Join Rinie van Meurs on an 12-day Svalbard Explorer Photo Tour aboard the MV Explorer, where you will have the chance to get up close and photograph glaciers and sea ice while developing your photography skills in the field with a highly experienced expedition leader. On this tour, you will also have the opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, and whales. In addition, you will have the chance to photograph and explore the coastline by Zodiac landing craft and learn about the area from expert Svalbard guides.
Highlights
Visit Prins Karls Foreland and encounter whales, belugas and walruses
Observe the wildlife of Hornsund and look out for polar bears
Learn photographic techniques while exploring the frozen north-west coast
Discover the scenic beauty surroundings and rich history of Longyearbyen
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The 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 and 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 perfect photo subjects. Early in the season, your exact route is determined by the sea ice conditions, which vary from year to year.
As the ship leaves the Isfjord, keep a good lookout on deck for whales and other marine life that are common in this area. It is common to encounter whales including blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses in this area. You plan to land on the island of Prins Karls Foreland and do a short hike or Zodiac cruise 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.
During these days, 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. 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 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 northwest coast, travelling as far as the ice will allow to search for photography opportunities.
Day 8: Hornsund
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Svalbard photography voyage sails south to visit Hornsund or Belsund, if the time and ice conditions allow. 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. Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change due to weather and ice conditions.
Day 9-11: Extended Exploration of North East Spitsbergen
These days offer the opportunity to explore the farther reaches of Svalbard. If conditions allow you will sail to the Northeast of Svalbard and spend some extended time wildlife-watching and exploring the many natural wonders there are to see in this area.
Day 12: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning, you disembark in Longyearbyen after breakfast and are transferred to the airport to begin your journey home.
Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Your expedition leader ensures 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
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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