Svalbard
Spring Awakening
Svalbard Spring Awakening Photo Tours & Expeditions
Svalbard Spring Awakening Photo Expeditions in mid-May and June offer wildlife photographers excellent opportunities to capture the Arctic’s beauty. As the late winter snow melts, the landscape transforms into a stunning backdrop of scenic fjords, dramatic glaciers, and snow-covered peaks - the perfect framing for photographing Arctic wildlife.
In spring, the Arctic awakens with migratory birds returning to their nesting areas, and by mid-June, the first Arctic flowers begin to bloom. With the advantage of 24-hour daylight, you will have plenty of time to hopefully photograph walruses, seals, polar bears, and thriving seabird colonies in their natural habitat.
Svalbard in spring is inspiring to photograph – when the Arctic awakens and teems with life.
Springtime with Arctic Birds in Breeding Mode
- Most Arctic birds return to Svalbard in May
- Interesting bird behavior and pair building
- Very active time for the Arctic birds
Photographing Polar Bears on Fjord Ice
- Polar bears with stunning background
- Fjord ice and glaciers
- Peaceful reflections
Itinerary Svalbard Spring Awakening
Svalbard is situated at about 80 degrees North, and we schedule our Svalbard spring expeditions in accordance with prevailing weather and ice conditions. Our captain is an expert navigator in Arctic conditions. He / she is an important advisor in planning the expedition in a manner that allows us to maximise the photo opportunities and enjoyment of this journey. Also included will be some excursions going ashore at walrus haul-outs, bird cliffs, and places that are teeming with life during this time of year. An itinerary for a 9-day (8 nights) expedition might be as described below. The map below illustrates a possible itinerary for a Svalbard Spring Awakening photo expedition.
Day 1 - Departure from Longyearbyen through Isfjorden.
Day 2-3 - Heading toward the pack ice, searching for polar bears, walrus and seals. Depending on the ice conditions this will be north or northeast of Spitsbergen.
Day 4-5 - Sailing south in Hinlopen, with bird cliffs and the possibility of viewing polar bears and walrus on the drifting ice.
Day 6 - Northwestern corner of Spitsbergen, with beautiful mountains and glaciers, and possibly some wildlife on the ice.
Day 7 - Kongsfjorden with striking landscapes, birds and seals.
Day 8 - Returning to Isfjorden arriving in Longyearbyen port late in the evening.
Day 9 - Disembarking the ship after breakfast and preparing for the travel home.
Photographing Arctic Foxes near Bird Cliffs
- Photographing young arctic foxes
- 24 hours light for photographing wildlife
Svalbard Spring Awakening Dates
Below is a list of our Svalbard Spring Awakening expedition dates onboard MS Virgo – with max 12 guests. To inquire or book a spot, simply click the "Available Spots" button, and you will be directed to where you can find more information about which cabins are available and pricing.
Svalbard
Spring Awakening
25 MAY - 02 JUN 2026 9 Days
from USD 10,995 per person
Svalbard
Spring Awakening
26 JUN - 07 JUL 2026 10 Days
from USD 12,495 per person
Svalbard
Spring Awakening
25 MAY - 02 JUN 2028 9 Days
from EURO 11,495 per person
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FAQ - Good to know about Svalbard Spring
Click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more about our Svalbard Spring Awakening photo expeditions.
Other seasons in Svalbard
Not interested in a Spring Awakening expedition in late May or June? No problem! We offer other exciting seasonal and specialized options for photographers to Svalbard. Click on any of the images below to explore more about photography expeditions to Svalbard.
Svalbard Winter Extreme
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in March and early April with amazing light conditions.
Svalbard Winter Glow
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in April and May, celebrating the return of the Midnight Sun.
Svalbard Summer Dream
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in July and August enjoying Summertime in the Arctic.
Svalbard Autumn Magic
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in September and October with Magic Autumn Light.
Svalbard Below Surface
Underwater Photography & Snorkeling Expeditions to Svalbard in June.
Do you need more information?
Learn more
Below is a selection of some WildPhoto Expert Tips to help you learn more about Svalbard photography. These tips are ideal for preparing for an upcoming WildPhoto trip, or if you are seeking information and inspiration about Svalbard.
Photography
Polar Bear Photography
Learn more about where, when and how to photograph polar bears in Svalbard, and what is the recommended photo gear to bring on a polar bear photography expedition.
Travel preparation
Wildlife & Nature
Arctic Birds of Svalbard
Learn about bird species, camera gear, and tips for photographing Arctic birds.
Travel preparation
Svalbard Weather
Learn about sea ice, wind, and waves in Svalbard to better understand and forecast Arctic weather conditions.