Svalbard Summer Solstice Photo Tour

Our extended photo tour sets sail when the midnight sun is at its zenith, scouring the ice edge in the far north of Svalbard for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
In the glowing 24-hour sun of the Svalbard summer, photograph Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Make the most of the superior conditions on an intrepid itinerary, where great swathes of the archipelago will pass before your camera lens.
See Svalbard come alive with wildlife.
Our longest photo tour sets sail when the Svalbard day is at its longest, giving you the perfect conditions and all the time you need to scout the ice edge far to the north of the archipelago and capture beautiful, indelible wildlife images.
Over the course of a full fortnight’s exploration, your photographer guide will help you scope out irresistible photo opportunities along the ice edge. Sailing under the midnight sun, this singular photo tour maximises the extended daylight hours at the height of summer, when Svalbard’s wildlife is at its most abundant.

Summer is when Svalbard’s wildlife – from Arctic foxes to whales, migratory birds, and polar bears – is at its most abundant and most visible
Explore the ice edge in the lesser-seen north of Svalbard during the summer solstice (June 21), giving uninterrupted daylight, perfect for photography
We only work with award-winning legends of polar photography who are in-field tuition experts – you’re learning from the very best

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Itinerary

Day 1 Longyearbyen

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen. Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.

Days 2 - 3 Poolepynten & Kongsfjorden

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.Visit Ny-Ålesund Research Station, the world’s northernmost year-round research facility, and Kongsfjorden, with landings and cruises to its two glaciers, Kronebreen and Kongsbreen.Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.

Days 4 - 7 Alkefjellet & Kvitøya

Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise to Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe's third-largest glacier by volume and area.Explore the island of Kvitøya, taking in the walrus colony and cultural remains of the Andreeneset headland.

Day 8 Sjuøyane

Hike on an area of Sjuøyane, or “Seven Islands”, the northernmost part of Svalbard, home bird cliffs, overflowing in the summer with black guillemots, ivory gulls, and kittiwakes, cultural remains, and walrus haulouts.

Days 9 - 11 Liefdefjorden, Bruceneset & St. Johnsfjord

Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut.See the historical site at Bruceneset in beautiful Alicehamna bay, during a Zodiac cruise or hike. Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains.Stand before Lilliehook glacier, in search of calving ice. Tour St. Johnsfjord, landing at Copper Camp to view cultural remains.Sail past Alkhornet (Bird Mountain), home to extensive seabird colonies, and marvel at Sveabreen, one of Svalbard’s largest and most active glaciers. Return to Longyearbyen.

Day 12 Longyearbyen

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Freya

Vessel Type: Ice Class Small Ship
Length: 45 meters
Passenger Capacity: 12
MV Freya is a high-strength ice-class expedition vessel originally built for lighthouse construction, now refitted to provide first-class Arctic exploration. Its sturdy 1A ice-class hull allows access deep into the pack ice, offering unique perspectives on remote regions. The ship accommodates small groups with seven characterfully decorated cabins, including twin, double, and single options, all with ensuite bathrooms and windows. Multiple observation decks, a sauna, and an outdoor hot tub ensure guests can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the Arctic environment.
Life on board is centred around a cosy saloon-style dining room and bar, complemented by a comfortable lounge for lectures, presentations, or quiet reading. Guests are welcome on the open bridge to observe navigation and wildlife spotting firsthand. MV Freya also carries two Zodiacs for closer shore landings and wildlife encounters. Designed for intimate, itinerary-free expeditions, the vessel provides a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and immersive engagement with the Arctic wilderness.