Svalbard Below Surface Snorkelling and Photography Expeditions in June are designed for adventurous photographers and nature enthusiasts keen to explore the High Arctic’s unique underwater and coastal worlds. This is a season of contrasts – where the midnight sun bathes the dramatic landscapes day and night, and the ice begins to retreat, revealing a vibrant marine environment. The sea water is usually clear at this time of year, providing exceptional opportunities for underwater and split-level photography in the Arctic.
The main focus of a Svalbard Below Surface expedition is to offer you a combination of underwater, split-level, wildlife, and landscape photography. Few photographers have captured images below the surface in the Arctic, and you will have the opportunity to photograph sea ice, icebergs, birds, and sea mammals from Zodiacs or while snorkelling. As it is more challenging to photograph in polar waters, we cannot guarantee exactly which situations and wildlife you will encounter, but we will do our utmost to make this an unforgettable Arctic experience, both above and below the surface.
WildPhoto Travel has extensive experience in organising ship-based expeditions to Svalbard, pioneering new ways to capture the Arctic’s beauty from both land and sea. Our expert guides and small group sizes ensure you have the best possible conditions for photography, snorkelling, and exploration in the High Arctic of Svalbard.
If you are seeking a unique Arctic photo adventure that combines world-class photography with the excitement of polar snorkelling, this expedition is the perfect choice for you!
What to photograph
Discover the photographic opportunities on a Below Surface expedition to Svalbard in June.
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Available spots on Svalbard Below Surface
Below is a list of available cabins for our Svalbard Below Surface expeditions onboard our expedition ship MS Virgo (maximum of 12 guests). The price displayed for each cabin is per person, not for the entire cabin. To inquire or book a spot, simply click the button under your preferred cabin, and you’ll be directed to an email to booking@wildphoto.com where you can provide more details about what you are interested in or request further information. If your desired cabin or availability isn't listed, please let us know. We can add you to the waiting list and notify you if spots become available later.
Itinerary Svalbard Svalbard Below Surface
Svalbard is situated at about 80 degrees North, and we schedule our Svalbard spring expeditions in accordance with prevailing weather and ice conditions. Our captain is an expert navigator in Arctic conditions. He is an important advisor in planning the expedition to maximise our photo opportunities and enjoyment of this journey. We will spend as much time as possible in the Zodiacs or snorkelling in the water, but safety will always be the highest priority when deciding the day-by-day itinerary. A draft itinerary for a 9-day (8-night) expedition might be as described below.
DAY 1 Departure from Longyearbyen through Isfjorden.
DAY 2-3 Heading towards the pack ice. Depending on the ice conditions this will be north of Spitsbergen or in the Hinlopen Strait.
DAY 4-5 Sailing south in Hinlopen (if ice conditions permit), with bird cliffs and the possibility of wildlife on the drifting sea ice.
DAY 6 North-western corner of Spitsbergen, with beautiful mountains and glaciers, and possibly some birds and sea mammals below or on the sea ice.
DAY 7 Kongsfjorden with striking landscapes, birds and seals.
DAY 8 Returning to Isfjorden arriving in Longyearbyen port late in the evening.
DAY 9 Disembarking the ship after breakfast and preparing for your travel home.
The map below illustrates a possible itinerary for a Svalbard Below Surface photo expedition.
FAQ - Svalbard Below Surface Expeditions
Click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more about our Svalbard Below Surface expeditions.
How cold is the water for snorkeling in Svalbard in June??
Is snorkelling allowed on Svalbard Below Surface expeditions?
Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear?
Will we offer snorkelling north of 80° North?
Is it safe to snorkel in the pack ice?
Is it possible to do split and underwater photography from the Zodiacs?
Are birds and sea mammals afraid of snorkellers in the water?
Other seasons to Svalbard
Not interested in a photo expedition in June? No problem! We offer four other exciting seasonal options for travelling to Svalbard. Click on any of the images below to explore more about our other seasons with photography expeditions to Svalbard.
About
WildPhoto Travel is a leading photo expedition company - specialized in polar regions. Since 2006, we have offered great photo opportunities for our guests and partners.