13 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2026 (10 days)
EUR6,295 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour price (Per person): EUR6,295 * USD6,575 * GBP5,237 * AUD10,107
Single Supplement: EUR670 * USD700 * GBP557 * AUD1,076
Embark on a photographic journey to capture the unique beauty of the Arctic. This tour offers exceptional opportunities to photograph both wintering sea ducks, like the majestic King and Steller's Eiders, and iconic spring migrants, such as Atlantic Puffin against a snowy backdrop, in the breathtaking Varanger Peninsula.
Beginning in Finnish Lapland, we'll spend time photographing colourful passerines and Eurasian Red Squirrels before journeying through snowy landscapes towards the Varanger Peninsula of Norway. In the Båtsfjord area, we'll photograph sea ducks from floating hides and capture several species in flight from a small boat. At night, we'll target Mountain Hares from a specially built hide. The tour will culminate on Hornøya Bird Island, a haven for many thousands of seabirds. Throughout our time here, we will keep our eyes open for opportunities to see and photograph the aurora borealis. This tour promises stunning images and an unforgettable Arctic experience.
King, Steller's & Common Eiders; Long-tailed Duck; Atlantic Puffin; Pine Grosbeak; Siberian Tit; Siberian Jay; Gyrfalcon; White-tailed Eagle; Black-legged Kittiwake; Purple Sandpiper; Glaucous & Iceland Gulls; Northern Raven; Common & Thick-billed Murres; Razorbill, European Shag; Willow Ptarmigan; Northern Hawk Owl (rare); Snowy Owl (very rare)
Mountain Hare; Eurasian Red Squirrel; Killer Whale (rare); Arctic Fox
pine forest, coast line and breeding cliffs, tundra
February and March can be very cold (easily reaching -15 to -20 degrees Celsius).
6 with 1 local photographic leader
Comfortable. Two long drives with birding & photographic breaks. Some late evenings waiting for Aurora borealis (optional). Bird Photo Tours • Our Bird Photo Tours are a hybrid between our Classic birding tours and dedicated photographic tours. You don’t have to be a professional photographer or have the biggest lens; this is for everyone with an interest in photography and birding. Whether you’re using a bridge camera or the latest body and prime lens, our aims are the same. • These tours are not aimed at seeing the most species possible on the route, rather taking time to photograph key targets and any other interesting species we may find. Naturally, the overall species list will be lower than a comparable birding focused tour. • Unlike our normal Bird Photo tours, this tour does make extensive use of blinds, feeders and hide setups and we’ll be spending many hours every day at the blinds and hides. • These tours are suitable for photographers who prefer both extensive blinds time and opportunistic photography. • Our leaders will assist in helping everyone secure good photographic opportunities and advise as much as they can on camera setup. However, they are not professional photographic tour leaders.
Comfortable with en suite facilities.
Birding is undemanding. Primary focus is photography.
charismatic boats and houses so typical of a northern Norwegian fishing community
Excellent. Professionally built, well located hides & blinds.
I got most of the high-value targets that I wanted. The local guide Taru was excellent; she was fantastic at knowing the sites, and knowing what might be there, and in identifying the birds. And she was excellent by being in contact with other members of Finnature, and in looking up the local sightings pages to look for sites for specific species. Nigel Redman is a very nice guy. I like him and we got on well. I would be happy to go with Nigel again on a cruise (e.g. Antarctica, Spitzbergen, etc). It was a very good trip.
I consider myself very lucky to have had Nigel Redman as our tour guide. His knowledge of the birds, as well as their habitats, and ability to spot them made for a completely satisfying birding experience. He also ensured we were all made comfortable in regards to travelling, meals, and lodging. We also lucked out having Taru as our local Finnature guide. I really cannot express how much I appreciated them both. Thank you for a great birding tour.
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