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Svalbard Spring Photo Tour

LONGYEARBYEN 78°22’N, 15°65’E

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Svalbard Spring Photo Tour

Photography

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour

Rates from

€14,300 pp

Duration

8 — 10 days

Dates

Apr — Jun

Guests

Early season means a bewitching pastel light in sub-zero temperatures – a call to adventure for any landscape photographer.

Springtime Svalbard is everything a landscape photographer wants the High Arctic to be: mountains wrapped in an unbroken blanket of snow, fjords patterned with shattering sea ice, the sun dipping but never fully setting.

There is no place on Earth like Svalbard in the spring.

Picture-perfect snow-capped mountains. Fjords littered with crystalline sea ice. Wildlife taking their first tentative steps after the long winter. The soft light of the rising sun and pastel-coloured sunsets.

The frozen springtime landscape of ice-strewn fjords and undisturbed snow is the perfect canvas on which to elevate your photography skills. The light at this time of year has a studio-like softness – sunrise and sunset are sublime.

Patience is a virtue when photographing Arctic animals in their snowy element. But take your time and you’ll capture some of the best wildlife shots of your life.

Expedition highlights

The best time to visit the Arctic for landscape photography, capturing frozen seascapes, crystalline icebergs, and snow-covered mountains in soft-hued light
A chance to encounter wildlife, including whales, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, seals, and polar bears, against a snowy backdrop
We only work with award-winning legends of polar photography who are in-field tuition experts – you’re learning from the very best

Autumn Arctic Fox in the Hornsund fjord, Spitsbergen

The Expedition Micro Cruise concept

Group photo of guests on deck of Vikingfjord in front of Brasvellbreen Glacier in Svalbard

Transformative small-group experience

Disconnect from modern life on a small-ship expedition. Just you, your crew, and the world at its wildest.

portrait of Virgil Reglioni a Secret Atlas guide and photographer

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Our polar superstars. Tap into their knowledge and passion, with the best guide-to-guest ratios in both polar regions.

Two zodiacs carrying guests passing through the Arctic sea

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Out in the field is our happy place. We explore as one, with no queuing or waiting for excursions.

Zodiac cruise in Svalbard with guests photographing a bird as it flies over, Secret Atlas

Open-ended exploration

We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents us with.

Women enjoying beer whilst in hot tub onboard ship in Svalbard with Secret Atlas

Comfortable accommodations

Our fleet of ships are decked out to be your home-from-home. The biggest luxury we offer? The time and freedom to explore.

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

couple enjoying group experience Secret Atlas

guides teaching photography in the field

Group of people exploring ice in Svalbard with Secret Atlas

Hot tub experiences onboard with Secret Atlas

Bow of the ship, Vikingfjord in pack ice, Secret Atlas

"I felt like I was a part of a Discovery Channel programme. What you see and experience is beyond your wildest imagination."

— Annie, Secret Atlas guest in Svalbard

Svalbard Spring Map to plan your trip with Secret Atlas

Experiences

We don’t follow a fixed itinerary

We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks!

So all our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with AECO regulations.

For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.

What your expedition could look like

Depart

Day 01 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Sail past ice field and plateau mountainous landscape

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.

Day 02 78°12'N, 13°49'E

Vikingfjord ship in Svalbard landscape Secret Atlas

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

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.

Day 03 80°49'N, 11°27'E

Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.

Days 04–07 79°49'N, 11°37'E

Zodiac cruising next to ice glacier in Svalbard Secret Atlas

Land at Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.

Continue south to explore Gravnesodden in Magdalenefjorden, with interesting cultural remains.

Land at Camp Zoe, an old trappers’ hut; take a Zodiac cruise of Lilliehöökbreen, in search of calving ice, before continuing south back to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.

Day 08 78°22'N, 15°62'E

The city is surrounded by mountains. Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Svalbard). Norway

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Day 01 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.

Day 02 78°44'N, 11°89'E

Two walrus sitting on a ice floe is Svalbard

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.

Days 03–07 79°46'N, 11°28'E

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 08–09 76°97'N, 15°78'E

Guests in zodiac by Lilliehöökbreen Svalbard 24 Giancarlo Gallinoro Secret Atlas

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 and Longyearbyen.

Day 10 78°22'N, 15°62'E

landscape deserted Longyearbyen city nobody with blue sky and summer mountains with snow , Norway, Spitsbergen, , Svalbard Secret Atlas

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Return

What your expedition could look like

Day 01 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.

