Svalbard, Norway
7 days
5 places
Please enquire for cost
Trip 1 : 3rd - 9th June 2024 (provisional dates dependent on flights)
Trip 2 : 9th - 15th June 2024 (provisional dates, dependent on flights)
If you would like to arrange a private workshop for an individual or group,
please get in touch above for available dates.
T R I P O V E R V I E W
Lying halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a wild land of glaciers and tundra, making it an irresistible destination for the artist or traveller inspired by nature. Unlike larger commercial tours, we will base ourselves for 5 full days in one location, the charming town of Longyearbyen, to make the most of its unique landscapes and help you get stunning images of walruses, whales, seabirds and resident foxes!
Activities are tailored to whatever animals are active at the time of day, as well as to weather/light conditions and participant preferences. Each day we will discuss options on how best to maximise your artistic and wildlife viewing opportunities.
All local outings and day excursions are optional, allowing for relaxed exploration and intrepid creative sessions under the midnight sun. With 24 hours of daylight and many animals within minutes of our lodge, we can make repeat visits to sites to get the best out of our subjects. This trip is therefore perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to see the amazing wildlife that the Arctic has to offer.
Trip Reports
H I G H L I G H T S
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Staying in a traditional cabin, with friendly huskies and eiders as our neighbours
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Boat-trip and landing visit to a Walrus colony
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Whale watching in the fjords - with high chances of Blue Whale, Beluga and rarer whales
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Close encounters with Arctic Foxes around town
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Photograph courtship of Red-Throated Divers, King Eiders and tundra bird species
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Bird photography at water-level on the lagoons for iconic Arctic species
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Visits to nesting seabird colonies of Little Auk and Brunnich's Guillemot
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Excursion to the historic town of Pyramiden, with good chance of seeing Polar Bear on the glaciers and Whales in the fjords
Unlike other more costly Arctic tours, we will stay in one location so that you can deeply discover this unique environment over time. For the duration of the holiday, you will be based in a prime location for the best local wildlife and cultural opportunities. Staying at a comfortable renovated miners cabin in Longyearbyen, you'll have arctic foxes and reindeer as your neighbours, allowing endless opportunities for artistic inspiration or to enjoy the view.
The cabin is equipped with private bedrooms, a communal kitchen, lounge area, bathroom and washing facilities, plus heating and wifi.
Just a short stroll from Longyearbyen centre with cafes, restaurants, gift shops and the North Pole Museum, as well as some of our favourite photo locations.
O U R B A S E
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1: Meet in Oslo, where we fly onwards to Svalbard. We'll transfer to our accommodation, just a 10-minute drive from the airport and overlooking the town of Longyearbyen. Dinner at a nearby restaurant, with views of the town - it's not unusual to spot arctic fox or reindeer from the window!). Restful evening, meet-and-greet and talk through plan for the week. Optional evening drive for Arctic Foxes and tundra birds.
Day 2: After breakfast, we head into the Adventdalen Valley. The lagoons along this 10km stretch of road hold a dizzying variety of breeding birds such as King and Common Eider (and sometimes Steller's), Red-Necked and Grey Phalarope, Long-Tailed Duck, Red-Throated Diver, Pink-Footed Geese, Purple and Pectoral Sandpiper, Snow Bunting, and the possibility of rarities like an Ivory Gull or Buff-Breasted Sandpiper. We will have unparalleled photo opportunities with these birds at water level and very close proximity - it's not unusual for phalaropes to swim inches from us as they feed like little spinning tops. We will focus on capturing courtship, breeding and territorial behaviours, and getting a variety of beautiful-lit portrait, reflection and action shots. We'll return to town for lunch and provisions, and spend the afternoon at a Common Eider colony, with approximately 200 nesting birds. Dinner in town, and an evening drive for Arctic Foxes on the coastal road. If energy is high in our group, we can revisit the tundra birds which look magnificent under the midnight sun.
Day 3: The first half of this day is the Walrus Safari. Departing our hotel at 9am, we will head out by boat either to a beach colony at Poolepynten or to a nearer glacial colony, where we can expect to photograph up to 30 walruses on land and in water (sometimes very close to the boat). En route we'll pass through spectacular fjords and ancient blue glaciers, where we may see Seals (Bearded, Ringed), Whales (Blue, Beluga, Humpback), and seabirds on the ice or flying close to the boat which can offer excellent fly-by photos ("Blue" Fulmar, Arctic Tern, Kittiwake, Glaucous and Iceland Gull, Brunnich's and Common Guillemot). We return to Longyearbyen at 3:30pm. The afternoon is open for more tundra birds and Arctic Foxes along the coastal road. Dinner in town, and an optional midnight sun drive for those who fancy it.
