Embark on a 9-day Svalbard photography tour aboard the MV Vikingfjord, led by the renowned photographer Florian Ledoux. This expedition is tailored for photography enthusiasts eager to capture stunning images of sea ice, wildlife, landscapes, and glaciers. The small expedition vessel, equipped with two zodiacs, allows for close encounters with nature in areas larger ships cannot reach. Wildlife and landscape photographers alike will be thrilled to witness the Arctic's post-winter emergence, offering potential sightings of the majestic polar bears.
Highlights
Discover whales, walruses, and other marine life while sailing through Prins Karls Forland
Explore the rugged coastline and search for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities
Experience the mesmerizing sea ice and search for polar bears along the northwest coast
Visit Hornsund or Belsund to encounter polar bears hunting along the ice edge
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This Svalbard photography tour departs from Longyearbyen, the northern town on earth. Upon leaving the Port of Longyearbyen, say goodbye to civilization for eight days to explore the rugged coastline, searching for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities at every stage. As you sail north, you most likely encounter glaciers and sea ice, making the perfect photo subjects. Early in the season, the sea ice conditions will determine your exact route, which varies yearly.
As you leave the Isfjord, keep a good lookout on deck for whales and other everyday marine life in this area. You often encounter walruses that can be photographed from the ship resting on ice flows. Use zodiacs to get closer to any wildlife you spot. In this area, you have frequently encountered blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses. In the afternoon, use the zodiacs to get opportunities to take landscape and glacier shots.
Day 3-7: Encountering Sea Ice and North-West Spitsbergen
Sail as far north as possible along the west coast of Spitsbergen, keeping an eye out for wildlife, including polar bears that inhabit the area. The 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. The sea ice is a mesmerizing photography subject, and in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice. Then, explore the frozen northwest coast, traveling as far as the ice will allow in search of photography opportunities.
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, you may use this time to maximize your exploration of the North.
Day 9: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Late in the previous evening or early in the morning, arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today, your Svalbard photography tour ends after breakfast, when you say your goodbyes after making new friends and sharing an incredible adventure.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,1052-3 travelers
Select a Date
Type A - Double with En-Suite
Cabin size: 15 m² with double bed, window, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on deck 3.
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Type B - Double / Twin with En-suite
Cabin size: 15 m² with twin bed, window, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on decks 1 & 2.
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Type C - Single Cabin with En-suite
Cabin size: 10 m² with single bed, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on deck 3.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
