Join this 9-day Svalbard photo tour with wildlife photographer Chase Teron on an exciting exploration of the wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard. The journey will take us up the north coast of Spitsbergen with the view to opening up as many photo opportunities as possible. Explore the 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. Visit areas where walruses haul out, explore areas where polar bears are known to roam and get up close to some of the largest glaciers in Svalbard.
Highlights
Develop new 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 will embark MV Villa and make yourself at home. After you are settled in your cabin, we will conduct the mandatory safety briefing before we sail out from Adventfjorden into Isfjorden. For the next 8-days, you will explore the rugged coastline, searching for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities at every stage. As you sail north, you might likely to encounter glaciers and sea ice which make the perfect photo subjects. Early in the season, our exact route will be determined by the sea ice conditions which can vary year on year.
As you leave the Isfjord, you will 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, you will spend some unhurried time observing and photographing the walruses as they swim and haul out onto the beach.
You will sail as far north as possible along the west coast of Spitsbergen, keeping a lookout for wildlife including, polar bears that inhabit the area. Our ultimate plan, if the conditions allow us 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. You will then explore the frozen north-west coast traveling as far as the ice will allow us 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 9: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Our Svalbard photography tour ends back in Longyearbyen. After our final breakfast, we will 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.
Select a Date
Andree
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Arnesen.
Select a Date
Arnesen
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Andree.
Select a Date
Boyd
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Shackleton.
Select a Date
Nansen
A suite with 2 lower twin beds, en suite toilet, and shower, sitting area, and window.
Select a Date
Shackleton
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, window, and shared toilet and bathroom with Boyd.
Select a Date
Amundsen
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window, and en suite bathroom.
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 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
