Photographers of all experience levels are invited to join David for this twelve-night Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday in Longyearbyen & the Svalbard archipelago.


NaturesLens are incredibly excited to be working with WildPhoto on this trip to bring you the best experience possible, including single-occupancy cabins – ideal for those who do not wish to share with a stranger.

WildPhoto is hugely experienced in providing high-quality photo expeditions. WildPhoto was founded by photographers Ole J Liodden & Roy Mangersnes to bring other passionate photographers to unique destinations to fulfil their dreams.

This twelve-night trip, scheduled for 21st May - 2nd June 2024, has an itinerary designed to enable you to photograph the Svalbard archipelago's wildlife; the archipelago is a renowned refuge for Arctic wildlife.

Over the twelve-night trip, the locations should provide opportunities for capturing images of Arctic Fox, Bearded Seal, Harbour Seal, Polar Bear, Reindeer, Ringed Seal, Snow Bunting, Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan, Walrus & more should be possible.

The first part of this photography adventure is spent on land; during this time, will be joined by a highly regarded local guide, who will be familiar with many local wildlife hotspots; what each day will yield will be determined by what our local guide deems to be likely to bring the best results.

Following boarding the recently refurbished boat, & during the next week, , & two guides from WildPhoto, will help you capture images of whatever polar wildlife we encounter whilst traversing the Svalbard archipelago, all the time with the impressive backdrop provided by the polar landscapes & the surrounding glacier-topped mountains.

What is the Climate Like in Svalbard & Jan Mayen during May?


The climate in Svalbard during May is quite mild, considering its far northern location in the Arctic Ocean. The average temperature for May is 32°F (0°C), but temperatures can range from a low of 24°F (-4°C) to a high of 39°F (4°C). In addition to the mild temperatures, you can expect to see cold, dry air, strong winds, & plenty of sunshine. The sun is even up for nearly 24 hours a day during this time, presenting gorgeous views of the midnight sun. May is also the perfect time to explore the tundra or observe the animals that call this region home, including polar bears, arctic foxes, , & a multitude of birds.

What Animals are there on Svalbard?


The Svalbard archipelago is home to some of the world's most unique & beloved Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, , , Arctic foxes, walruses, & various species of seabirds. The most popular & well-known of these animals is the , which inhabits the archipelago in large numbers. Other less iconic but equally impressive species, such as the , , & walruses, are also found in abundance on Svalbard. Despite its remote location, the archipelago is teeming with life & is an exciting place to witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
An Arctic Fox On A Rocky Beach Stares At The Photographer Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Polar Wildlife Of Svalbard Photography Holiday

Polar Wildlife of Svalbard Photography Holiday Itinerary

The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change.
  • Day 1 - Assemble Longyearbyen Airport - transfer to Longyearbyen - overnight Longyearbyen
  • Day 2 - Morning, Afternoon or Evening Seeking Wildlife in Longyearbyen - overnight Longyearbyen
  • Day 3 - Morning, Afternoon or Evening Seeking Wildlife in Longyearbyen - overnight Longyearbyen
  • Day 4 - Morning, Afternoon or Evening Seeking Wildlife in Longyearbyen - overnight Longyearbyen
  • Day 5 - transfer to Boat - overnight on Boat
  • Day 6 - Explore the Icy Archipelago, Searching for Polar Bears & Other Wildlife - overnight on Boat
  • Day 7 - Explore the Icy Archipelago, Searching for Polar Bears & Other Wildlife - overnight on Boat
  • Day 8 - Explore the Icy Archipelago, Searching for Polar Bears & Other Wildlife - overnight on Boat
  • Day 9 - Explore the Icy Archipelago, Searching for Polar Bears & Other Wildlife - overnight on Boat
  • Day 10 - Explore the Icy Archipelago, Searching for Polar Bears & Other Wildlife - overnight on Boat
  • Day 11 - Explore the Icy Archipelago, Searching for Polar Bears & Other Wildlife - overnight on Boat
  • Day 12 - Explore the Icy Archipelago, Searching for Polar Bears & Other Wildlife - overnight on Boat
  • Day 13 - Return to Longyearbyen - transfer to Longyearbyen Airport
A Walrus Found During One Of The Beach Landings Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Polar Wildlife Of Svalbard Photography Holiday

