Explore and capture images of Svalbard's wildlife and frozen landscapes by joining Florian Ledoux's fascinating 8-day Svalbard photography tour aboard the MV Explorer. Experience 24-hour daylight on this expedition, which includes two Zodiacs that will allow you to get up close to nature and visit places that larger ships can’t reach. Your journey begins in Longyearbyen and includes a stop at Prins Karls Foreland, where you may see walruses and take pictures of them from the ship resting on ice flows. Sail along Spitsbergen's west coast to look for wildlife and potentially venture to the edge of the sea ice to search for hunting polar bears, depending on conditions, before you continue your trip to Hornsund or Belsund to maximize your exploration of the north. Disembark safely in Longyearbyen.
Highlights
Observe the return of the midnight sun in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Learn and hone new photographic techniques with photography experts
Visit Prins Karls Foreland and lookout for whales, belugas, and walruses
Explore North-west Spitsbergen and search for polar bears
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your Svalbard photography tour departs from Longyearbyen, the most northerly town on earth. Upon leaving the Port of Longyearbyen you say goodbye to civilization for the next 8 days to explore the rugged coastline, searching for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities at every stage. As you sail north, you are likely to encounter glaciers and sea ice which make the perfect photo subjects. Early in the season, your exact route is determined by the sea ice conditions which vary year on year.
As you leave the Isfjord you keep a good lookout on deck for whales and other marine life that is common in this area. You often encounter walruses that can be photographed from the ship resting on ice flows. You launch the Zodiacs to get closer to any wildlife you spot. You frequently encounter whales including blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses in this area. In the afternoon you launch the Zodiacs to get opportunities to take landscape and glacier shots.
You sail as far north as possible along the west coast of Spitsbergen keeping a lookout for wildlife including polar bears that inhabit the area. Your 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 from. 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 then explore the frozen north-west coast traveling as far as the ice will allow you to search for photography opportunities.
Another option, if the time and conditions allow, is to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. In early 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.
Either late the previous evening or early in the morning, you 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 a wonderful adventure together.
The above itinerary is a guide only. Part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Your expedition leader makes sure you see as much as possible.
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.
Rates displayed are based on the current exchange rate from the Euro, and therefore may fluctuate.
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Double Suite (Type A)
Cabin size: 17 m² located on deck 3 with double bed, en suite shower and toilet, corner desk & chair, wardrobe and a window & door with direct deck access
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Single Suite (Type B)
Cabin size: 11 m² located on deck 3 with single bed, en suite shower and toilet, desk & chair and a wardrobe
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Double / Twin Superior (Type C)
Cabin size: 17 m² located on deck 1 with twin or double bed, en suite shower and toilet, portholes, desk & chair and a wardrobe
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Double / Twin (Type D)
Cabin size: 14 m² located on deck 1 with twin or double bed, en suite shower and toilet, portholes, desk & chair and a wardrobe
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
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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