Svalbard Summer Photo Tour
Highlights
- Meet the Arctic’s stars—polar bears, walruses, whales, and seabirds—thriving along Svalbard’s icy summer shores.
- Explore the haunting relics of early whalers and polar pioneers at Smeerenburg and Virgohamna, tracing the history of Arctic ambition
- Sail beneath Austfonna and Monaco glaciers and hike Svalbard’s northernmost islands—remote lands few have ever explored.
Embark on this exhilarating 10-day expedition to the High Arctic, venturing deep into the realm of ice and light that defines Svalbard. Departing from Longyearbyen, your voyage traces the rugged coastlines and glacier-carved fjords of this polar archipelago — a land of midnight sun, rich wildlife, and storied human history.
Sailing through the height of the Arctic summer, when the sea ice has loosened its grip and wildlife abounds, you’ll enjoy near-endless daylight for exploration. This is the season of walrus haul-outs, nesting seabird cliffs alive with sound and motion, and polar bears roaming the pack ice in search of seals. Whales frequent the nutrient-rich upwellings along the continental shelf, while the icy edges of Austfonna and Bråsvellbreen gleam under the golden Arctic sun.
Guided by an expert expedition team, your days unfold through a blend of ship cruising, Zodiac adventures, and shore landings. You’ll set foot on sites that shaped Arctic history — from Smeerenburg’s legendary whaling relics to Virgohamna’s echoes of early polar aviation — and hike across tundra alive with wildflowers and nesting birds. In the far north, among Sjuøyane’s windswept isles, stand where few have gone before, surrounded by the raw majesty of the world’s northernmost landscapes.
This journey is an invitation to connect with the pure essence of exploration — to feel small beside immense glaciers, to sense the timeless pulse of nature, and to share in the wonder that drove generations of adventurers to the edge of the map. Perfect for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those with an unyielding spirit of discovery, this Arctic voyage promises memories etched in ice and light — a true high-latitude achievement that few on Earth can claim.
Standard Activities
About the Svalbard Summer Photo Tour
Embark on this exhilarating 10-day expedition to the High Arctic, venturing deep into the realm of ice and light that defines Svalbard. Departing from Longyearbyen, your voyage traces the rugged coastlines and glacier-carved fjords of this polar archipelago — a land of midnight sun, rich wildlife, and storied human history.
Sailing through the height of the Arctic summer, when the sea ice has loosened its grip and wildlife abounds, you’ll enjoy near-endless daylight for exploration. This is the season of walrus haul-outs, nesting seabird cliffs alive with sound and motion, and polar bears roaming the pack ice in search of seals. Whales frequent the nutrient-rich upwellings along the continental shelf, while the icy edges of Austfonna and Bråsvellbreen gleam under the golden Arctic sun.
Guided by an expert expedition team, your days unfold through a blend of ship cruising, Zodiac adventures, and shore landings. You’ll set foot on sites that shaped Arctic history — from Smeerenburg’s legendary whaling relics to Virgohamna’s echoes of early polar aviation — and hike across tundra alive with wildflowers and nesting birds. In the far north, among Sjuøyane’s windswept isles, stand where few have gone before, surrounded by the raw majesty of the world’s northernmost landscapes.
This journey is an invitation to connect with the pure essence of exploration — to feel small beside immense glaciers, to sense the timeless pulse of nature, and to share in the wonder that drove generations of adventurers to the edge of the map. Perfect for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those with an unyielding spirit of discovery, this Arctic voyage promises memories etched in ice and light — a true high-latitude achievement that few on Earth can claim.
Itinerary
Longyearbyen
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
Poolepynten
Sjuøyane
Disembarkation
With over 30 years of experience in wildlife travel and photography, Paul Goldstein has dedicated his career to exploring the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from the plains of Africa to the icy frontiers of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Having led more than 25 polar expeditions, he is renowned...
With over 30 years of experience in wildlife travel and photography, Paul Goldstein has dedicated his career to exploring the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from the plains of Africa to the icy frontiers of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Having led more than 25 polar expeditions, he is renowned for his deep respect for nature, ethical approach to wildlife observation, and passion for small-ship exploration that allows for truly immersive experiences.
A storyteller at heart, Paul Goldstein continues to inspire travelers and photographers alike through his commitment to authentic adventure, conservation, and the thrill of discovery that comes with every encounter in the wild.
- Expertise: With 40 years of experience across all seven continents, Paul is a legend of wildlife photography. In particular, predators. And even more in particular, polar bears.
- Impact: Paul’s a firebrand conservationist, raising money and lecturing all over the world for projects supporting endangered animals and local communities.
- Style: Getting you out of your comfort zone!
What's Included
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Expert guide team and photographer.
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Lectures and tutorials.
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Use of Zodiacs (dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities.
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Polar bear protection guides for shore landings.
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Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal).
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Bedding and towels.
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Highly experienced captain and cook.
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Rubber boots for shore landings.
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Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation.
What's Excluded
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Flights and transfers from airport to hotel.
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Travel and cancellation insurance.
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Any additional expenses such as museum entry.
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