Svalbard Spring Photo Tour – 10 days

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen*
This Svalbard Photo Expedition departs from Longyearbyen. Upon leaving the port, we will say goodbye to civilization for the next eight days to explore the breathtaking Arctic as it emerges from winter. During this time of year, our route will be determined by the sea ice. We will either sail north or south depending on the conditions. This expedition offers a chance to encounter the coast of Svalbard as it is rarely seen. We will launch the Zodiacs daily to search for the best landscape and wildlife photography opportunities every day. 

Day 2: Isfjord & Prins Karls Forland
In Isfjord in April and Early May, fjord ice from the winter lines the coast. This is a great place to start scouting for polar bears that move from the land to the sea ice during this time. If conditions allow, it is a great place to use the Zodiacs to explore the ice edge and open up close-up photography opportunities of wildlife. After leaving Isfjord, our plan is to sail north, passing Prins Karls Foreland. As the ice recedes from the winter, this area is home to walrus haul-outs.

Days 3: Ice Edge
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.

Days 4-7: Exploring Northwest Spitsbergen / Sailing South
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears. Turn south to Fuglefjorden, for a Zodiac cruise of Svitjodbreen, on the hunt for calving ice. Tour St. Johnsfjord, landing at Copper Camp to view cultural remains. Land at Vårsolbukta in Van Mijenfjord to view Camp Bell, a prospector’s hut, and hopefully meet some reindeer.

Days 8-9: Hornsund
See Hornsund, with a landing in Gnålodden to marvel at the scenic bird cliff (home to black-legged kittiwakes) and trapper’s hut. Return north to Isfjorden.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Svalbard photo expedition ends. After breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure.

*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.