Summer Svalbard Wildlife Tour

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen*
We begin our expedition in the most Northerly town in the world, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon we will embark on our expedition vessel after an introduction from our expedition leader and a safety briefing from the Captain. We’ll set sail out through the majestic Adventfjord and as Longyearbyen disappears astern, wave goodbye to civilisation.

Day 2: Exploring Spitsbergen on the way north
Always responding to nature’s cues, following the weather and the wildlife, we will work our way up the dramatic west coast of Spitsbergen towards the edge of the pack ice that connects Svalbard with the North Pole. Throughout each day, we will embark on exciting photographic missions, enjoy Zodiac and hiking excursions led by Secret Atlas polar guides, and participate in onboard and onshore photography workshops, all while enjoying life on board our vessel, our home-away-from-home for these two weeks.

Days 5-7: Exploring the Ice Edge
When you adventure this far north, weather and, in particular, visibility can be a little unpredictable. However, this two-week expedition has been sculpted to give us additional days on the edge of the pack ice, greatly improving the chances for patient photographers to capture gorgeous images of Arctic animals in their natural habitat.

Days 8-10: Seven Islands and Nordaustlandet
By reaching the northernmost regions of Svalbard, far beyond Spitsbergen, you are exploring a corner of the Earth very few have had the privilege to witness – and even fewer have had the chance to photograph. No land stands between you and the North Pole. Joining you as you gaze northwards are Arctic foxes, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, and even polar bears.

Days 11-13: Northwest corner of Spitsbergen
Returning from the most remote areas, we are greeted by the stunning landscapes of northwestern Spitsbergen, with highlights including Woodfjorden—one of the largest fjords in the archipelago—and the majestic Monacobreen glacier. In Raudfjord (Red Fjord), part of North West Spitsbergen National Park, the vibrant red conglomerates of “Old Red” stone stand in striking contrast to the deep blue waters. Magdalenafjord, often considered one of the most beautiful fjords in all of Spitsbergen, offers a glimpse into the origin of the archipelago’s name. Its iconic “peaky mountains,” made mostly of gneiss and granite and separated by glaciers, create a dramatic alpine landscape. The highest peak, Hornemantoppen, rises to 1,115 meters—an impressive height for Svalbard. For comparison, the highest point in the entire archipelago is Newtontoppen, reaching 1,710 meters.

Day 14: Isfjorden
As we approach Isfjord, the “home fjord” of Longyearbyen, the landscape begins to change, with vegetation and a greater variety of species returning to view. Alkhornet, a prominent peak in the Protectorfjellet mountain range, serves as a natural barrier, shielding Isfjord from the harsh winds blowing in from the Arctic Ocean. Alkhornet is renowned for its bird cliffs, which attract numerous polar foxes in search of eggs, as well as reindeer drawn to the area by its lush vegetation. The waters of Isfjord are rich with Arctic cod, making it a frequent feeding ground for Minke whales and Belugas, which are common visitors to the area. The Northwest coast of Spitsbergen has many highlights and places to photograph, including countless glaciers and snow-covered peaks. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to open up photography opportunities. We may land on the heavily frozen shores on the huge rafts of fjord ice where possible. If the conditions allow, we will plan to venture up to the edge of the sea ice and spend some time searching for polar bears that use the ice to hunt. The sea ice is a mesmerising photography subject in calm conditions, it can be possible to launch the landing craft to cruise between the ice.

Day 15: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
By morning we will have arrived back at the port of Longyearbyen. Disembarking the ship will involve saying goodbye to the new friends you’ve made but knowing you will keep the memories of the transformative adventure you shared together.

*It is recommended to arrive into Longyearbyen at least 1 day prior to embarkation (hotel nights in Longyearbyen are not included). 

The above itinerary is a guide only. No specific routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. The expedition leader will make sure you see as much as possible.