Svalbard Spring Lite Photo Tour w/Piet van den Bemd
Svalbard Spring Photo Tour Lite with Piet van den Bemd
Capture Svalbard’s Magical Early Spring Light on a Compact Photo Expedition
Early season in Svalbard offers a captivating palette of pastel light against crisp, sub-zero temperatures — an irresistible invitation for any landscape photographer. Answer the call on this focused spring photography tour designed to capture the High Arctic at its most enchanting.
Springtime here is everything a photographer dreams of: snow-blanketed mountains, fjords dotted with fragmented sea ice, and a sun that dips low but never truly sets. This concise expedition delivers all the essentials of Arctic beauty in fewer days, letting you make the most of every moment.
Expedition Highlights
A streamlined itinerary designed to showcase the best of Svalbard’s spring landscapes — perfect for photographers pressed for time but eager for rich experiences
Prime season for landscape photography: frozen seascapes, shimmering icebergs, and snowy peaks bathed in soft, ethereal light
Opportunities to spot Arctic wildlife — whales, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, seals, and polar bears — framed by pristine snowy vistas
Learn from award-winning polar photographers renowned for their expert in-field guidance
About Piet
Adventurous Piet is an experienced polar guide and professional photographer, who spends over 280 days a year exploring, mostly in the polar regions. He's a powerhouse of energy and commitment, which translates into his heartfelt images and hands-on teaching style.
Micro Cruise Highlights
No crowds. Just camera clicks.
Explore alongside an acclaimed polar photographer serving as your additional guide
Small, intimate group size for a transformative, personal experience
Micro expedition vessels that reach places larger ships cannot
Expedition leaders and guides boasting decades of polar expertise and hundreds of successful voyages
Flexible, spontaneous itineraries driven by nature’s rhythm
About This Expedition
There’s no place quite like Svalbard in the spring — a rite of passage for serious landscape photographers. Your expert photo guide will help you translate this extraordinary season into images that endure.
Picture pristine snow-capped mountains, fjords glazed with crystal-clear sea ice, and wildlife taking tentative first steps after winter’s long hold. The sun’s soft glow at dawn and dusk bathes the landscape in pastel hues that feel almost studio-like in their perfection.
The ice-strewn fjords and undisturbed snow create an ideal canvas to elevate your photography skills. While patience is key to capturing wildlife in this environment, the rewards are unmatched — some of the most striking Arctic animal portraits you’ll ever take.
What to Expect
You didn’t travel this far to queue or linger aboard a ship all day.
Our Expedition Micro Cruise ethos prioritizes maximizing your time off-ship and embracing the freedom of exploration. Expect at least two excursions daily, from scenic hikes to thrilling Zodiac cruises into pristine nature.
Benefit from expert photo tuition with onboard lectures, hands-on field instruction, and personalized coaching. Our guides know this environment intimately and will lead you to unforgettable photo opportunities.
We Don’t Follow a Fixed Itinerary
We believe a true expedition embraces spontaneity, letting nature dictate the day’s adventures. This approach brings the authentic thrill of discovery, far beyond a set schedule.
All listed itineraries serve as flexible guidelines. Day-to-day plans may shift depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings follow strict AECO regulations and site permissions.
For even greater freedom and privacy, ask us about customizing this journey as a private yacht charter.
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.
Day 2
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.
Day 3
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.
Days 4–7
Land in Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.
Continue south to explore Gravnesodden in Magdalenefjorden, with interesting cultural remains.
Land at Camp Zoe, an old trappers’ hut; take a Zodiac cruise of Lilliehöökbreen, in search of calving ice, before continuing south back to Isfjorden.
Day 8
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
- Photography
- Photography Safari
- Safari, Animals, and Wildlife
| Additional Offers |
Starting From | Additional Details | ||
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ID: 9302501
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Cabin Cat: TWF
May 16, 2026
12:00 AM GMT
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ID: 9143037
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Cabin Cat: TWF
May 23, 2026
12:00 AM GMT
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ID: 9143037
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ID: 9302501
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ID: 9143037
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ID: 9302501
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ID: 9143037
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About MV Freya
A classic expedition ship with a hull of the highest ice class rating (1A), Freya's strength means she can explore deep into the pack ice, while her modern interior offers first-class comforts. Originally a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic.
Expedition Micro Cruises to the poles and beyond
By explorers, for explorers
At Secret Atlas, we explore the polar regions as they deserve. It’s what makes us different.
