Svalbard Expeditions

By Smart Media AS | 28. November 2023 |

Svalbard Expeditions

Svalbard Expeditions - Enter the pack ice

If you are thinking of Svalbard expeditions as something you would like to embark on to see Polar Bears, we would say Svalbard is the capital of Polar Bears. No other place on earth for experiencing Polar Bears is easier or better than Svalbard. Renowned as the domain of more Polar Bears than people, Svalbard stands as the ultimate Arctic destination for many photographers. It is easy to say we are proud of our Svalbard photo tours.

Exclusive Svalbard Expeditions

Our exclusive small ship charters venture further north into this Polar Bear kingdom, allowing you to explore, photograph, and immerse yourself in the Arctic's untouched wilderness. Glide through icy waters on our small Zodiac boats, making landfall for wildlife encounters or cruising amidst the stunning landscapes.

As of this year we have our new chartered ship with DNV ice class ICE 5. This ship will be able to sail far into even heavy pack ice. We will be independent on weather situations because this ship are built for being used in the pack ice. On our intimate expeditions, aboard vessels specifically designed for Arctic wildlife sightings. Observe colonies of Walrus hauling themselves up onto the shore or basking in the midnight sun, and sail past towering cliffs populated by colossal seabird colonies.

Along with Polar Bears, Walruses and a myriad of birdlife, you can also find seals and the enchanting Arctic Fox who has adapted to this harsh climate by changing its fur from brown to white with the seasons.

Personal Experience Photo Tours

Our commitment to a more personal experience limits our trips to just 12 passengers, ensuring every encounter is intimate and every moment unforgettable. Svalbard photo tours will give you some of the best possible encounters with wildlife and experiences anywhere in the Arctic. No other place in the Arctic is accessible like in Svalbard and we often spend time all the way up in the drift ice. Its not possible to come closer to the North Pole without doing an expedition to the North Pole.

Explore the true Arctic with us: Join our exclusive photo tours to discover and capture the essence of Svalbard Expeditions and the pack ice.

Svalbard expeditions

svalbard expeditions

Upcoming Svalbard Tours

polar bear in the pack ice 2

Svalbard photography expedition

10. Jun 2026 - 19. Jun 2026

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. On board our strong ice vessel you can expect to have some great wildlife encounters in the pack ice.

Spots available 2 Single cabins AVAILABLE

Season Main season, Peak season

Duration 10 days

drift ice cruises

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 2 SINGLE CABINS AVAILABLE

Season Main season, Peak season

Duration 9 nights/10 days

w5d7909

Peak season expedition Svalbard

21. Jul 2026 - 31. Jul 2026

We will visit the spectacular bird cliffs, walrus haul-out places, do landings and cruise into the pack ice north of Svalbard. If the weather allows it we are planning to visit the pack ice during this expedition. 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. 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. Join us for this peak season expedition Svalbard.

Spots available SOLD OUT

Season Main season, Peak season

Duration 11 days

polar bear family in fron of glacier

Autumn Svalbard Adventure

10. Sep 2026 - 18. Sep 2026

We are embarking on a Autumn Svalbard Adventure, designed to immerse participants in the spectacular autumn light and, potentially, the first new snow of the season on the mountains. This journey follows the tradition of classic Svalbard expeditions, offering the opportunity to explore several of the region’s most captivating fjords. Throughout the adventure, we will encounter the unique wildlife of Svalbard and cruise by zodiac boats, allowing us to get close to the glaciers. The autumn colours and light during this period are especially remarkable, providing a stunning backdrop for exploration and photography. In September, the quality of light in Svalbard transforms; sunsets and sunrises return after the long, sunlit summer, bathing the landscape in vibrant hues. In recent years, our autumn expeditions have been marked by truly spectacular moments, highlighting the unique appeal of Svalbard during this season.

Spots available 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Season Autum season

Duration 8 nights / 9 days

pack ice expeditions

Svalbard July Pack Ice Expedition

17. Jul 2027 - 29. Jul 2027

Join us for a 13 days long expedition around Svalbard on board the "next level" ice strengthened ship, M/S Kvitungen. The Arctic Ocean and Svalbard undergoes a distinctive change as the lingering snow and ice melt during the summer. Despite the warming temperatures, substantial areas remain blanketed by drift ice, preserving the region’s characteristic landscape. During this season, the pack ice remains relatively close to the Svalbard islands. Its proximity allows for easy access, making it an excellent time for exploration and observing the natural environment up close. Our ice strengthened ship Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions. The movement and activity of the wildlife make mid summer an ideal period for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The dynamic environment also offers remarkable opportunities to capture the essence of Svalbard’s natural beauty and vibrant animal life.

Spots available 8 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Season Main season, Peak season

Duration 13 days

drift ice cruises

Svalbard June Pack Ice Expedition

11. Jun 2027 - 20. Jun 2027

Arctic Ocean Photography Expeditions north of Svalbard. In early summer, the Arctic Ocean and Svalbard undergoes a distinctive change as the lingering snow begins to melt. Despite the warming temperatures, substantial areas remain blanketed by drift ice, preserving the region’s characteristic landscape. During this season, the pack ice remains relatively close to the Svalbard islands. Its proximity allows for easy access, making it an excellent time for exploration and observing the natural environment up close. Our ice strengthened ship Kvitungen will navigate easily in such ice conditions. The movement and activity of the wildlife make early summer an ideal period for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The dynamic environment offers remarkable opportunities to capture the essence of Svalbard’s natural beauty and vibrant animal life.

Spots available 9 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Season Main season, Peak season

Duration 10 days