Svalbard Summer Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein

Depart from Longyearbyen at 4:00 PM. At the entrance to Isfjorden, Alkhornet offers a striking view of Svalbard’s changing landscape, where broad plateaus give way to rugged, alpine mountain terrain.

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, known for its resident walrus colony and historic burial site. Cruise through Magdalenefjord, surrounded by dramatic, pointed mountain peaks and breathtaking Arctic scenery. Visit Smeerenburg, a former whaling settlement steeped in history and enduring legend, now frequented by a colony of walruses. If conditions permit, land at Virgohamna, a historic site where early expeditions attempted to reach the North Pole by air. Discover remnants of 17th-century blubber ovens and learn about the area's pioneering exploration history. Land on Ytre Norskøya and hike toward its bird cliffs, home to little auks, an Arctic tern colony, and nesting common eiders and geese. Sail along the continental shelf in search of fin and blue whales, which gather in nutrient-rich upwelling zones. Explore the ever-changing ice edge, where shifting textures and light create a spectacular Arctic landscape inhabited by seals, seabirds, and polar bears. Marvel at Alkefjellet, an impressive seabird cliff and nesting ground for thousands of Brünnich's guillemots. Take a Zodiac cruise to experience Storisstraumen, followed by a ship cruise to Bråsvellbreen, part of the Austfonna ice cap—one of Europe's largest ice caps by area and volume. Explore Kvitøya, taking in its walrus colony and the historic cultural remains around the Andreeneset headland.

Hike in an area of Sjuøyane, or “Seven Islands”, the northernmost part of Svalbard, home bird cliffs, overflowing in the summer with black guillemots, ivory gulls, and kittiwakes, cultural remains, and walrus haulouts. Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut. Land at Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period. Take a Zodiac cruise of Fjortende Julbreen, a stunning glacier, and Fjortende Julibukta, a scenic bay in Krossfjord. Return to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9 am.