Embark on a 9-day Svalbard photography tour aboard the MV Vikingfjord, led by the renowned photographer Florian Ledoux. This expedition is tailored for photography enthusiasts eager to capture stunning images of sea ice, wildlife, landscapes, and glaciers. The small expedition vessel, equipped with two zodiacs, allows for close encounters with nature in areas larger ships cannot reach. Wildlife and landscape photographers alike will be thrilled to witness the Arctic's post-winter emergence, offering potential sightings of the majestic polar bears.
Highlights
Discover whales, walruses, and other marine life while sailing through Prins Karls Forland
Explore the rugged coastline and search for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities
Experience the mesmerizing sea ice and search for polar bears along the northwest coast
Visit Hornsund or Belsund to encounter polar bears hunting along the ice edge
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This Svalbard photography tour departs from Longyearbyen, the northern town on earth. Upon leaving the Port of Longyearbyen, say goodbye to civilization for eight days to explore the rugged coastline, searching for landscape and wildlife photography opportunities at every stage. As you sail north, you most likely encounter glaciers and sea ice, making the perfect photo subjects. Early in the season, the sea ice conditions will determine your exact route, which varies yearly.
As you leave the Isfjord, keep a good lookout on deck for whales and other everyday marine life in this area. You often encounter walruses that can be photographed from the ship resting on ice flows. Use zodiacs to get closer to any wildlife you spot. In this area, you have frequently encountered blue and humpback whales, belugas, and walruses. In the afternoon, use the zodiacs to get opportunities to take landscape and glacier shots.
Day 3-7: Encountering Sea Ice and North-West Spitsbergen
Sail as far north as possible along the west coast of Spitsbergen, keeping an eye out 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 searching for polar bears that use the sea ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerizing photography subject, and in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice. Then, explore the frozen northwest coast, traveling as far as the ice will allow in search of photography opportunities.
Another option, if the time and conditions allow, is to sail south to visit Hornsund or Belsund. Early in 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.
Day 9: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Late in the previous evening or early in the morning, 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 an incredible 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.
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Type A - Double with En-Suite
Cabin size: 15 m² with double bed, window, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on deck 3.
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Type B - Double / Twin with En-suite
Cabin size: 15 m² with twin bed, window, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on decks 1 & 2.
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Type C - Single Cabin with En-suite
Cabin size: 10 m² with single bed, desk & chair, wardrobe and an ensuite shower and toilet. Located on deck 3.
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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.9 | 246 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 246 reviews on
1 day ago
Kassandra and the Adventure Life team have been incredible! Kassandra was very knowledgeable and attentive to our asks while making sure we kept within our budget. This was our first experience with a travel agent and we were blown away by the booking/initial exploration service. We will use Adventure Life again.
Shelby Oakes
1 day ago
Great communication and service!
Larry Haisley
1 day ago
We had an absolutely wonderful Seychelles cruise experience. I can’t imagine having seen all the beautiful islands we saw any other way. The entire Variety cruise staff was so friendly, attentive and professional. And all the meals were amazing. I highly recommend this cruise.
Patricia Toto
2 days ago
We have told everyone we know about Adventure Life. What a great company to work with and no detail is missed. Call them for your next adventure!!
Paul Rupert
3 days ago
We received an immediate response from Kassandra who reserved our cruise as soon as she got a confirmation from us. Maria and Jess also were in touch right away.