Day 4: After breakfast, we'll drive to the nearby coastal road lagoons. Our focus this morning is the colony of Little Auks, with several thousand birds nesting on the dramatic chimney stack of the Vestpynten cliffs. We'll photograph these endearing birds as they fly back and forth to their nests. We'll also scan the sea here for migrating Belugas or Humpback Whales. On the way back to town for lunch, we'll pass by the historic boatyard and the Seed Vault, two historic points of interest. After lunch, we drive the full extent of the Adventdalen to the Isfjord Radio in the mountains, to locate ptarmigan and reindeer (we may stop en route for tundra birds and waders if there is any interesting activity going on or any rarities present). The Svalbard Ptarmigan is all-white with striking red eyebrows, and we should find him and his partner on the snowy peaks. Evening in town, and optional evening drive for Arctic Foxes and tundra birds.
Day 5: A full day boat-trip to the abandoned Soviet mining town of Pyramiden. Our boat passes through Billefjorden and the cobalt blue Nordenskiold glacier. From the boat, we can photograph seabirds such as Puffins and Brunnich's Guillemot which nest on the Diabas Bird Cliffs. Depending on sea ice levels, we have a good chance of finding Polar Bears on the ice, and Beluga, Humpback or even Blue Whale. We return to Longyearbyen around 7pm. Dinner in town, with an optional evening drive for Arctic Foxes and tundra birds.
Day 6: We will spend our last morning in the Adventdalen with the eiders and tundra birds, targeting any species that our group would like to focus on. Lunch in Longyearbyen. Chance to visit the Svalbard Museum and North Pole Museum, explore the town, and to buy any souvenirs. Afternoon in the mountains with ptarmigan and reindeer, and "mopping up" any animal behaviours and portraits that we want for our portfolios. Dinner in Longyearbyen. A final quick evening drive for Arctic Foxes, before our late flight back to the UK.
Day 7: Return to the UK, via Oslo.
W H A T W E C A N F I N D
Arctic Foxes
We offer 6 evening outings to see arctic foxes, to coincide with when they are most actively hunting. We have had much luck in the past seeing foxes take eggs and show their opportunistic characters. As many as five individuals can be seen in a single night. We'll spend as much time as possible getting to know their personalities and capturing their behaviours. You'll want spare camera batteries!
Tundra - Bird Courtship
You will have abundant opportunities to capture images of a dazzling variety of birds on the tundra lakes during the daytime and under the midnight sun. Unlike other photo tours, we will make the most of these golden hours of day to open creative possibilities for vibrant portraits.
These sessions are great fun and allow tremendous chances to photograph stunning bird portraits and breeding behaviour at very close range in flight and at water level, without need for a hide - many birds come very close! Paired with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, there's no place quite like it!
Photographable Species: King Eider, Common Eider, Red-Throated Diver, Grey Phalarope, Red-Necked Phalarope, Long-Tailed Duck, Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern, Pink-Footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Reindeer
We have occasionally found and photographed rarities such as Broad-Billed Sandpiper (a first for Svalbard!), Steller's Eider, Snow Goose, and American Golden Plover. What might you find?
Mountains - Ptarmigan & Reindeer
We will also make a couple of visits to the nearby mountains and abandoned mines to spot ptarmigan in the snow. As these are just a 30 minute drive from our accommodation, it is easy to head up into the lower peaks at short notice. The male of the Svalbard ptarmigan subspecies is white all year with striking red eyebrows; whilst the softly patterned females hiding in the tussocky grass allow for a more subtle photography approach. Repeat visits may allow us to observe the males sparring as they defend their territories.
Photographable Species: Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Purple Sandpiper, Pink-Footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Reindeer
Walrus Safari
A day among this 30-strong walrus colony is highly recommended! We will either land at a beach colony or a glacial colony, depending on weather conditions. At both sites there will be the chance for close encounters, with walruses often coming into the water to check us out.
Our boat trip with Better Moments will pass through dramatic fjords and passed ancient glaciers and the bluest icebergs imaginable, home to seals and a variety of seabirds. There is a high chance of spotting a Blue Whale or the tail fluke of a Humpback, and we regularly see pods of up to 60 Belugas!
At the back of the boat, we will practise our flight photography on passing fulmars and guillemots as they ride the waves.
Photographable Species: Walrus, Bearded Seal, Beluga Whale, "Blue" Fulmar, Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, Glaucous Gull, Brunnich's Guillemot, Common Guillemot
Observable Species: Ringed Seal, Blue Whale, Beluga Whale, Humpback Whale, Fin Whale, Minke Whale, Puffin, Ivory Gull
Little Auks
The "penguins of the north"! Prepare to have your heart stolen by the charismatic little auks as they squawk just a few feet away from you. Paul will get you into the best positions to capture close-ups, portraits and flight shots as they fly overhead in their thousands. This is also an excellent spot to watch for beluga whales, walrus and seabirds, and drink in the magnificent landscape of the surrounding fjords.