Day 02 78°12'N, 13°49'E

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

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.

Day 03 80°49'N, 11°27'E

Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.

Days 04–07 79°49'N, 11°37'E

Land at Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.

Continue south to explore Gravnesodden in Magdalenefjorden, with interesting cultural remains.

Land at Camp Zoe, an old trappers’ hut; take a Zodiac cruise of Lilliehöökbreen, in search of calving ice, before continuing south back to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.

Day 08 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Day 01 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.

Day 02 78°44'N, 11°89'E

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.

Days 03–07 79°46'N, 11°28'E

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 08–09 76°97'N, 15°78'E

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 and Longyearbyen.

Day 10 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Your ship

Your home-from-home in the Arctic.

Vikingfjord

A new ice-strengthened ship with industry-leading environmental credentials.

See Ship

12 Guests

Interior

Observation lounge area onboard Vikingfjord

Man looking at a map on the Bridge of a ship Secret Atlas

Exterior

View from Side deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas

Out on deck in the snow onboard MV Vikingfjord

View of guests on the deck onboard Vikingfjord

Hot tub on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas

Sauna on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas

Signature
Twin/Double

Comfortable double bed/twins
Ensuite shower and toilet
Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Vikingfjord

Comfortable double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 3

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Deck

Films

Watch

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni

WITH

Virgil Reglioni

Nature Photographer

View profile

Signature
Twin/Double

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed/twins
Ensuite shower and toilet
Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 3

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Join Waitlist

Signature
Twin/Double

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed/twins
Ensuite shower and toilet
Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 3

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Join Waitlist

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Amos Nachoum

WITH

Amos Nachoum

Nature Photographer

View profile

Signature
Twin/Double

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed/twins
Ensuite shower and toilet
Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 3

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Join Waitlist

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Lana Tannir

WITH

Lana Tannir

Nature Photographer

View profile

Signature
Twin

SOLD OUT

Sleeps two in lower twin berths
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (double)

SOLD OUT

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Freya

Sleeps two in a double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Sleeps one in a lower berth
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

1 Guest

Join Waitlist

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Dean Tatooles

From £13,900 From €16,500 From $19,000 From CA$-29,000 From AU$26,900 pp

WITH

Dean Tatooles

Nature Photographer

View profile

From £13,900 From €16,500 From $19,000 From CA$-29,000 From AU$26,900 pp

Signature
Twin/Double

£13,900 €16,500 $19,000 CA$24,900 AU$26,900 pp

Comfortable double bed/twins
Ensuite shower and toilet
Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

£16,200 €19,050 $22,000 CA$29,000 AU$31,100 pp

Comfortable double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 3

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Book Dates Contact us

Signature
Twin/Double

£13,900 €16,500 $19,000 CA$24,900 AU$26,900 pp

Comfortable double bed/twins
Ensuite shower and toilet
Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

£16,200 €19,050 $22,000 CA$29,000 AU$31,100 pp

Comfortable double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 3

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

£16,200 €19,050 $22,000 CA$-29,000 AU$31,100 pp

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Book Dates Contact us

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Randy Hanna

From £12,200 From €14,300 From $16,500 From CA$21,800 From AU$23,400 pp

WITH

Randy Hanna

Nature Photographer

View profile

From £12,200 From €14,300 From $16,500 From CA$21,800 From AU$23,400 pp

Signature
Twin

£12,200 €14,300 $16,500 CA$21,800 AU$23,400 pp

Sleeps two in lower twin berths
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (double)

£12,200 €14,300 $16,500 CA$21,800 AU$23,400 pp

Sleeps two in a double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

£14,100 €16,700 $19,300 CA$25,200 AU$27,300 pp

Sleeps one in a lower berth
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

1 Guest

Book Dates Contact us

Why Secret Atlas?

Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.

We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.

We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.

We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.

That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.

Meet Secret Atlas

Why Secret Atlas?

Meet Secret Atlas

Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.

We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.

We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.

That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.

What's included?

Expert guide team and photographer

Lectures and tutorials

Use of Zodiacs (dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities

Polar bear protection guides for shore landings

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)

Bedding and towels

Highly experienced captain and cook

Rubber boots for shore landings

Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation

Not included

Flights and transfers from airport to hotel

Travel and cancellation insurance

Any additional expenses such as museum entry

Blonde girl in the snow Antarctic Secret Atlas

Solo explorers

Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers, particularly on our photo voyages – the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:

Single cabins (where available)
The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender
The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability

FAQs

How physically fit do I need to be?