We knew if we were to create expeditions that were different from everyone else’s, we needed an expert team behind us - seasoned professionals who share our ethos.
Our guiding team has over a century of combined experience exploring the wildest ends of the Earth. They know the best way to do this is on genuinely small-group expeditions.
Because smaller means more freedom.
Exploring in micro groups opens up your perspective in ways you may not expect.
Sure, films and photos can show you the beauty of the polar regions. And there are plenty of ways to see those breathtaking scenes in person.
But, do you want to tick it off your list or do you want to really connect to it?
"There’s always been a part of me that craves to go where few have ventured. Inspired by the heroic explorers of the past, I want to share real expeditions with our guests. Adventures that satisfy our craving to discover a world far bigger than the one we encounter daily - and explore it with appreciation and time." — Michele D’Agostino, Secret Atlas co-founder
Meet the team
Environmental conservationists, world-class marine biologists, geographical specialists, award-winning photographers, seasoned sailors, and modern-day explorers make up our team.
Drawing from years of first-hand experience, whether on deck or behind the scenes, we’re here to bring the magic of the polar regions to life for you.
Expedition Micro Cruises
Not just small. Micro.
The lands we explore at Secret Atlas are unfathomably vast and unpredictable. The wildlife we meet leaves a giant impression on us. You can’t compete with the natural world on this scale.
So we don’t try.
That’s why we’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles.
Redefining luxury
Luxury to us is reaching untouched places, savouring more time in each destination, and exploring where few have ever set foot. If that resonates with you – welcome. You’ve found your place with us.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
We don’t aspire to be a massive corporation. Instead, we measure our growth by the quality of our expeditions and how you – our guests – feel when arriving home.
Our goal is to stand out in the cruise industry by charting a different course – one with purpose, that establishes a more responsible connection with the world. Because we are explorers and we care about these locations.
Explore. Respect. Protect.
"We're set on keeping the wilderness wild!" — Mariano Curiel, Secret Atlas owner
We explore the most beautiful, powerful, and fragile environments on Earth. It’s a pleasure, a privilege, and a responsibility.
To us, responsible polar travel is about continually acting to lower our impact and being transparent about the steps we are taking.
Whether it’s growing important partnerships, leading on-the-ground action, or improving our operations, we will keep you updated on everything we are doing to move our industry forward, help communities and wildlife, and reduce our footprint.
What's important
“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” — Sir David Attenborough
What we're doing
Compliance
Our vessels must abide by the Polar Code and all IMO regulations, which enforce strict rules on ship design, construction, training, and more. We are members of the IAATO and AECO, organisations that set the gold standard for responsible polar travel in Antarctica and the Arctic respectively.
Direct action
We participate in beach cleans across Svalbard each season. During every expedition, if we see something that shouldn’t be there – bottles, discarded fishing nets – we take it away.
Operations
Our ship MV Vikingfjord is an eco standard-bearer in the polar regions, with an energy efficient engine and NOx filters recently installed, reducing emissions by 95%.
Hiring
As well as focusing on climate and wildlife, the local communities of the remote destinations we explore are a big part of our sustainable polar travel philosophy. From guides to the remote towns of Greenland, to operations staff on-the-ground in Svalbard, we hire locally where possible.
The benefits of being small
Our size helps us reach our ambitious impact goals. Our Expedition Micro Cruise model allows us to offer lower impact polar tourism, with a smaller footprint than traditional, large operators.
Arrive as a visitor, leave as an ambassador
When you explore the world’s most precious environments, you gain a deep and everlasting respect for them – and become all too aware of the need to protect them.
Explore. Respect. Protect. This is something that motivates us, and it’s something we pass on to each of our Expedition Micro Cruise guests.
Our guests arrive in the polar regions as visitors. They leave as passionate ambassadors for these remote destinations, inspired to help protect and preserve them – and encouraging their family and friends to do the same through sharing their story.
Partnerships
We seek our partnerships that make a real difference to the planet.
We’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating at least 1% of our annual revenue to environmental causes, and we actively support the Yachts for Science initiative by welcoming scientists and researchers aboard our vessels to carry out critical work.
By joining the Conscious Travel Foundation, we’re excited to stand alongside a global community of changemakers who are redefining the future of travel with purpose, responsibility, and care.
A classic expedition ship with a hull of the highest ice class rating (1A), Freya's strength means she can explore deep into the pack ice, while her modern interior offers first-class comforts. Originally a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic.