Polar Wildlife of Svalbard Photography Holiday Highlights

We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour.
  • Photograph the wildlife of this renowned refuge for Arctic wildlife
  • Spend several days prior to boarding the boat capturing images of Arctic fox & more
  • Incredible maximum client to guide ratio, three photography guides will be on-board
  • Experience the land of the Polar Bears
  • Stay for twelve-nights on a full board, non-shared basis
  • Travel through an environment of glacier-topped mountains, ice-laden fjords & wildlife-rich tundra
  • Join an adventure in one of the world's most remote wildernesses
A Polar Bear On A Rocky Beach Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Polar Wildlife Of Svalbard Photography Holiday
An Arctic Tern Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Polar Wildlife Of Svalbard Photography Holiday
A Seal Cautiously Watches The Photographers Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Polar Wildlife Of Svalbard Photography Holiday.jpg

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from TrailFinders or Campbell Irvine.

Camera Insurance

Insuring your camera equipment before embarking on any wildlife photographic holiday is crucial. Our trips often involve venturing into remote, & sometimes unpredictable environments where accidents & unexpected incidents occur. Insuring your camera gear provides financial protection against theft, loss, or damage, ensuring your investment is safeguarded.

Wildlife photography involves capturing unique & irreplaceable moments, & without proper insurance, any unforeseen mishap could result in significant monetary losses. By insuring your equipment, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in case of any unfortunate events, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of wildlife & capture stunning photographs without worry.

We recommend PhotoGuard for amateur photographers or Glover Howe, who we use.

An Arctic Fox On A Rocky Beach Stares At The Photographer Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Polar Wildlife Of Svalbard Photography Holiday

You are invited to join us for our 12-day itinerary to photograph the incredible Svalbard archipelago, a renowned refuge for Arctic wildlife both during the day & at night under the midnight sun

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday is a twelve-night duration event, that costs £11500 & takes place in Longyearbyen in Norway, between the dates of 21st May - 2nd June 2024. It is ideal for photographing Arctic wildlife both during the day & at night under the midnight sun - this expedition is conducted in partnership with WildPhoto Travel. This photography holiday is led by David Miles for NaturesLens.

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday is offered on a full board with non-alcoholic drinks included, single occupancy with no single supplement payable basis.

Group size for this photography holiday is a minimum of 6 participants & a maximum of 6, plus David.

We consider this to be a photography holiday requiring easy effort or exertion, if you have any questions about your suitability for this photography holiday, please contact us before making a booking enquiry.

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday starts & ends at Longyearbyen. .

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday requires a deposit of £2300 to secure a place.

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday is a twelve-night duration event, that costs £11500 & takes place in Longyearbyen in Norway, between the dates of 21st May - 2nd June 2024. It is ideal for photographing Arctic wildlife both during the day & at night under the midnight sun - this expedition is conducted in partnership with WildPhoto Travel. This photography holiday is led by David Miles for NaturesLens.

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday is offered on a full board with non-alcoholic drinks included, single occupancy with no single supplement payable basis.

Group size for this photography holiday is a minimum of 6 participants & a maximum of 6, plus David.

We consider this to be a photography holiday requiring easy effort or exertion, if you have any questions about your suitability for this photography holiday, please contact us before making a booking enquiry.

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday starts & ends at Longyearbyen. .

The Polar Wildlife of Svalbard photography holiday requires a deposit of £2300 to secure a place.

NaturesLens photography holidays do not include flights unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price.

The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional.

NaturesLens photography holidays require a minimum number of participants in order to be viable. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead.

In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers.

Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available.

Please note the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking.

All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles.

NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause.

NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience.

NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday.

Payment of deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein.

All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions.

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