Snap your way through the photogenic wilds of Svalbard
Just like a true Arctic adventurer, throw away the itinerary, grab your camera and let wildlife and pack ice decide your route around Svalbard. Guided by your experienced expedition leaders and coached by a team of professional photographers, set off from Longyearbyen and explore the archipelago’s collection of fjords, glaciers and weathered historical sites. 24 hours of daylight will give you plenty of time to search for Arctic wildlife like polar bears and walrus, whales and seabirds, Arctic fox and reindeer. This one-off adventure is the perfect chance to experience the Arctic and bring back incredible images and memories of this unique untouched region.
Refine your skills and become a photography expert, capturing some of the most remote and extraordinary landscapes on earth. Better yet, you’ve got a team of photography experts on hand to help.
See onboard environmental and scientific lectures and seminars to give you all the Spitsbergen knowledge, plus a couple of photography masterclasses to hone your technique.
Twice daily zodiac excursions mean there’s plenty of opportunities to get up close to glaciers, icebergs and all types of wildlife. There are more polar bears than people on Svalbard, so get snapping!
Did someone say midnight snack? Because of the time of year, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for sightseeing any time of the day, or night!
With a flexible voyage itinerary, you’ll only hit the places which are worthwhile and have the best conditions, as your expert polar team to maximise wildlife spotting opportunities each day.
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are freezing. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important information about what to bring.
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. If waves are choppy it can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you have dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry.
Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Internal stairs are used to navigate between the different levels of the ship, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, while your expedition crew will try their best to stick to an itinerary, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area.
This trip takes places during the Arctic summer, which features an incredible 24 hours of daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that wildlife can be seen at any time of the day.
Polar bears are one of the most incredible and awe-inspiring animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Your expedition leaders are trained in polar bear safety and it is therefore crucial that you follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group. If you catch sight of a bear never approach it – stay calm and immediately inform your guide. Lastly, never leave food anywhere in an attempt to lure polar bears.
Please note in 2023 this trip will start and finish in Helsinki, Finland.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure – the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure – the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
COVID 19 VACCINATION
All customers must be vaccinated against covid 19 to join this voyage. You must present a copy of your Covid 19 proof of vaccination record from your government’s health authority prior to embarkation.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information
