Arctic wildlife photo safari
Explore the Svalbard wildlife in the backyard of Svalbard as we go on a 3 hours Arctic photo safari tour into the wilderness to discover the dramatic mountains and unique Svalbard wildlife. The tour is designed for both photographers and nature lovers, who want to catch a glimpse of the Arctic wildlife.
5 highlights for the wildlife safari tour
- Chance to see Arctic wildlife
- Photo safari
- Breathtaking Arctic views outside town
- Exclusive small group experience - maximum adventure
- Sustainable: Low climate footprint
- Day tour: Arctic wildlife photo safari near Longyearbyen
- Available season: May 1 to September 30
- Duration: 3 hours
- Pick up time: 09:00am (return at 12:00) / 17:00pm (return 20:00)
- Difficulty level: 2/5 (so easy and for most)
- Age limit: 8 years
- Minimum/Maximum 2/8 persons
- Price per person: NOK 1550,-
Meet the Arctic wildlife
What you can look forward to...
During the polar summer we’ll take you to different areas primarily outside town to look for Arctic animals like birds, Svalbard reindeer and the Arctic fox.
Along the way we will make several scenic photo stops where you can capture the Arctic landscape and hopefully the fascinating inhabitants. Throughout the journey your guide will share insights about Arctic wildlife, and life in this remote polar environment.
Small groups –
big adventures
We only have small groups to maximize the adventure. It will be a minimum of 2 persons and and a maximum of 8 persons.
If you wish to take photos you’ll need to bring your own camera but you are welcome to join with just a mobile for the thrill of wildlife spotting.
We will make several stops along the way and we will also be walking on some uneven terrain.
This tour is for most.
Program
Not a photographer - no worries
We pick you up at the hotel in a car and our journey begins. This trip focuses on exploring and observing wildlife and the Arctic nature and we will do some photographing to keep the memory alive. Our main focus is to spot wildlife and enjoy this in the present. Photographing is not a necessity to join these tours. We do not have a specific program or itinerary for the tour as we will follow where the wildlife takes us.
Wildlife vary depending on month
In early May the ducks and snow bunting will return to Svalbard. This means that the ducks normally will arrange a big colony outside town at the dogyard. Here they will be nesting and you can sometimes also find the common eider here. Bird watchers will be in their element, with thousands of seabirds nesting along the cliffs. The rich birdlife in the valley will start to bloom from May and we will be aware not to disturb especially the agressive Arctic terns.
However we hope to spot the polar fox and if we are in any luck maybe a polar fox cub will be ready to get out of the den in the end of May or June. The young are three or four weeks old when they emerge from the den. Sometimes you can also spot the Svalbard rock phatarmigan in the wilderness. The hen is in camouflage as it changes into the summer plumage in April/May wheras the male rock phartarmigan retains the white plumage until July and will therefore be easier to spot in the rocky terrain.
In addition some years we have had the fantastic visit from a walrus colony outside town. Previously they have arrived for their visit around the middle of June. Off course this cannot be guaranteed.
On of our most famous wild animals are the Svalbard reindeer. You can spot them walking around in town but often they are grazing on the tundra all year around and the open vallys around will provide a fantastic Arctic landscape photography. Let’s see how many we can spot.
We will never be able to gurantee what kind of wildlife we will spot but whenever the sceneray calls for a photograph we will stop.
Return to your hotel
After enjoying a warm drink watching the landscape and looking for wildlife we will return to your hotel and your camera will be filled with lots of memories from the tour.
The Guides
Frequently asked questions
Here you can find answers to some of your questions
This is a low-intensity tour suitable for those with a basic physical condition. We use a van to get move between the best spots around the valley, and coastline, meaning there is pnly minimal, easy walking involved.
On this 3-hour tour around Longyearbyen and outside we actively scout for local Arctic wildlife. Depending on the tour, you have a high chance of spotting the Svalbard Reindeer, The Arctic fox, and various species of Arctic birds such as nesting seabirds. Please be aware that the wildlife is wild which means we do not have any guarantee of spotting specific wildlife.
You do not need professional camera equipment. Wheather you shoot with a camera or your smartphone it is up to you.
Svalbard is normally between +1 to +10 degrees during the summertime so you need to dress in warm layers, preferably windproof and waterproof outer clothing. Fleece and wool as middle layer is always recommended. Otherwise a hat, gloves, boots, sunglasses, a small backpack for personal items.
Yes, pick up and drop-off in longyearbyen are included in the price. Our guide will pick you up directly at your chosen pick up point. If you chose a hotel please be ready outside the hotel entrance 5 minutes before the scheduled tour start. If you have pick up at the cruise port please be ready at the fence entrance to the cruise area.
Safety is our absolute priority. The certified guide will carry firearms. We do not intend to spot polar bears or be anywhere near on this tours.
Yes, but we have an age limit of 8 years old so if your child is younger than this then you need to book a private tour. You will need to bring your own carseat. It is only possible to use a baby carrier outside of the van. The most important thing is that your child wants to join.
For safety reasons, all passengers must be able to understand and communicate in English. If this is not possible, the passenger must be accompanied by someone who is fluent in this language.
Save your spot
for the Arctic wildlife tour
Included
• Transportation from/to hotel:
Please wait outside the main entrance of your hotel 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time
• Guided tour
• Snacks
• Hot drinks
• A Svalbard guide with safety equipment
Not included
• Warm clothing
• Good warm boots
• A small backpack for your personal belongings like camera and extra layers
• Accommodation in Longyearbyen
• Travel & cancellation insurance
• Flights (you can book via SAS or Norwegian)
Practical information
• We can never guarantee what kind of wildlife we will meet or if we will meet any as it is wild, which just makes it far more interesting.
• Private options and special requests can be accommodated upon inquiry
• Information*: This trip runs all year around but for Norwegian public holidays (“red days”), a different minimum number of participants may apply. Please contact for information. These days include:
– Labour Day (May 1)
– May 17, Ascension day
– Whit sunday and Whit Monday
• All tours are with english speaking guides. Please feel to make a request for language and we can have a look at the possibilities (no guarantees).
The most unforgettable
Svalbard adventure
Don’t just visit the Arctic—experience it in the most intimate, adventurous way possible. If you wish to experience even more of the Arctic wilderness, then join our wilderness camp for 2 days and 1 night. Reach out now to start planning your adventure.
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