Day 1 & 2 – 3 & 4 October 2022 Our last expedition for the season was a late 3-12 October trip, with a film team. We had never organized photo expeditions around Svalbard in October before, so this was a great opportunity to try something new. Late autumn in the Arctic means almost no other ships and the light is great even around noon. The two first days we headed north and east, stopping at Lågøya for a zodiac cruise where we saw a big polar bear male hunting walrus.
Day 4-5 – 6-7 October 2022 We spend 2,5 days in the drifting sea ice without much happening, but our expedition ship MS Virgo occupied us with nice food, interesting presentations and some indoor activities in the lounge. Suddenly a Polar bear showed up outside our ship, offering us some great photo opportunities. For some in the film team this was the first close Polar bear meeting and it was very emotional.
Day 6-7 – 8-9 October 2022 Heading out of the sea ice took some time since the sea ice was starting to build this time of the year. We were surrounded by beautiful pancake ice for hours, and winterly conditions. Some ivory gulls and other seabirds were also up in the sea ice, but not in large numbers.
This was our first October ship expedition in Svalbard and it was a different experience with great light conditions and still wildlife around to photograph. Thanks to the film team and sponsors for participating on this expedition. We really had some magic and fun moments!
Let us know if you want to travel with us on a similar photo expedition to Svalbard.
Text & photo: Ole J Liodden