Arctic Photo Safari, Adventdalen & Bjørndalen

The Arctic Photo Safari is a small group photography tour run by Svalbard Photography. It leaves Longyearbyen and visits two valleys, Adventdalen and Bjørndalen. The programme mixes driving between chosen photography stops with short walks. The route changes with the season, the light, the weather and wildlife activity.

In Adventdalen, guests photograph open tundra, river systems and mountain views across a broad valley. Bjørndalen is a narrower coastal valley with steep mountains and geological formations. Between the two, the group looks for reindeer, Arctic foxes and birds. The guide helps with exposure, focus, composition, perspective and photographing animals responsibly, and also gives a briefing at the start. Guests who would rather not focus on photography can come along just to see the scenery and learn about nature in Svalbard.

The tour lasts about four hours, and the group has a maximum of eight guests. It is rated easy, with limited walking. The tour includes an experienced photography guide, transport from Longyearbyen with pickup and return, hot drinks and a safety briefing. Guests should bring a camera or smartphone, a telephoto lens if they have one, a wide-angle lens, spare batteries, empty memory cards, warm windproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

All levels are welcome, from professionals to beginners and smartphone users, and no previous photography experience is needed. Svalbard Photography's page gives no season, age limit or fitness requirement. Pickup is in Longyearbyen, and the tour ends with the return there. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.