the ice, as they are usually stranded on shore during the summer months.

Also in September, visitors can enjoy multiple sightings of Fin, Minke, Humpback and Blue whales, which frequent Svalbard's waters to feed. Harp seals and white-beaked dolphins are also frequent visitors to Svalbard's waters, along with large groups of walruses.

For the majority of our time in Svalbard, you will be in a small but sturdy ship especially built to stand the icy waters and brave the elements. You will be steered to the best positions for wildlife and landscape photography, as well as for our excursions on land. You will also experience walking on the icy tundra, where natural vistas abound, as well as encounters with reindeer, the geese and arctic terns. More photo opportunities to capture images of Svalbard's wildlife and landscape will also be available to you as we traverse the Zodiacs.

What sets this journey apart is that it's always a different experience every time. Itineraries and even routes vary, depending on what the best opportunities your guides can find for you, as weather and wildlife conditions are also always changing. You guides and instructors will provide a daily schedule guaranteed to maximize your photographic opportunities, utilizing their skills and experience to deliver the best experience possible for participants. All you need to bring is are an open mind, your gear, and your adventurous spirit, and you're all set to enjoy this unique and exciting journey.

Bråsvellbreen Two words: Ice waterfalls. This is considered to be the longest ice wall, and the time of your visit will be when numerous waterfalls pour off its walls in several different places. It's truly a sight to see.

Kongsfjorden Bearded and ringed seals as well as bird colonies are the highlight of this area, which is a scenic fjord complex where you may also be given several opportunities for shore landings.

Seven islands More wildlife in this area, but this time, it will be encounters with polar bears and walruses. Needless to say, the northernmost part of Svalbard is also studded with natural sights and landscapes.

NW Spitsbergen It’s a glacial paradise here, with numerous mountain peaks, islands and islets, where you will also enjoy many sightings of beluga whales, polar bears, walruses, and harbour seals. There are also several species of birds in the area.

Hinlopenstretet The amazing vertical cliff face in the Hinlopenstretet strait in Svalbard is not only a majestic sight to see and photograph, but it is also home to the largest accessible auk colony in the world. It is also a place where frequent sightings of large baleen whales and walruses occur.

Liefdefjorden More amazing landscapes and wildlife abound in Liefdefjorden, as we sail through the golden light and enjoy sightings of polar bears, numerous bird species, as well as beluga and minke whales.