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A R C T I C    A D V E N T U R E

J U N E   1 - 8   2 0 2 5

J U N E   8 - 1 5   2 0 2 5

A 6-night nature-watching and photo holiday to the Arctic Circle -

wander among Arctic foxes, spectacular birds, whales and fjords this summer.

Svalbard, Norway

7 days

5 places

£3200

H I G H L I G H T S

  • Regular close encounters with Arctic Foxes around the town & coast

  • 2 Boat-trips for Whales, Walruses, Seals & Seabirds in the fjords 

  • Photograph the courtship of Arctic birds such as Red-Throated Divers, King Eiders, Long-Tailed Duck, Red-Necked & Grey Phalaropes at water level 

  • Visits to nesting seabird colonies of Little Auk & Brunnich's Guillemot

  • Stay in a traditional Arctic former mining town steeped in history

  • Excursion to the historic town of Pyramiden, with good chance of seeing Polar Bear on the glaciers and Whales in the fjords 

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A week of wonderful memories. There were so many fun and lovely moments, it's hard to choose - sitting among little auks, Arctic Foxes coming so near to me, that's hard to beat! The ineffable golden magic of the midnight sun, king eiders, beluga whales in the fjord, walruses, conversations with the retired miners . . . Many special moments. I look forward to maybe doing it again sometime!" 

Rebecca

(Arctic Adventure 2024)

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.

Mammals: Arctic Fox, Reindeer, Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Beluga, Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Blue Whale, occasionally Polar Bear

 

Birds: King Eider, Common Eider, Red-Throated Diver, Grey Phalarope, Red-Necked Phalarope, Long-Tailed Duck, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Little Auk, Brunnich's Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Puffin, Fulmar, Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern, Pink-Footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin​. We've occasionally photographed rarities such as Broad-Billed Sandpiper (a first for Svalbard!), Steller's Eider, Snow Goose, and American Golden Plover. 

Trip Reports

I T I N E R A R Y

​The following is a proposed itinerary, which should be considered provisional, subject to animal activity and weather 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 home. Day 7: Flight home, via Oslo.

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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

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Arctic Foxes

 

We'll make 6 evening outings for 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!

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Birds Of The Valley

 

You will have many opportunities to take photos of a dazzling variety of birds on the tundra lakes, during the day and under the midnight sun. Unlike other photo tours, we'll make the most of the Arctic's golden hours to get creative portraits. 

These sessions are great fun and offer awesome chances to capture stunning portraits and breeding behaviours at very close range, in flight and at water level, without the need for a hide - many birds come very close! With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, there's no place quite like it! 

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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.  

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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 will pass through dramatic fjords and passed ancient glaciers and the bluest icebergs imaginable, home to bearded and ringed seals, plus guillemots and puffins. There is a high chance of spotting whales, and we regularly find pods of belugas following the boat!

Little Auk Colony

 

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. We'll get you into the best positions to capture close-ups, portraits and flight shots as they fly overhead in their thousands. This is a lovely place to drink in the magnificent fjords, and maybe spot a walrus or whale as the sun sets.   

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. 

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P R A C T I C A L    I N F O R M A T I O N

  • Why Pick This Trip?
    These hides offer some of the best raptor photography opportunities in Europe, with over a dozen species possible - from Bearded Vultures to the rare Bonelli's Eagle and Eagle Owl. Winter is the best time of year to see these species in action before they expand their territories to breed, and our hides are the best way to witness their lives up close. I've guided here for several seasons, alongside our excellent local guides, and will help you make the most of every opportunity, ensuring you capture truly unique images.
  • What's Included?
    ✓ Services of photography & local nature guides ✓ Permits and private access to 3 days of photography hide activities ✓ Evening image review & post-processing sessions (optional) ✓ A welcome presentation on the local fauna ✓ 4 nights' accommodation at an apartment in Montsonis ✓ All meals ✓ Airport pick-up & drop-off from Barcelona El Prat airport ✓ Ground transportation by car and minibus
  • What's Not Included?
    ✗ Return flights to Barcelona (please contact me so that I can recommend the best flights) ✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes ✗ Personal & cancellation insurance ✗ Personal snacks & beverages ✗ Personal expenses ✗ Laundry ✗ Any additional overnight stays & extra hide sessions
  • What Camera Gear Do I Need? Do I Need To Be An Expert Photographer?
    Not at all! Beginners and more experienced photographers are all welcome, and there'll be lots of group and 1-on-1 tuition available. The beautiful thing with our groups is that we all inspire each other and have different approaches. Kit-wise, we recommend that you bring a DSLR or bridge camera with a zoom lens in the 100-400mm range for portraits and behavioural shots. A wide-angle lens (10-20mm) or GoPro is recommended for the raptors feeding at close range! Tripods are necessary for the hides (a light one will do) to ensure crisp action shots. Upon booking, I will send everyone a recommended kit list.
  • Are Meals Included?
    Yes, all meals are included! Breakfast and lunch, prepared by the local bodiga, will consist of pastries, fresh fruit, sandwiches and salads, toast and jam, with coffee/tea and juices. Dinner will be a variety of traditional Catalan tapas cuisine (meat and vegetarian options), and we may prepare meals in the apartment. Please let me know upon booking if you have any dietary requirements.
  • What's The Weather Like In The Pyrenees?
    The weather should range from 5 to 15C, with sunshine, mists, and low chance of rain or snow. In some of the smaller hides, although portable heaters are available, it can feel pretty cold in the morning. It is important that participants wear appropriate clothing for the season. Upon booking, I will send a recommended clothing and kit list.
  • What's The Group Size?
    With a maximum of 5 participants, our group size ensures everyone has a better personal experience and plenty of space in each hide. Small group size, 1-on-1 tuition, and intimate encounters with animals are what people value from my tours.
  • Is There A Lot Of Walking?
    No. We consider this light, as we will be based largely on one location with hide photography. Please contact me beforehand to discuss suitability and if you have any mobility issues.
  • What Flight Should I Take?
    It is recommended to fly to Barcelona airport, where we will transfer together by car to Montsonis. Alternatively, if you wish to see more of the country, you could fly to Madrid and take the train to Lleida, where we will meet you for the transfer. Please discuss with me so that I can recommend the best flight for you to take.
  • Do You Offer Single Occupancy?
    Yes we do. All rooms are private en-suite (single/double occupancy).
  • When Do We Receive Our Final Joining Instructions?
    Usually 4 weeks prior to departure. In the event of delay, please contact me via email or by phoning +44 (0)7342983581 or emailing paulalistaircollins@gmail.com.

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. 

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.

C O N T A C T    M E

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For tour, workshop, lecture or any other enquiries, please get in touch with me via the form below or at paulalistaircollins@gmail.com 

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