About this expedition
Past hunting and whaling expeditions left traces along these Arctic coasts. Today a voyage reads the landscape through sea ice, fjords and changing light.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the High Arctic on this 8-day North Spitsbergen Explorer expedition, an adventure focused on the spectacular fjords, glaciers, pack ice, and wildlife-rich coastlines of northern Spitsbergen. Sailing aboard the expedition vessel the expedition vessel, this journey offers outstanding opportunities to encounter polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, Arctic foxes, and thousands of nesting seabirds amidst some of the Arctic's most dramatic landscapes. Combining Zodiac cruises, guided shore excursions, and expert-led wildlife interpretation, this expedition is perfect for those looking to experience the magic of Svalbard while enjoying exceptional photography opportunities and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Browse the field photographs ↗Journey highlights
- Explore the spectacular fjords, glaciers, and pack ice of North Spitsbergen aboard the expedition vessel the expedition vessel.
- Search for polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, whales, seals, and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat.
- Visit renowned Arctic locations including Raudfjord, Monaco Glacier, Hinlopen Strait, Seven Islands, and Alkefjellet bird cliffs.
- Enjoy daily Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings led by experienced expedition staff and naturalists.
- Exceptional opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography under the Arctic's unique summer light.
- Travel with a small group of like-minded explorers while learning about Arctic ecology, wildlife behaviour, and conservation.
- Optional activities such as kayaking allow you to experience the Arctic from an entirely different perspective.
The experience
This expedition is ideal for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, nature lovers, and adventurous travellers who wish to experience the Arctic without undertaking a full circumnavigation. Whether you're new to expedition cruising or an experienced explorer returning to Svalbard, this journey provides incredible opportunities to photograph Arctic wildlife, learn from experienced expedition guides, and immerse yourself in one of the world's most remote and beautiful environments. It's well suited for solo travellers, couples, families with older children, and anyone passionate about wildlife and exploration.
- Ship: the expedition vessel
- Experience: Photography Focussed
- Embarkation: Longyearbyen
- Disembarkation: Longyearbyen
- Experience: On Ground Assistance
- Photography host: Deepak Shankar
Your days in the wild
8 June 2027 – Largest Town, Biggest Island
Begin the published route in Longyearbyen and embark on the expedition voyage. Confirm flight and boarding arrangements with the team.
9 June 2027 – Raudfjorden
The proposed route explores Raudfjorden. Shore activities and wildlife viewing depend on the expedition leader’s assessment of conditions.
10 June 2027 – Monaco Glacier
The proposed route continues towards Monaco Glacier, with glacier and coastal scenery subject to safe access.
11 June 2027 – Highlights of Hinlopen
Explore the proposed Hinlopen Strait sector. Ice conditions may require an alternative route.
12 June 2027 – The Seven Islands
The published plan heads towards the Seven Islands. Access this far north depends on ice and weather.
13 June 2027 – Sailing the Continental Shelf
A day at sea along the continental shelf, watching for wildlife from the vessel as conditions allow.
14 June 2027 – Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord or Alkhornet
Possible final exploration around Forlandsundet, St. Johns Fjord or Alkhornet. The expedition team chooses suitable activities and landing opportunities.
15 June 2027 – There and Back Again
Return to Longyearbyen and disembark. Confirm onward flight timing before booking.
Inclusions & exclusions
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- Accommodation onboard the expedition vessel in the selected cabin category
- All meals throughout the voyage (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
- Tea, coffee and drinking water onboard
- Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings
- Services of experienced expedition leaders and naturalists
- Daily lectures and wildlife briefings
- Use of rubber boots during the expedition
- Airport transfer (Longyearbyen airport to ship and return)
- All port taxes and harbour fees
- AECO visitor fee and government taxes
- Comprehensive pre-departure information package
Not included
- International airfare to and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Passport, visa and personal documentation costs
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses, laundry and onboard purchases
- Gratuities for expedition staff and crew
- Optional activities (if applicable)
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions
What to expect from this tour
Spitsbergen
Look for seabirds, seals and, where conditions allow, walrus or polar bear. Sea ice and weather determine where the ship and Zodiac can go.
In your viewfinder. Give a small subject room against the ice. Keep batteries warm and shield your equipment from spray.
Wildlife moves freely. Your guide follows local access rules and the conditions on the day.
Wildlife to look for
A field checklist for this route. Some subjects are elusive or seasonal; sightings depend on habitat, access and the day.
- Polar bear
- Arctic fox
- Svalbard reindeer
- Atlantic walrus
- Ringed seal
- Bearded seal
- Beluga
- Minke whale
- Fin whale
- Humpback whale
- Little auk
- Brünnich’s guillemot
- Black guillemot
- Black-legged kittiwake
- Northern fulmar
- Arctic tern
- Common eider
- Glaucous gull
- Snow bunting
- Svalbard rock ptarmigan
Key Essentials
Connectivity
If you want mobile data, compare roaming with a local SIM or compatible eSIM before arrival. Check activation requirements and coverage for the route. Download your itinerary for offline use.
What to pack or hire
Pack waterproof outer layers, gloves you can operate a camera in and a dry bag for boat transfers. Ask which expedition clothing the ship supplies before buying your own.
What to budget separately
Use this departure’s inclusions and exclusions to check transfers, flights, insurance, tips, camera fees and optional activities. Ask us for a written price before adding an extra.
Booking terms
Payment terms
- Starting voyage price; cabin category and availability on enquiry: USD 5,280. Booking amount: USD 1,320. Remaining balance: USD 3,960.
- Reserve your seat with 25% of the quoted trip price. Rupee deposits are rounded to the nearest ₹1,000; dollar deposits are calculated in USD to the nearest cent.
- The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. For bookings made 60 days or less before departure, the full price is due when you book.
Cancellation policy
- Email info@shuttermonks.com to cancel. The date we receive your written notice determines the cancellation period.
- More than 60 days before departure: we retain half of the booking deposit. The rest of the deposit and any additional balance paid are refundable.
- 60 days or less before departure: the full tour price is non-refundable.
Important journey notes
- Route, landings, and wildlife encounters depend on weather and ice conditions.
- The return date and vessel have been reconciled from the published overview and day sequence. Final operator confirmation is needed before booking.