Ice Waterfalls, Wildlife & Arctic Colours Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour

Explore Svalbard in September with 12 Photographers

Svalbard

10 days

September

Price From €12,600

Join an adventurous Svalbard autumn photo tour with the goal of capturing the stunning meltwater waterfalls as they plunge into the ocean from the edge of the Austfonna ice cap located in Nordaustlandet.

This expedition is ideal for both landscape and wildlife photographers. It will offer photographers countless opportunities which include glaciers, landscapes, and wildlife bathed in gorgeous autumn light.

Watch The Film Download Brochure See Dates and Rates

Introduction

On this expedition we will explore the east of Svalbard. Our aim of the expedition is to capture the melt water waterfalls of the Austfonna Ice Cap. This rare phenomenon occurs as the ice cap warms during the summer months causing streams of meltwater to pour over the sheer ice cliffs and is often very active this time of year.

Expect long sunsets and sunrises which offer beautiful hues and tones for landscape and wildlife photographers. There is a great (but never guaranteed) opportunity to photograph polar bears in the wild. Other wildlife opportunities could include walruses, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes and whales which are very active during this season.

Our small expedition vessel is equipped with 2 Zodiacs which will allow us to get up close to nature and reach the places the larger ships can’t reach. Every expedition offers a different experience.

Expedition Highlights

Stunning landscape photography opportunities, with its snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and fjords.
Numerous Arctic landscape and wildlife photography opportunities in autumn light.
Explore in comfort on a modern, ice-strengthened expedition vessel with just 12 guests.
4 guides for a group of 12 offers the best ratio available.

2 Zodiacs to use for exploring and close up photography of wildlife
Great great time of year to encounter polar bears, walruses and whales with interesting lighting conditions.
No single supplement for solo travellers
Friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Led by world class photographers and expedition leaders.

Learn and Develop New Photography Skills

Our photography guides offer assistance where required to help you improve your skills and get the best images possible. Where time allows tutorials will be carried out onboard, but the emphasis is always on maximising time outside in the field.

Our expedition team has extensive experience in Svalbard and will seek out the optimal places for photography based on the conditions.

The Voyage

Day 1 Welcome aboard! Embarkation in Longyearbyen at 16:00

Day 2 Exploring Prins Karls Forland

Day 3 Exploring as we Head north

Day 4 Exploring north west Svalbard

Day 5 Exploring north east Svalbard

Day 6 Exploring north east Svalbard and Austfonna

Day 7 Exploring north east Svalbard and Austfonna

Day 8 Exploring north east Svalbard

Day 9 Exploring as we head south

Day 10 Disembarkation in Longyearbyen at 09:00

* Every Svalbard photography tour follows a different a route depending on the conditions and opportunities we encounter. The map and itinerary gives you an idea of the area we will explore on this expedition.

* We always recommend to arrive in Svalbard at least 24 hours before departure.

Day by Day

Day 1

.2° N, .6° E

Longyearbyen

Our expedition departs from Longyearbyen, the most northerly town on earth. We will leave the port late in the afternoon. For the next 10 days we say goodbye to civilisation as we sail to the far north east. Whales are active this time of year and we will spend time out on deck searching for photography opportunities as we sail out through the Isfjord. The aim of this expedition is to spend lots of time exploring the nature, scenery, wildlife and glaciers of Svalbard and every expedition offers a different experience.

Day 2

.3° N, .7° E

Prins Karls Foreland

On a daily basis we will launch the Zodiacs to go exploring. During September we will undertake lots of zodiac cruises and shore landings to open up different photography opportunities. On the first morning we will sail alongside Prins Karls Foreland, an island known for it’s dramatic scenery and walrus colonies. If the conditions allow we will land at a walrus colony which will offer some great shots of walruses. As we head north we will visit some of Svalbard’s glaciers bathed in golden light whilst keeping a good look out for polar bears that roam the shores.

Days 3-5

.5° N, .4° E

Exploring North East Svalbard

Our plan is to sail around the North west coast of Spitsbergen to reach the east of Svalbard. At this time of the year there will be great photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset to capture Svalbard’s stunning landscapes and glaciers in the glorious autumn light. During the days we will launch the Zodiacs and spend lots of time outside exploring the wild nature. The area is good for sighting polar bears and we will sail close to the coast keeping a lookout for wildlife at all times.

Day 6 – 9

.5° N, .3° E

North East Svalbard and Austfonna

As we continue our exploration of the East of Svalbard, we will attempt to visit the melt water waterfalls pouring from the edge of the Austfonna Ice Cap. Alongside spending time capturing this amazing natural spectacle we will go in search of wildlife, which will include walruses that frequent the area and spend lots of time out on deck scouting for polar bears. We will do lots of exploring with the Zodiacs and spend some time exploring ashore in less visited places as we head back south.

