Exploring Isfjorden

Photo of an Atlantic puffin in flight against a backdrop of snowy mountains, Isfjorden, Svalbard
Atlantic puffin in flight against a backdrop of snowy mountains, Isfjorden, Svalbard

Because the arrival of our expedition ship was delayed by a day we had extra time to explore Longyearbyen before boarding. Our first morning was used exploring Isfjorden on small boats to give a taste of what the area has to offer. After a briefing and donning our flotation suits and lifejackets, we headed to the harbour to board our 2 boats. We had ideal boating conditions with a mirror-calm sea which was picturesque in the bright sun. Racing over the flat sea into the cold arctic air we were finally pleased to be wearing our warm suits which had been a bit stifling until then.

Photo of the boats for our trip onto Isfjorden
The boats for our trip onto Isfjorden
Racing over the mirror calm Isfjorden
Warm suits and eye protection appreciated when racing through the cold air. Jockey seats and grab handle made for a fun ride
Bird cliffs on Isfjorden

Our initial target was some cliffs with breeding seabirds which gave us opportunities to photograph Brünnich’s guillemot (Thick-billed murre), Atlantic puffin, Black guillemot, Northern fulmar, Barnacle goose and Brant (Brent goose). We saw a number of flocks of Little auks while racing over the water but were unable to photograph while on the move. The light was not ideal but we had the chance to make some reasonable images and the experience out on the water was spectacular.

Photo of Brünnich's guillemot
Brünnich’s guillemot
Photo of an Atlantic puffin pair
Atlantic puffin pair
Photo of a Black guillemot
Black guillemot
Photo of a pair of Brant (Brent geese) in flight
A pair of Brant (Brent geese) in flight
Photo of a Northern fulmar
Northern fulmar

There were enough fulmars passing to give a chance for pan blurs.

Northern fulmar pan blur

We moved across to another area which gave more opportunities on puffins on the water and flying.

Atlantic puffin flyby
Photo of an Atlantic puffin resting on the water
Atlantic puffin resting on the water
Photo of an Atlantic puffin taking off from the sea
Atlantic puffin taking off

Heading back in toward Longyearbyen we got a view of the airport and satellite station from the water and then saw a huddle of walrus on a beach which we would revisit later in the day with photos I will share in a subsequent post.

Longyearbyen airport and satellite station viewed from Isfjorden
Longyearbyen airport and satellite station viewed from Isfjorden
Walrus huddle, Longyearbyen
Walrus huddle, Longyearbyen

This excursion was my first opportunity to trial my plan of using the Nikon Z9 with 100-400mm and the Nikon Z8 with 24-200mm pairing in the Sea to Summit dry bag with the NYA-Evo XL insert for use from a Zodiac type vessel. It was convenient and provided perfect protection while allowing rapid deployment.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Nicholas Court

    6 Oct 2024

    Super trip. Your opening image is really top draw.

    1. tony

      6 Oct 2024

      Thanks Nicholas. I appreciate your feedback.

  2. Bernard

    14 Oct 2024

    Thanks a lot for your articles.
    I do Like a lot your pics and the light
    Congrats

    1. tony

      14 Oct 2024

      Thanks Bernard. I appreciate your feedback.

Comments are closed.

Close Menu