Take an 8-day Frozen Svalbard Photo Tour with pro photographer Roger Brendhagen on an expedition onboard the MV Villa, a 12-guest vessel. The journey takes you up the north coast of Spitsbergen with the view to opening up as many photo opportunities as possible. Explore frozen shores and photograph the Arctic wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard. This unique voyage takes place early in the season as Svalbard emerges from the winter. The mountains are snow-covered, the shores still frozen, offering some great photo opportunities.
Highlights
Develop your photography skills in the field with a highly experienced Arctic photographer
Explore the frozen North-west of Spitsbergen with a good chance of encountering polar bears
Encounter the wildlife which could include polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and whales.
Learn about the area from an expert Svalbard guide
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Meet your dedicated expedition team and crew at the dock in Longyearbyen at 16:00hrs, where you embark MV Villa and make yourself at home. After settling in your cabin, join the mandatory safety briefing before you sail out from Adventfjorden into Isfjorden. For the next 8-days, explore the rugged coastline, searching for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities at every stage. As you sail north, you might likely encounter glaciers and sea ice, making the perfect photo subjects. Early in the season, the sea ice conditions determine your exact route, which can vary year on year.
As you leave the Isfjord, keep a good lookout on deck for whales and other marine life that are common in this area. You might have frequently encountered whales including, blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses. The crew plans to land on the island of Prins Karls Foreland and do a short hike to a walrus colony. Here, spend some unhurried time observing and photographing the walruses as they swim and haul out onto the beach.
Sail as far north as possible along the west coast of Spitsbergen, keeping a lookout 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 there searching for polar bears that use the sea ice for hunting. The sea ice itself is a mesmerizing photography subject. And in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise in between the ice. Then explore the frozen north-west coast traveling as far as the ice allows you in search of photography opportunities.
As the adventure head back south towards Longyearbyen, if the ice conditions permit, visit the scientific research settlement of Ny Alesund, the most northerly settlement on earth. Explore the area around Kongsfjord and sail as close as you can get to one of Svalbard’s largest glaciers on the Lillyhook fjord for some great photo opportunities.
Day 8: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your Svalbard photography tour ends back in Longyearbyen. After final breakfast, say our goodbyes and disembark at the port after making new friends and sharing an exciting photography 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.
$8,500
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Andree
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Arnesen.
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Arnesen
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Andree.
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Boyd
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Shackleton.
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Nansen
A suite with 2 lower twin beds, en suite toilet, and shower, sitting area, and window.
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Shackleton
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Boyd.
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Amundsen
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and en suite bathroom.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 142 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 142 reviews on
23 hours ago
Excellent trip saw much more than would have seen with out Adventure Life's help.
Anonymous traveler
2 days ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
2 days ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
2 days ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
2 days ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.