Autumn in Svalbard: A Photographer’s Arctic Finale
As the season draws to a close, Svalbard unveils its most spectacular palette of colours. Late in the year, sunrises and sunsets wash the archipelago in warm autumnal hues, while wildlife prepares for the long Arctic winter ahead. This is when our final photography expedition of the season takes place — perfectly timed to capture Svalbard at its most dramatic. Conditions at this time of year often allow access to remote highlights such as the Austfonna ice cap and the towering bird cliffs of Alkefjellet. As the sun edges closer to its winter disappearance, the light becomes nothing short of magical.

About the Expedition
Experience the Arctic in all its autumn glory.
Autumn offers a fleeting and transformative view of Svalbard — a brief window of soft light, dramatic colour, and unique photographic moments. During this expedition, we venture east across the archipelago, aiming to capture the remarkable meltwater waterfalls of Austfonna — the defining spectacle of Svalbard in autumn. This rare natural phenomenon occurs as summer’s warmth releases torrents of meltwater over the glacier’s sheer ice cliffs.

Under vast, golden skies, you’ll encounter Svalbard’s iconic wildlife: Arctic foxes, whales, reindeer, walruses, and perhaps even polar bears. Yet it’s Austfonna’s waterfalls, plunging into the frigid Arctic waters, that will deliver the ultimate, documentary-worthy image — a breathtaking reward for the adventurous photographer.

What your expedition could look like
The following itinerary is an example. The expedition is flexible and its course will be defined on a daily basis by the opportunities presented by weather, ice, and wildlife.

Day 1
Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.

Days 2–4
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site. Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains. Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales (more common in the summer months) that gather in the upwelling zones.
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.

Days 5–7
Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise to Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe's third-largest glacier by volume and area.
Hike on an area of Sjuøyane, or “Seven Islands”, the northernmost part of Svalbard, home bird cliffs, overflowing in the summer with black guillemots, ivory gulls, and kittiwakes, cultural remains, and walrus haulouts.

Days 8–9
Landing and hike on Ytre Norskøya, up to bird cliff (little auk), arctic tern colony, and common eider and goose nesting area.
Take a Zodiac cruise of Fjortende Julbreen, a stunning glacier, and Fjortende Julibukta, a scenic bay in Krossfjord.
Sail south to Isfjorden.

Day 10
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.

Day 11
Disembark in Longyearbyen.

What’s included?
Expert guide team and photographer
Lectures and tutorials
Use of Zodiacs (dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
Polar bear protection guides for shore landings
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)
Bedding and towels
Highly experienced captain and cook
Rubber boots for shore landings
Transfers from airport to hotel and hotel to airport (within 48 hours of embarkation/disembarkation time)
Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation

What's not included?
Flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Any additional expenses such as museum entry

What to Expect
You didn’t come this far to queue — or to stay on board.
This is a hands-on photography expedition, designed for those eager to be out in the elements. You’ll receive expert tuition from your photography guide through onboard lectures, in-the-field advice, and one-on-one coaching. Our guides’ intimate knowledge of this remote wilderness ensures you’ll be in the right place at the right time for those unforgettable shots.

Our Expedition Micro Cruise ethos maximises time off the ship, offering the freedom to explore. Expect at least two excursions each day — from scenic hikes to Zodiac cruises that bring you closer to the heart of this extraordinary landscape.

No Fixed Itinerary — Just True Exploration
We don’t follow a schedule. We follow nature.
Instead of sticking to a rigid plan, we let the ice, weather, and wildlife shape each day. This is how true expeditions should unfold — embracing the unknown and seizing every opportunity as it comes.
Our sample itineraries serve only as guidance. Daily activities will adapt to the conditions we encounter. All landings comply with AECO regulations and site permissions.

For even greater flexibility and privacy, ask us about arranging this journey as a private yacht charter.

Expedition Highlights
Striking Arctic landscapes bathed in extraordinary autumn light — perfect for photographers

Rare opportunities to capture the fleeting beauty of Svalbard’s sunsets and sunrises

Witness the dramatic meltwater waterfalls cascading from Austfonna, Europe’s third-largest glacier by area and volume

Micro Cruise Highlights
No queues. Just camera clicks.

Travel alongside an acclaimed polar photographer offering expert insight and guidance

Small, intimate group size for a more meaningful and personal experience

Agile micro-expedition vessel reaches places larger ships simply cannot

Led by highly experienced polar guides with hundreds of successful expeditions behind them

Flexible, spontaneous itinerary ensures maximum time immersed in nature

No crowds. No waiting. Just pure exploration