Day 10

.2° N, .6° E

Longyearbyen

Either late the previous evening or early in the morning we will arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen. Today our Svalbard photography tour ends after After breakfast when we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.

The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Arctic adventure is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much a possible.

Inside This Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour

Our trips are aimed at anyone with a passion for exploring the Arctic with a small group of like minded individuals on a comfortable small ship cruise and include :

Amazing Wildlife

We will visit areas where walruses haul out, encounter reindeer and Arctic foxes on land, observe whales and other marine life and explore coasts where polar bears are known to roam.

Stunning Scenery

We will encounter mighty glaciers, cruise tranquil steep-sided fjords and spend time outside exploring the beautiful untouched wilderness.

Climate Compensated

Caring for the environment is what we do. For Svalbard cruise we run we plant trees in Greenland to offset the emissions. As a member of AECO, we follow strict guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and natural sites.

Expedition Leader and Guide

On this Svalbard photography tour we have an expedition leader, 2nd guide and photo expert. An aspect of our journeys is to learn about the place you are visiting. Our onboard guides are the core of what we do and will share their passion and knowledge of Svalbard throughout the trip. We offer the best guide to guest ratio available.

Zodiac landing craft for shore landings

Shore landings are the essence of every expedition and your guides will take you exploring on a daily basis. The vessel is equipped with landing craft that can be used to reach remote beaches so you can experience the wilderness firsthand.

Expedition Vessel With 12 Guests

We believe the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive place such as the Arctic is with a small group of travelers. New expedition cruise ships now take up to 350 passengers, we believe smaller is better.

Meet Your Photography Guides

Chase Teron

Canadian environmentalist Chase Teron is a professional wildlife and nature photographer who has worked with major international clientele for his photography and drone work. For the past decade, Chase has continued to expand his expertise in photography as well as prime his knowledge on all things artistic theory in the field and in post-processing.

Jenni Teron

Jenni Teron is an artist and photographer with a deep love of nature. Her work has been featured in major commercial campaigns for international brands such as Canon, Arc’teryx, Aquatica and she regularly donates her imagery to fundraising efforts for nature conservation.

Konsta Punkka

Konsta Punkka is an award winning wildlife, outdoor and commercial photographer. He specialises in capturing close up intimate portraits of wildlife mostly in the arctic region. He has shot and directed dozens of commercial and conservational projects and been featured in dozens of outlets including National Geographic, and the BBC

Hannes Becker

Hannes is a photographer specialised in the adventure and landscape niche. He is inspired by the north and drawn to the remoteness faraway. To inspire the viewer and showcase his experiences in a realistic manner, he does not only document his travels, but makes part of his personal interpretation come to live within his photographs, by emphasising composition and lighting

Step aboard MV Vikingfjord a modern expedition vessel built for adventure

Introducing our newest ship MV Vikingfjord, a rugged ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests. New energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning fitted in 2023 offering the best environmental on a small ship with up to a 95% reduction in NOX emissions.

Expect cruise ship comfort on a small ship with 9 ensuite cabins, an open plan saloon with rear facing windows, and on on deck hot tub and sauna.

Vikingfjord offers single en-suite cabins with no single supplement for solo travellers.

Rebuilt in 2023 as a hi-end expedition vessel
Large open plan observation lounge and dining area at the stern
Small group size of 12 guests ensures an intimate experience
Ice strengthened 1B hull for maximum exploration in the polar regions
Refurbished to a high standard with warm, comfortable cabins

On deck hot tub and sauna
Large en-suite cabins with suites, doubles, twins and singles.
Equipped with 2 x zodiacs for shore landings
Large open deck space and raised areas for photography
Expert team of crew and guides
Full safety gear

See Ship

Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour Dates and Prices

Prices quoted are per person. Twin and double cabins are based on double occupancy. Dates for all our tours are also displayed below.

2023
2024

Date	Trip Name	Duration	Vessel	Cabin A	Cabin B	Cabin C	Cabin D
31st May - 8th June 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	9 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 9,500	€ 8,700	n/a	n/a	Book
1st - 9th June 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 10,900	€ 10,900	€ 10,900	n/a	Book
6th - 15th July 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	10 Days	MV Freya	€ 10,900	€ 10,900	€ 10,900	n/a	Book
19th - 25th July 2023	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 8,500	€ 8,500	€ 8,500	n/a	Book
25th July - 5th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	12 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 14,950	€ 14,950	€ 14,950	n/a	Book
27th July - 6th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	11 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 11,500	€ 10,700	n/a	n/a	Book
5th - 18th August 2023	Svalbard Pioneer	14 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 17,500	€ 17,500	€ 17,500	n/a	Book
6th - 16th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	11 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 11,500	€10,700	n/a	n/a	Book
18th - 24th August 2023	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 8,500	€ 8,500	€ 8,500	n/a	Book
16th - 25th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	10 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 10,600	€9,800	n/a	n/a	Book
24th - 30th August 2023	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 8,500	€ 8,500	€ 8,500	n/a	Book
25th August - 3rd September 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	10 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 10,600	€9,800	n/a	n/a	Book
30th August - 9th September 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	11 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 13,500	€ 13,500	€ 13,500	n/a	Book
9th - 18th September 2023	Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Chase & Jenni Teron	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 12,600	€ 12,600	€ 12,600	n/a	Book
18th - 27th September 2023	Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Hannes Becker & Konsta Punkka	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 12,600	€ 12,600	€ 12,600	n/a	Book

