Svalbard
Below Surface
Svalbard Underwater Photography & Snorkelling Expeditions
Svalbard Below Surface Snorkelling and Photography Expeditions are designed for adventurous photographers and nature enthusiasts keen to explore the High Arctic’s unique underwater and coastal worlds. The main focus is to give you a combination of underwater, split-level, wildlife, and landscape photography.
Few photographers have captured images below the surface in the Arctic, and you will have the opportunity to photograph sea ice, icebergs, birds, and sea mammals from Zodiacs or while snorkelling.
WildPhoto Travel has extensive experience in organizing ship-based expeditions to Svalbard, pioneering new ways to capture the Arctic’s beauty from both land and sea. Our expert guides and small group sizes ensure you have the best possible conditions for photography, snorkelling, and exploration in the High Arctic of Svalbard.
If you are seeking a unique Arctic photo adventure that offers opportunities for underwater photography and polar snorkelling, this expedition is the perfect choice for you!
Photographing Icebergs & Sea Ice Below the Surface
- Clear water in early summer
- Great opportunities for split or underwater photography
Explore the Pack Ice at 80° North
- Underwater view of ice floes and pack ice
- Rare opportunities for underwater photography
Itinerary Svalbard Below Surface
Svalbard is located at about 80 degrees North, so we schedule our Svalbard Below Surface expeditions in accordance with prevailing weather and ice conditions. We will spend as much time as possible in the Zodiacs or snorkelling in the water, but safety will always be the highest priority when deciding the day-by-day itinerary. A draft itinerary for a 9-day (8-night) expedition might be as described below.
Day 1 - Departure from Longyearbyen through Isfjorden.
Day 2-4 - Heading towards the pack ice. Depending on the ice conditions this will be north or northeast of Spitsbergen or in the Hinlopen Strait.
Day 5 - Sailing south in Hinlopen (if ice conditions permit), with bird cliffs and the possibility of wildlife on the drifting sea ice.
Day 6 - North-western corner of Spitsbergen, with beautiful mountains and glaciers, and possibly some birds and sea mammals below or on the sea 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 your journey home.
The map illustrates a possible itinerary for a Svalbard Below Surface photo expedition.
Svalbard Below Surface Dates
Below is a list of our Svalbard Below Surface expedition dates onboard MS Virgo (maximum of 12 guests). To see available cabins or book a spot, simply click "Available spots", and you’ll be directed to more detailed information.
Svalbard
Below Surface
02 JUN - 10 JUN 2027 9 Days
from EURO 10,995 per person
Svalbard
Below Surface
02 JUN - 10 JUN 2028 9 Days
from EURO 11,495 per person
Do you need help to book?
FAQ - Good to know about Svalbard Below Surface
Click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more about our Svalbard Below Surface photo expeditions.
Do you need more information?
Photographing
Seabirds
Below Surface
- Seabirds on small ice floes or diving
- Great opportunities for underwater photography
Other Seasons in Svalbard
Not interested in a Below Surface expedition? 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 Spring Awakening
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in May and June when Arctic birds and wildlife are preparing for the Summer.
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.
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.
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.