Svalbard wildlife photography expedition in May 2018

Once again Arctic Wildlife Tours could bring the Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen as one of the photo guides hosting our spring Svalbard expedition onboard the expedition ship MS Malmö. This expedition had duration of 6 nights only and we planned to worke intense to make the best out of it. As we hoped for we found the first Polar Bear after only 10 hours in the fjords of Hornsund. It was a female equipped with a GPS satellite tracker device around its neck. It always looks bad seeing those bears carrying this kind of equipment and actually I begin to wonder if its really necessary? And what kind of information does it bring to the scientists that could make it easier for the Polar Bears to exist and survive? Another thing is how the climate change will affect the wildlife in the Arctic. It does not look good this year and it may be a totally different Svalbard we will see in a few decades if this continue. Wildlife photography in Svalbard will not be the same without the charismatic Polar Bears there.

wildlife photography
We found this mother and cub in Raudfjorden. The mother was more on the thin side...
wildlife photography
This situation while laying on my stomach on a floating piece of ice gave a different view of the Polar Bear mother and cub

Wildlife photography at the greatest.

We had some fantastic encounters with 2-3 Polar Bears during the expedition and could really do some great wildlife photography. A very close situation where a curios female and cub came close to us where we was waiting in the zodiac boats near the fjord ice. We had a great moment there. We also visited the island Moffen but rough sea prevented us to come on land. We had some interesting encounters with Walruses in the water. The weather was not kind to us during this expedition in general, but we managed to get several good situations out of what we could find.

In Hornsund we did an attempt of finding a lost camera from the year before. It was dropped into the sea by a Polar Bear and according to the sea maps it would be situated on 133 meter depth in Samaringvågen, Hornsund. Amazingly enough we found it on 140 meter by using an underwater rover and the camera was saved. The rest of the story about this is still a secret and will be revealed during this year.

wildlife photography
Visiting the northernmost colony of harbour seals
wildlife photography
Northern Fulmar following the ship
wildlife photography
A thin mother Polar Bear is hunting and the cub is screaming behind her. It was a emotional moment and the picture deserved to be published as black and white.
arctic expeditions
Photo guide Audun Rikardsen in action on the tundra.

Upcoming Svalbard Tours

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Svalbard

Svalbard winter landscapes

10. Apr 2026 - 18. Apr 2026
Svalbard winter landscapes offers some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. The dramatic landscape, composed of towering mountains, deep fjords, sweeping valleys, and the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean, makes this region an extraordinary destination for exploration and photography. At this time of year, the landscapes themselves are the primary focus, though wildlife is never far from sight. The dramatic setting is enhanced by the presence of polar bears, which can often be seen traversing the scenic terrain or drifting across ice floes. These encounters provide breathtaking photographic opportunities in the heart of the Arctic wilderness.
Spots available 1 SPOT AVAILABLE FOR A FEMALE
Season Early Season, Winter season
Duration 9 days
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Svalbard

Wildlife photography expedition

01. May 2026 - 09. May 2026
Wildlife photography expedition in May, the region already experiences the constant daylight of the midnight sun. While clouds may lessen the intensity of the sunlight, they also create a variety of patterns and possibilities for photography. Still we will see some of the coolers from sunsets and sunrises. Even though the nights can remain very cold, it is possible to observe wildlife resting and hunting on the ice-covered fjords or within the pack. In this bright, winter-like environment, participants can enjoy remarkable wildlife encounters in truly picturesque, icy conditions by joining our Svalbard photo expedition. Our wildlife photography expeditions represent the ultimate in polar exploration at any time of year.
Spots available 2 SPOTS (One double cabin)
Season Early Season, Winter season
Duration 8 nights / 9 days
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Svalbard

Pack Ice expedition Svalbard

28. Jun 2026 - 07. Jul 2026
In early summer, our Svalbard tours experiences a unique transformation as some of the snow melts, yet large areas remain covered by drift ice. The pack ice is still relatively close to the Svalbard islands, making it easily accessible for exploration and wildlife observation. This period offers remarkable opportunities to witness Svalbard's diverse wildlife. Polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, and a variety of birdlife are particularly active, increasing the chances of close wildlife encounters. The movement of these animals makes this an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
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Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 9 nights/10 days
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Svalbard

Pack Ice expedition Svalbard

07. Jul 2026 - 21. Jul 2026
Svalbard is renowned for its rich diversity of Arctic wildlife. The most iconic resident is the polar bear, often referred to as "The King of the Arctic." These magnificent creatures traverse the frozen seas and rugged coastlines in search of seals and sustenance. It is not uncommon to witness polar bears caring for their cubs in this challenging yet thriving environment. While they may occasionally be spotted along the shores, the drifting pack ice is their true habitat. Remarkably, over 60% of the polar bear population migrates into the pack ice during early summer, making this region vital for their survival. This pack ice expedition Svalbard will be a unique chance for extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Spots available 1 SPOT AVAILABLE FOR A MALE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 15 days
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Svalbard

Peak season expedition Svalbard

21. Jul 2026 - 31. Jul 2026
Another expedition into the pack ice. We will visit the spectacular bird cliffs, walrus haul-out places, do landings and cruise into the pack ice north of Svalbard. More than 60% of the Polar Bear population migrate into the pack ice during early summer. In late July the bird cliffs are still full of wildlife. We also will visit Walrus haul-out places on land and maybe some interesting places for Arctic Foxes along with other wildlife. The Svalbard Archipelago is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, and its not far before we start entering what we call “the pack ice”. This is a magical environment in many ways. It is also the real home of the polar bears and other wildlife like seals, walruses and whales. Join us for this peak season expedition Svalbard.
Spots available 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 11 days
svalbard photography expeditions
Svalbard

Polar Bear adventures in the pack

30. Aug 2026 - 09. Sep 2026
The Adventure of Navigating the Pack Ice. The pack ice can be likened to a nameless continent, composed entirely of drifting ice and teeming with wildlife. It stretches across vast expanses of the ocean, with the ice moving according to ocean currents, tides, and winds. Navigating these icy areas requires patience, but the rewards are great when wildlife is spotted. Especially will this be a Polar Bear Adventure. Some of the expedition will be dedicated to exploring the Islands of Svalbard. In late August and early September, the light in this region becomes more colorful. Sunsets and sunrises return after the long, sunlit summer, transforming the landscape with vibrant hues.
Spots available 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Autum season, Main season
Duration 10 nights/11 days
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