Date	Trip Name	Duration	Vessel	Cabin A	Cabin B	Cabin C	Cabin D	Cabin E
31st May - 8th June 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	9 Days	MV Kinfish	£8,350	£7,650	n/a	n/a	n/a	Book
1st - 9th June 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£9,550	£9,550	£9,550	n/a	n/a	Book
6th - 15th July 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	10 Days	MV Freya	£9,700	£9,700	£9,700	n/a	n/a	Book
19th July - 25th July 2023	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£7,500	£7,500	£7,500	n/a	n/a	Book
25th July - 5th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	12 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£13,500	£13,500	£13,500	n/a	n/a	Book
27th July - 6th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	11 Days	MV Kinfish	£10,100	£9,400	n/a	n/a	n/a	Book
5th - 18th August 2023	Svalbard Pioneer	14 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£15,500	£15,500	£15,500	n/a	n/a	Book
6th - 16th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	11 Days	MV Kinfish	£10,100	£9,400	n/a	n/a	n/a	Book
16th - 25th August 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	10 Days	MV Kinfish	£9,200	£8,500	n/a	n/a	n/a	Book
18th - 24th August 2023	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£7,500	£7,500	£7,500	n/a	n/a	Book
24th - 30th August 2023	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£7,500	£7,500	£7,500	n/a	n/a	Book
25th August - 3rd September 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	10 Days	MV Kinfish	£9,300	£8,600	n/a	n/a	n/a	Book
30th August- 9th September 2023	Natural Wonders Cruise	11 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£11,900	£11,900	£11,900	n/a	n/a	Book
9th - 18th September 2023	Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Chase & Jenni Teron	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£11,100	£11,100	£11,100	n/a	n/a	Book
18th - 27th September 2023	Svalbard Photo Tour w/ Hannes Becker & Konsta Punkka	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£11,100	£11,100	£11,100	n/a	n/a	Book

Date	Trip Name	Duration	Vessel	Cabin A	Cabin B	Cabin C	Cabin D
16th - 24th April 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 11,900	€ 11,900	€ 11,900	n/a	Book
2nd - 10th May 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 11,900	€ 11,900	€ 11,900	n/a	Book
10th - 18th May 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 11,900	€ 11,900	€ 11,900	n/a	Book
18th - 24th May 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	n/a	Book
24th - 30th May 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	n/a	Book
30th May - 8th June 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	n/a	Book
8th - 17th June 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	n/a	Book
17th - 23rd June 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	n/a	Book
23rd - 29th June 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	€ 9,500	n/a	Book
29th June - 8th July 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	n/a	Book
8th - 17th July 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	n/a	Book
17th - 26th July 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	€ 12,900	n/a	Book
26th July - 8th August 2024	Svalbard Pioneer	14 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 17,500	€ 17,500	€ 17,500	n/a	Book
8th - 22nd August 2024	Arctic Pioneer	15 Days	MV Vikingfjord	€ 17,900	€ 17,900	€ 17,900	n/a	Book
9th - 18th August 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 10,900	€ 10,200	n/a	n/a	Book
18th - 27th August 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 10,900	€ 10,200	n/a	n/a	Book
27th August - 5th September 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 10,900	€ 10,200	n/a	n/a	Book
5th - 14th September 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	10 Days	MV Kinfish	€ 11,500	€ 10,800	n/a	n/a	Book

