Svalbard Polar Bears May 2025

Trip Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Svalbard's rugged wilderness, led by acclaimed wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum. This Arctic adventure combines breathtaking landscapes, iconic wildlife, and unparalleled photographic opportunities. Start your exploration in Longyearbyen, Svalbards vibrant capital, before setting sail aboard the recently refurbished M/V VikingFjord, a former research vessel offering comfort and sophistication.

Navigate to exclusive Arctic hideaways inaccessible to larger ships, ensuring an intimate experience with the regions pristine beauty. Encounter polar bears, walruses, whales, and Arctic foxes up close, using nimble Zodiacs to glide silently across the icy waters. With Amos Nachoums expert guidance, capture the essence of the Arctic, from its towering glaciers to its untouched fjords, crafting a visual narrative of this stunning landscape.

Svalbard promises an adventure unlike any other, where meticulous planning ensures a safe and enriching experience amidst the Arctics untamed splendor. Photographers will revel in the opportunity to capture the Arctics unique light and dynamic scenes, while nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the rich diversity of wildlife.

[See More: Norway Dive Travel Guide]

Read about Amos's Polar Bear Encounter below:

"A sharp noise shook me awake at 1:30AM. A second, louder sound followed, trailed by a shout that sent a jolt of excitement through me POLAR BEAR! Grabbing my camera, I raced to the deck, the icy air biting my skin as I searched the Arctic expanse for signs of the elusive white ghost. And sure enough, there it was! A distant figure unmistakably a polar bear. From the bridge came the order: ZODIAC DOWN. Anticipation rippled through the crew. We dashed to our rooms, getting ready to face the Arctic night and get closer to the swimming bear in our Zodiac boats. We drew as close as 50 meters, then 25 meters, always maintaining a safe distance as the bear navigated the water, threading its way between the broken plates of sea ice. Suddenly, it stopped swimming and clambered onto a floe to settle down, its eyes tracked a bird flying above, then shut heavily.

The bears respite would be brief, the Arctic night was just getting started. No sooner had the bears eyes fully closed than a minke whale appeared, gliding along the edge of the ice, just beneath the resting bear. Sensing its presence, the bears eyes snapped open, but a curious sniff was the only option as the whale quickly disappeared below the surface, returning to the icy depths below and reestablishing the stillness at the surface, which was again short-lived, as seemingly out of nowhere, a harp seal arrived on the sceneswimming nonchalantly along the ice edgewithin a meter or two from the bears nose and well within striking range. It was an unexpected encounter for us, the bear, and probably the seal too. Our cameras fired away as the bear, who seemed to be stunned for a millisecond, recovered its senses and sprang into action. Lunging at the seal, it missed the target. Hesitation cost the bear dinner, but saved the seal, who, following the example of the minke whale, had already made its way to safety beneath the ice.

We were fortunate that this surreal dance of nature played out on the canvas of a clear arctic night, illuminated by the soft glow of the midnight sun. It was now 2AM on June 23rd and we were silent, spellbound by the magic we had witnessed. Seeing a polar bear, minke whale, and harp seal interact in such proximity was a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Each of us, from experienced guides to first-time Arctic explorers, felt a sense of shared wonder, a momentous encounter imprinted in memory and on film."

Weather Conditions

During the trip to Svalbard, you can expect a dramatic range of weather conditions. Daytime temperatures typically vary from 23F to 77F (-5C to 25C), offering a cool yet manageable climate for outdoor activities and wildlife photography. At night, temperatures can plunge significantly, ranging from -4F to -40F (-20C to -40C). These cold conditions highlight the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape, with ice formations and snow creating striking visual contrasts. Proper gear is essential to stay warm and comfortable as you capture the unique charm of Svalbard's winter environment.

Marine Life To Photograph

Exploring the Svalbard Archipelago offers incredible opportunities to photograph diverse marine life that defines this Arctic wilderness. In the frigid surrounding waters, photographers can capture stunning images of humpback whales, minke whales, beluga whales, and even the majestic blue whale, showcasing the areas rich marine biodiversity. Seals, such as harbor seals, bearded seals, and ringed seals, are commonly seen lounging on ice floes or gracefully swimming through the Arctic seas, presenting perfect subjects for wildlife photography.

Walruses, with their impressive tusks, are a charismatic highlight of Svalbard's coastline, often seen resting on icebergs or gathered along the shores. Beneath the surface, the Arctic waters teem with life, featuring species such as Arctic cod, Greenland halibut, and Arctic char, all thriving in the chilly depths.

Above the waters surface, Svalbard's terrestrial life adds to the photographic allure. The iconic polar bear can be seen patrolling ice floes or foraging along the coastlines, especially during the summer months. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, both uniquely adapted to survive the extreme cold, are often spotted against the backdrop of Svalbards stark, rugged terrain. These opportunities make Svalbard a haven for photographers seeking to capture the Arctics extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.

Sample Itinerary

• May 9:Arrive at Longyearbyen, Svalbard and check in the hotel, meet for dinner and briefing.
• May 10 May 18:9 Full days board the newest ice-strengthened VikingFjord, settle in and we start the journey along the glaciers and through sea ice, in search of wildlife in a frozen wilderness
• May 19:Returning to Longyearbyen, in the early morning and disembark by 9am, and transfer to airport or for your next experience in Svalbard.