Svalbard Summer Photo Tour
Venture north to photograph Svalbard as summer sweeps across the archipelago and the Arctic bursts into life.
Guests
Svalbard Summer Photo Tour
LONGYEARBYEN 78°22’N, 15°65’E
Photography
Svalbard Summer Photo Tour
Rates from
€14,300 pp
Duration
10 days
Dates
May — Jun
Guests
—
Peak season means sailing and photographing under the midnight sun, when Svalbard’s wildlife comes out to play.
The choice for wildlife photographers, our Svalbard Summer Photo Tours set sail when the archipelago is brimming with life. With your expert photographer guide, you will search the ice edge for enigmatic polar bears, head to walrus haulout spots, and aim to reach the lively Alkefjellet bird cliff.
See Svalbard come alive with wildlife.
As the sun stays higher and higher in the sky with each passing day, the snow melts and the ice retreats, revealing the colourful Arctic tundra of Svalbard.
The golden light of the midnight sun and the scenic backdrop conjure the perfect setting for photography, and in summertime Svalbard you have the best subjects of all – the animals.
Join your professional photographer guide, scouting for wildlife in the furthest reaches of the archipelago, taking the opportunities presented by the ice and weather conditions at this time of year.
Expedition highlights
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
The Expedition Micro Cruise concept
"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
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
Day 01
78°22'N, 15°62'E
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
Days 02–07
78°44'N, 11°89'E
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 08–09
80°72'N, 20°50'E
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
78°22'N, 15°62'E
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
Your ship
Your home-from-home in the Arctic.
From £13,900
From €16,500
From $19,000
From CA$24,900
From AU$26,900
pp
WITH
Paul Goldstein
Nature Photographer
From £13,900
From €16,500
From $19,000
From CA$24,900
From AU$26,900
pp
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
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
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)
SOLD OUT
- 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
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)
SOLD OUT
- 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
From £12,200
From €14,300
From $16,500
From CA$21,800
From AU$23,400
pp
WITH
Randy Hanna
Nature Photographer
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$25,400 AU$27,300 pp
- Sleeps one in a lower berth
- Ensuite shower and toilet
- Window
Deck 1
10M²
1 Guest
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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…
Photographing in the Arctic on an Expedition Micro Cruise
Photographing in the Arctic on an Expedition Micro Cruise
Expert tips on taking the best shots possible on your Secret Atlas adventure.
Svalbard Photography Guide
Svalbard Photography Guide
Everything you need to know to embark on your photography expedition to Svalbard. From what to pack and where to spot wildlife!
A Guide to Arctic Wildlife Watching
A Guide to Arctic Wildlife Watching
The Secret Atlas guide to Arctic wildlife observation.
21 Animals to See in Svalbard
21 Animals to See in Svalbard
A taste of the animals you can spot on an Expedition Micro Cruise to Svalbard.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Svalbard?
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Svalbard?
Explore essential Svalbard visa requirements in this comprehensive guide.
Looking to explore the world with friends, family, or colleagues?
Plan a private charter with us.
