Svalbard 10 Day Summer Photo Tour

Photograph Svalbard’s Wildlife Under the Midnight Sun
Summer in Svalbard is peak season for wildlife photography – a time when the sun barely dips below the horizon and the Arctic comes alive with activity. Set against a backdrop of melting snow, retreating ice, and the blooming tundra, this remote archipelago offers a rare chance to capture nature at its most raw and vibrant.
Our Svalbard Summer Photo Tours are designed for passionate wildlife photographers, from ambitious beginners to seasoned pros. Join acclaimed nature photographers Randy Hanna and Paul Goldstein aboard a specially chartered expedition ship as you explore sea ice, glaciers, and coastal habitats in search of Svalbard’s iconic creatures – polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, migratory birds, and even whales.
With more than three decades of experience, Randy Hanna will help you hone your photo skills while chasing the best light and wildlife encounters, from the ice edge to the dramatic bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. Paul Goldstein, with over 40 years of global photography experience, shares his deep love for Spitsbergen – its haunting landscapes, crackling glaciers, and elusive Arctic wildlife – making each charter a meaningful return to a place that has captivated him for two decades.
Guided by two of the best in the field and supported by an expert polar crew, this is more than a photography trip – it’s an unforgettable Arctic adventure, where every hour brings the possibility of a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Summer is when Svalbard’s wildlife – from Arctic foxes to whales, migratory birds, and polar bears – is at its most abundant and most visible
The midnight sun provides 24 hours of 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

Enquire about this journey

Itinerary

Day 1 Longyearbyen

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.

Days 2 - 7 Svalbard Exploration

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site. Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains.Sail to Smeerenburg, a former whaling settlement and source of an enduring myth, now home to a walrus colony.Possible landing in Virgohamna, a historical site, to learn about the attempts to reach the North Pole by air that departed from here and see remains of blubber ovens from the 1600s. Landing and hike on Ytre Norskøya, up to bird cliff (little auk), arctic tern colony, and common eider and goose nesting area.Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.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 guillemots.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.

Days 8 - 9 Svalbard Exploration

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. Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut.Land at Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.Take a Zodiac cruise of Fjortende Julbreen, a stunning glacier, and Fjortende Julibukta, a scenic bay in Krossfjord.Return to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.

Day 10 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
Explore the Arctic in style aboard our small expedition ship, the MV Freya. With a recently upgraded interior and a solid ice strengthened hull, this vessel is perfect for traversing Arctic waters, whilst retaining first class comforts. Originally used as a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic.
What we love about Freya
- The highest strength ice class hull ensures it is a go anywhere expedition ship.
- Classic style expedition ship with lots of space.
- All cabins have en-suite with comfortable beds.
- Large bridge area where guests are welcome to observe.
- On deck hot tub and sauna to warm up in after a day exploring.
- Multiple deck heights and viewing areas.
Key Features
- Accommodates 12 guests in 1 x double, 5 twin & 2 single cabins with windows and en-suite
- All cabins are spacious and cosy
- Large dining saloon with bar
- Passenger lounge with sofas.
- Equipped with 2 Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings
- Ample deck space to enjoy the view
- Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders
Exterior
- On deck hot tub
- Multiple decks for wildlife viewing and photography with great vantage points
- Semi enclosed decks at the stern
- Accessible bow area
- Open bridge policy with seating area to observe operations
Interior
- Guest lounge with comfortable sofas and library
- Large saloon with bar and dining area for 18 seated persons
- Classic style interior with a cosy charm
- Spacious cabins all above deck with ensuite