To get the most from a Secret Atlas expedition, it’s important to be stable on your feet and able to undertake short hikes. But there’s no requirement to undertake any given activity, and we usually split into two groups: those who want to go to the top of the hill, and those who’d prefer a more leisurely stroll at the bottom (or a Zodiac cruise!).

Where does this expedition depart from?

All our Svalbard photo tours depart from and return to the town of Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is easily reached by daily flights from Oslo in Norway, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in the High Arctic. To find out more about how to get to Longyearbyen, please see our guide below.

LONGYEARBYEN TRAVEL GUIDE

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

Not at all. We welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Our Svalbard photo tours are designed for guests that are looking to spend time out in the field taking photos. We welcome all levels of photographer. Whether you’re an experienced professional or completely new to photography, this is a great opportunity to spend time in nature capturing images.

In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Svalbard.

Can I get one-on-one photography coaching?

Our photography guides are in-field tuition experts, experienced in group and one-on-one coaching. They’ll be on-hand throughout the expedition to offer in-field advice, scout photo opportunities, and deliver lectures and workshops.

Are there any photo or video restrictions in Svalbard?

Guests are not permitted to use drones during the expedition. In any case a drone is being used during your expedition, it will be for professional use only by a member of the Secret Atlas team with the required permissions.

Limitations are in place to protect the wildlife we encounter. Often, it is not possible to get up-close to the wildlife we see. For more information, check out the ‘Visitor Guidelines’.

What are the new 2025 regulations in Svalbard?

In 2025, the Norwegian government introduced stricter environmental regulations in Svalbard to better protect its fragile Arctic ecosystem and wildlife.

At Secret Atlas, our Expedition Micro Cruise concept is built around conscious, responsible travel. These new rules align perfectly with our mission to explore with care and leave a minimal footprint.

We understand you may have questions about how these changes could affect your journey. To help, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the updated regulations. And of course, if you’d like to chat through the details, our team is always here to help.

BREAKING DOWN NEW SVALBARD REGULATIONS 2025

For more information regarding your booking, please refer to our booking terms and conditions

What's included?

Expert guide team and photographer

Lectures and tutorials

Use of Zodiacs (dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities

Polar bear protection guides for shore landings

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)

Bedding and towels

Highly experienced captain and cook

Rubber boots for shore landings

Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation

Not included

Flights and transfers from airport to hotel

Travel and cancellation insurance

Any additional expenses such as museum entry

Solo explorers

Single cabins (where available)
The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender
The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability

FAQs

How physically fit do I need to be?

Where does this expedition depart from?

LONGYEARBYEN TRAVEL GUIDE

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

Not at all. We welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Svalbard.

Can I get one-on-one photography coaching?

Are there any photo or video restrictions in Svalbard?

Limitations are in place to protect the wildlife we encounter. Often, it is not possible to get up-close to the wildlife we see. For more information, check out the ‘Visitor Guidelines’.

What are the new 2025 regulations in Svalbard?

In 2025, the Norwegian government introduced stricter environmental regulations in Svalbard to better protect its fragile Arctic ecosystem and wildlife.

BREAKING DOWN NEW SVALBARD REGULATIONS 2025

For more information regarding your booking, please refer to our booking terms and conditions

Explorer's Handbook

Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…

View Handbook

Inside of the restaurant of the Radisson Blue Hotel in Longyearbyen Svalbard

Looking to explore the world with friends, family, or colleagues?

Plan a private charter with us.

TALK TO US

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour

Photography

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour

Expedition highlights

The Expedition Micro Cruise concept

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

Experiences

Experiences

We don’t follow a fixed itinerary

What your expedition could look like

What your expedition could look like

Your ship

Vikingfjord

Interior

Exterior

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Deck

Films

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni

Virgil Reglioni

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Amos Nachoum

Amos Nachoum

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Lana Tannir

Lana Tannir

Signature Twin

Signature Penthouse (double)

Signature Single

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Dean Tatooles

Dean Tatooles

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Randy Hanna

Randy Hanna

Signature Twin

Signature Penthouse (double)

Signature Single

Why Secret Atlas?

Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.

That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.

Why Secret Atlas?

Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.

That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.

What's included?

Not included

Solo explorers

FAQs

How physically fit do I need to be?

Where does this expedition depart from?

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

Can I get one-on-one photography coaching?

Are there any photo or video restrictions in Svalbard?

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin

Signature
Penthouse (double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin

Signature
Penthouse (double)

Signature
Single