Svalbard Photo Tour May 2025
- Marlene & Benedikt
- Oct 22
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
By Marlene & Benedikt
When we think of Svalbard, we picture endless ice, jagged mountains, and the chance to photograph some of the Arctic’s most iconic wildlife. In late April and early May 2025, we returned to this remarkable archipelago with Photo Tours Norway and guide Floris Smeets, to experience the transition between the end of Arctic winter and the beginning of Arctic spring.
It wasn’t our first trip with Floris. We had already joined him for the Musk Ox in Winter Conditions Tour in Dovrefjell (2021) and for the Svalbard in Autumn Tour (2023) — which was also the first Svalbard photo tour he organized. Both were great experiences, so when the chance came to explore Svalbard in spring, we happily joined again.
Why We Chose Floris Again
One of the main reasons we returned to travel with Floris is his excellent organization and reliability. This was tested even before our trip began. The boat we had originally booked went bankrupt, which could have canceled the whole expedition. Floris's business partners quickly found a replacement vessel, and the trip went ahead without disruption.
He also kept us updated on new regulations regarding wildlife photography in Svalbard and gave us the option to cancel free of charge if we felt they would affect the experience. We appreciated this openness — and it gave us extra confidence to continue with the tour.
Warming Up Around Longyearbyen
Before boarding the ship, we joined Floris and a local guide for two excursions around Longyearbyen. These outings gave us the chance to photograph Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, and the beautifully camouflaged Svalbard ptarmigan. It was a nice way to get started and fill memory cards before heading into the fjords and pack ice.
Life On Board the MS Stockholm
Our base for the voyage was the MS Stockholm, a small, ice-strengthened vessel with a long history in the north. Built in 1953 and now a heritage-listed (K-märkt) ship in Sweden, it combines classic character with modern comfort. With only a handful of passengers, it felt more like a private expedition than a cruise.
The crew was fantastic: motivated, welcoming, and happy to explain their work on board. The food was excellent too, far exceeding what we expected in such a remote place. After long days outside, returning to a warm and tasty meal was a highlight in itself. Everything on board was done with the clear goal of giving us the best possible experience.
We also had the chance to step onto the sea ice for short walks — an unforgettable way to feel the vastness of the Arctic environment under our feet. For those who wanted an extra thrill, there was even the opportunity to do a polar plunge into the icy water. Cold, yes — but also a fun and memorable highlight!
Searching in the Pack Ice
Our expedition leaders, Christian and Beau from Polar Quest, described the search for polar bears as “going for gold.” They worked closely with the captain and crew, checking ice charts and weather to give us the best chances of success.
We spent several days in the pack ice, surrounded by endless white and turquoise ridges. We found fresh tracks and signs of kills, but no bears showed up. It was a reminder that encounters in the Arctic are never guaranteed. Still, the landscapes themselves — vast, quiet, and ever-changing — were a joy to photograph.
Weather Shifts and Fjord Shelters
When the weather turned, the decision was made to leave the drifting ice and head into the fjords. This proved to be the best choice of the trip, as the fjords were full of wildlife and offered calmer conditions for photography.
Wildlife in the Fjords
In the fjords we saw harp seals, harbor seals, and bearded seals, many with their newborn pups resting on the ice. Even more special were walruses with cubs, something rarely seen and a real privilege to photograph.
The birdlife was equally rewarding. We spotted common eiders, the striking king eider, and many other seabirds. With so much variety, every day brought something new to capture.
Exploring by Zodiac
The zodiac cruises were among the most exciting parts of the trip. Calm waters let us get closer to wildlife in a respectful way and gave us fresh photographic angles.
The light was often beautiful, with mirror-like reflections of mountains and glaciers in the fjords. At other times, dramatic clouds added atmosphere to the landscapes. From the zodiacs, we could switch between wide-angle shots of scenery and close-ups of seals or birds, which made each outing exciting and varied.
Polar Bear Encounters
Although we didn’t see bears in the pack ice, we did manage to spot and photograph three polar bears from a distance during the voyage. One of these polar bears we even encountered several times. We also came across several kill traces, giving insight into their presence and behavior.
The most special moment came when we anchored in the ice inside a fjord. The engines were off, and the crew was preparing to step onto the ice when Floris spotted a polar bear. The planned walk was canceled, and everyone gathered quietly on deck as the bear approached.
This time, the bear came very close, giving us the chance to capture both intimate portraits and wide-angle shots that placed the animal in its Arctic surroundings. It paused to sniff around the ice anchor before moving on, leaving us with one of the most memorable encounters of the trip.
A Photographer’s Playground
The trip offered a wide range of photographic opportunities. We used wide-angle lenses for the dramatic Arctic landscapes and telephoto lenses for wildlife portraits. One day we were capturing reflections in calm fjord waters, the next a walrus family resting on ice.
Floris was always ready with tips on light, angles, and approach, which helped us improve our shots and think more creatively. It was a well-balanced mix of learning and practice in the field.
In the End, We Were Rewarded
Svalbard is never predictable, and that’s part of its charm. While not every goal was achieved, the variety of wildlife, the beauty of the landscapes, and the atmosphere on board the MS Stockholm made this a truly rewarding trip.
We came home with memory cards full of images — from seal pups and walruses with cubs to seabirds and polar bears — but also with many good memories of shared meals, calm zodiac cruises, and evenings watching the light change over the fjords.
Above all, the people made the difference: the welcoming crew of the MS Stockholm, the dedicated expedition leaders Christian and Beau from Polar Quest, and the reliable, thoughtful guidance of Floris Smeets and Photo Tours Norway.
We traveled to Svalbard to experience the end of winter and the beginning of spring — and we left with a collection of photographs and experiences that will stay with us for a long time.
Marlene and Benedikt are two very keen photographers and have some absolutely amazing work on their website and social media. Find the links below.
This story was written by Marlene and Benedikt, after attending one of our guided "Svalbard - Kingdom of the Polar bear" photography expeditions in May 2025.
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