* A short ascent is required from the coastal road to reach the little auk cliff colony, over stony and uneven terrain. Many birds nest at lower levels, although the best opportunities for photos require 5 to 10 minutes of gradual ascent.
Photographable Species: Little Auk, "Blue" Fulmar", Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Snow Bunting, Beluga Whale, Arctic Fox
Pyramiden
In addition to the many wildlife-viewing opportunities on our doorstep, we will venture a little further afield to see what else the Svalbard archipelago has to offer. On our full-day boat trip to the Soviet town of Pyramiden, we depart at 9am and set course towards Billefjorden and Nordenskiold glacier. Keep your eyes open for whales (Beluga, Minke, Blue or Humpback), Ringed and Bearded Seals, and an array of seabirds on the Diabas bird cliffs (Brunnich's Guillemot, Common Guillemot, Puffin, Fulmar, Arctic and Great Skua). With luck, we may see a Polar Bear roaming the glacier. At 2pm, we set foot at Pyramiden for a two-hour guided walk around this abandoned Russian town. We return to Longyearbyen at 7:30pm.
*Please note that we will help tailor a personalised tour for you to arrange the best itinerary and prices. These typically start around £100 for half-day and £180 for full-day packages, leaving from the accommodation at 9am.
P R A C T I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N
Meals
Breakfast (included at the cabin) will consist of pastries, toast and fresh fruit with coffee/tea and juice. Lunch will generally be larger meals with local produce, or fresh sandwiches on location. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Walking
Light, as we will be reliant on transport between locations. Please contact us beforehand to discuss the suitability and if you have any mobility issues.
Boat Trips
We will be taking a large boat for the full day trip to Pyramiden, and a smaller boat with inside cabin and outside deck for the Walrus Safari. The running of the latter boat trip is subject to weather and sea conditions. If the sea is deemed too choppy, the boat trip will be rescheduled or we will visit another walrus colony.
Group Size & Tuition
With a maximum of 5 participants, our small group size ensures everyone has a better personal experience. Paul will be on hand to answer your questions and help you with observing animals whatever your skillset.
Polar Bears
Bears are a potential risk wherever we go, so in remoter areas we may be accompanied by a polar guide.
Photo Gear
We recommend that you bring a DSLR with a zoom lens in the 100-400mm range, or 300mm with a 1.4x converter. A wide-angle lens or GoPro can be used for more approachable animals.
Drones
If you wish to bring a drone, please be aware of drone restrictions on excursions and in Longyearbyen. Read more.
Clothing
It is important that participants wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the tundra. Please check the recommended kit list, sent upon sign-up.
Weather
Ranging from 5C to -4C. The wind factor is very mild; however it can quickly feel colder on boat trips and on higher-altitude activities such as husky sledding.
Flights
We recommend flying from London to Svalbard (via Oslo). Please discuss with us so that we can recommend the best flight for you to take.
W H A T ' S I N C L U D E D
Included
✓ Services of photography and local wildlife polar guides
✓ Walrus Safari full-day boat trip
✓ Full-day boat trip to the historic town of Pyramiden
✓ Evening image review and edit sessions (optional)
✓ Welcome presentation & materials on local fauna and sites
✓ 6 nights' stay in a traditional Norwegian timber lodge
✓ 6 breakfasts at the cabin
✓ 6 lunches and dinners, taken in the local town or picnic style
✓ Airport pick-up & drop-off from Svalbard airport to our lodge
✓ 1 admission ticket to the Svalbard Museum
✓ Ground transportation in a minibus
Not Included
✗ Return flights from London to Svalbard
(please contact me so I can recommend the best flights)
✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes
✗ Personal and cancellation insurance*
✗ Personal snacks, beverages and alcohol
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Laundry
✗ Any additional overnight stays
✗ Any additional boat trips or day tours
For full terms and conditions, including cancellation policy and personal travel insurance, please click for Terms & Conditions
* To take part in our trip, you must be covered by adequate insurance for its entire duration. The insurance must cover for cancellation, medical and emergency expenses. We recommend insurance against damage or loss of baggage, camera equipment, instruments and personal items.
M A K E A B O O K I N G E N Q U I R Y
Contact Paul at paulalistaircollins@gmail.com for further information.
Once your booking has been confirmed, a £300 deposit will be required per person to secure your place.
Victoria
"I’m incredibly privileged to be in Svalbard and it’s by far one of the best experiences of my life. This trip has given me so much joy and wonder for our natural world"
Matt
"Huge thanks to Paul for being so accommodating. He kindly adapted plans to suit my goals, and I learned so much in the process thanks to his guidance."
Hanne & Andrew
"Best holiday we’ve ever had - and we've barely started!"