Expedition Micro Cruises to the poles and beyond
By explorers, for explorers
At Secret Atlas, we explore the polar regions as they deserve. It’s what makes us different.
We knew if we were to create expeditions that were different from everyone else’s, we needed an expert team behind us - seasoned professionals who share our ethos.
Our guiding team has over a century of combined experience exploring the wildest ends of the Earth. They know the best way to do this is on genuinely small-group expeditions.
Because smaller means more freedom.
Exploring in micro groups opens up your perspective in ways you may not expect.
Sure, films and photos can show you the beauty of the polar regions. And there are plenty of ways to see those breathtaking scenes in person.
But, do you want to tick it off your list or do you want to really connect to it?
"There’s always been a part of me that craves to go where few have ventured. Inspired by the heroic explorers of the past, I want to share real expeditions with our guests. Adventures that satisfy our craving to discover a world far bigger than the one we encounter daily - and explore it with appreciation and time." — Michele D’Agostino, Secret Atlas co-founder
Meet the team
Environmental conservationists, world-class marine biologists, geographical specialists, award-winning photographers, seasoned sailors, and modern-day explorers make up our team.
Drawing from years of first-hand experience, whether on deck or behind the scenes, we’re here to bring the magic of the polar regions to life for you.
Expedition Micro Cruises
Not just small. Micro.
The lands we explore at Secret Atlas are unfathomably vast and unpredictable. The wildlife we meet leaves a giant impression on us. You can’t compete with the natural world on this scale.
So we don’t try.
That’s why we’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles.
Redefining luxury
Luxury to us is reaching untouched places, savouring more time in each destination, and exploring where few have ever set foot. If that resonates with you – welcome. You’ve found your place with us.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
We don’t aspire to be a massive corporation. Instead, we measure our growth by the quality of our expeditions and how you – our guests – feel when arriving home.
Our goal is to stand out in the cruise industry by charting a different course – one with purpose, that establishes a more responsible connection with the world. Because we are explorers and we care about these locations.
Explore. Respect. Protect.
"We're set on keeping the wilderness wild!" — Mariano Curiel, Secret Atlas owner
We explore the most beautiful, powerful, and fragile environments on Earth. It’s a pleasure, a privilege, and a responsibility.
To us, responsible polar travel is about continually acting to lower our impact and being transparent about the steps we are taking.
Whether it’s growing important partnerships, leading on-the-ground action, or improving our operations, we will keep you updated on everything we are doing to move our industry forward, help communities and wildlife, and reduce our footprint.
What's important
“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” — Sir David Attenborough
What we're doing
Compliance
Our vessels must abide by the Polar Code and all IMO regulations, which enforce strict rules on ship design, construction, training, and more. We are members of the IAATO and AECO, organisations that set the gold standard for responsible polar travel in Antarctica and the Arctic respectively.
Direct action
We participate in beach cleans across Svalbard each season. During every expedition, if we see something that shouldn’t be there – bottles, discarded fishing nets – we take it away.
Operations
Our ship MV Vikingfjord is an eco standard-bearer in the polar regions, with an energy efficient engine and NOx filters recently installed, reducing emissions by 95%.
Hiring
As well as focusing on climate and wildlife, the local communities of the remote destinations we explore are a big part of our sustainable polar travel philosophy. From guides to the remote towns of Greenland, to operations staff on-the-ground in Svalbard, we hire locally where possible.
The benefits of being small
Our size helps us reach our ambitious impact goals. Our Expedition Micro Cruise model allows us to offer lower impact polar tourism, with a smaller footprint than traditional, large operators.
Arrive as a visitor, leave as an ambassador
When you explore the world’s most precious environments, you gain a deep and everlasting respect for them – and become all too aware of the need to protect them.
Explore. Respect. Protect. This is something that motivates us, and it’s something we pass on to each of our Expedition Micro Cruise guests.
Our guests arrive in the polar regions as visitors. They leave as passionate ambassadors for these remote destinations, inspired to help protect and preserve them – and encouraging their family and friends to do the same through sharing their story.
Partnerships
We seek our partnerships that make a real difference to the planet.
We’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating at least 1% of our annual revenue to environmental causes, and we actively support the Yachts for Science initiative by welcoming scientists and researchers aboard our vessels to carry out critical work.
By joining the Conscious Travel Foundation, we’re excited to stand alongside a global community of changemakers who are redefining the future of travel with purpose, responsibility, and care.