Date	Trip Name	Duration	Vessel	Cabin A	Cabin B	Cabin C	Cabin D
16th - 24th April 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 10,500	£ 10,500	£ 10,500	n/a	Book
2nd - 10th May 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 10,500	£ 10,500	£ 10,500	n/a	Book
10th - 18th May 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	9 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 10,500	£ 10,500	£ 10,500	n/a	Book
18th - 24th May 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 8,400	£ 8,400	£ 8,400	n/a	Book
24th - 30th May 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 8,400	£ 8,400	£ 8,400	n/a	Book
30th May - 8th June 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	n/a	Book
8th - 17th June 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	n/a	Book
17th - 23rd June 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 8,500	£ 8,500	£ 8,500	n/a	Book
23rd - 29th June 2024	Svalbard Encounter	7 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 8,500	£ 8,500	£ 8,500	n/a	Book
29th June - 8th July 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	n/a	Book
8th - 17th July 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	£ 11,500	n/a	Book
17th - 26th July 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 11,500	£ 11,5000	£ 11,500	n/a	Book
26th July - 8th August 2024	Svalbard Pioneer	14 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£ 15,500	£ 15,500	£ 15,500	n/a	Book
8th - 22nd August 2024	Arctic Pioneer	15 Days	MV Vikingfjord	£15,900	£15,900	£15,900	n/a	Book
9th - 18th August 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Kinfish	£ 9,700	£ 9,100	n/a	n/a	Book
18th - 27th August 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Kinfish	£ 9,700	£ 9,100	n/a	n/a	Book
27th August - 5th September 2024	Natural Wonders	10 Days	MV Kinfish	£ 9,700	£ 9,100	n/a	n/a	Book
5th - 14th September 2024	Svalbard Photo Tour	10 Days	MV Kinfish	£ 10,200	£ 9,700	n/a	n/a	Book

Cabins

Type A - Double with En-Suite

For 2 Guests
Comfortable double or twin bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
15 m²
Located on deck 1 & deck 3
Window
Desk & chair
Wardrobe
Cabin Numbers: 1-4,6 & 8

Type B - Single with En-Suite

For 1 Guests
Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
15 m²
Located on decks 1 & 2
Window
Desk & chair
Wardrobe
Cabins 5 & 7

Images Coming Soon

Type C -Twin with Bunks

For 2 guests
Bunk Bed
Shared shower and toilet located on deck 2
10 m²
Located on deck 3
Window
Wardrobe
Can be joined to cabin 8 to form a family room.
Cabin 9

If you have any questions about this Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour please get in touch

Send a Message Request a Call Back

Useful Information

How To Get To Svalbard

Svalbard is easily accessible from daily flights from Oslo in Norway. To find out more see our guide.

New To Expedition Micro Cruises?

Find out all about the experience of travelling on an expedition vessel with 12 guests and how it compares to other cruises.

Longyearbyen Travel Guide

All the information you need to plan your trip including how to get to Longyearbyen, arrival information, places to stay, and activities to do before your cruise.

Svalbard Photography Tour FAQ

Trip notes and what’s included / excluded

Departure Location	Longyearbyen
Arrival Location	Longyearbyen
Trip Style	Exploration
Physical Rating	Easy
Maximum Group Size	12
Accommodation	Twin, Double & Single ensuite cabins
Duration	10 days
Time of Year	September
Included	Expert Guide Team & Photographer Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal) Bedding and towels Highly experienced Captain and Cook Rubber boots for shore landings Transfers from airport to hotel and to vessel for embarkation + vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation Lectures on Svalbard
Not Included	Flights Travel and cancellation insurance Any additional expenses such as museum entry

Peace Of Mind Coronavirus Booking Guarantee

We would like to ensure our guests about our risk free booking policy.

As travel returns to normal we would like to ensure you we will do everything to make sure your trip goes ahead as planned.

If your trip is canceled by us you can rebook on another departure free of charge or receive a full refund with no questions asked.

If you can’t enter the departure country due to covid travel restrictions we will offer you a free rebooking on a future departure.

You can read our full policy here.

Payment Options

We offer payment via the following methods:

Credit card
Payment by bank transfer

Please let us know at the time of booking your preferred method.

You have the option to pay in full at time of booking or pay in the following instalments:

30% deposit is taken at the time of booking

30% 6 months before departure

40% 90 days prior to departure

It is mandatory you take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking that also covers cancellation.

Solo Travellers

Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers, particularly on our photo voyages so the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:

Single cabins.
Option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender.
Option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability.

Booking terms

This trip is operated by Secret Atlas and is subject to the Secret Atlas terms and conditions of travel. You can read the full booking terms here.

What Our Customers Say

On each Svalbard cruise we welcome customers from all corner of the globe, with a variety of different ages and backgrounds all united in their passion to experience what the Arctic has to offer

Pan – Business Executive from Italy

‘This is the closest you can come to a real expedition. We saw glaciers seals, whales, walruses and polar bears’

From an early age Pan dreamed of visiting the Arctic. At the age of 42 he made that dream come true by joining Secret Atlas on an expedition micro cruise.

Read his story

Annie – Interior Designer from the USA

‘The micro cruise experience felt like being on your own private boat. The crew were fantastic’’

Annie had always wanted to go an expedition in Svalbard and joined us as a solo traveler..

Read her story