With a love for spending time in nature, and wanting to photograph wildlife in the arctic circles, Ömer Acar booked a trip to exotic Svalbard through Arctic Wildlife Tours AS.

In the spring of 2022 the world slowly started to wake up again and feeling the need for fresh air and new scenery. Ömer Acar, an experienced world traveler from Finland, chose to set a course with Arctic Wildlife Tours for Svalbard visiting the unique northern scenery with raw, wild nature.

photographer omer acar
Polar bear on Svalbard. Photo by Ömer Acar

Ömer’s best experience

With a big interest in predator mammals, bears and wolves, Ömar went to Svalbard on his own on several occasions to experience the beautiful wildlife of the “Norwegian pearl”. Traveling alone he found it hard to navigate in the arctic landscape, meaning he did not get the chance to see polar bears. He decided to get in touch with Svein and book a guided tour with a small crew. After spending 6 days at sea they finally got to see the arctic bear up close. Having photographed wildlife for over 15 years, this was an unbelievable experience for

Ömar - it made the entire trip worth it!

Although seeing a polar bear is not guaranteed on the trips, the wildlife in Svalbard is also about so much more. Together with your group you get to experience Seals, Walruses, Arctic Foxes and a diversity of birdlife up close, wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.

Ömer adds: - It’s not only about photography, but there are a lot of other things to experience too, such as ice swimming in the Arctic and meeting new people. Get the most of it - not just the pictures in your memory card.

Practical advice for guided tours

Throughout his visits to Svalbard Ömar noted different practical advice for people attending the guided tours:

  • During the trip you live in expedition vessels which vary in comfort and temperature.

Therefore you should ask which vessels you’ll live in and the grade of comfort before packing your bags.

  • The tours are hosted in different seasons, so do your research in terms of weather conditions.
  • If you are a photographer booking a trip with Arctic Wildlife Ömar recommends not only bringing your biggest tele lens, but a variety of sizes.

Closer to nature and likeminded people

Arctic Wildlife Tours hosts guided expeditions where you travel on small and intimate ships well suited for discovery of polar bears, seals, walruses and other arctic animals. The tours consist of small groups with the focus on bringing you closer to nature. In addition to experiencing the unique nature, groups of likeminded people make the trip a way of connecting with people having the same interests as you.

Upcoming Svalbard Tours

svalbard winter landscapes
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 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Early Season, Winter season
Duration 9 days
svalbard winter photography expedition
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 6 SPOTS
Season Early Season, Winter season
Duration 8 nights / 9 days
polar bear photography
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.
Spots available 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 9 nights/10 days
k1a2385
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 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Season Main season, Peak season
Duration 15 days
peak season expedition svalbard
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 SOLD OUT
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