This is Skua’s Summer Photographic Tour in Varanger, a remarkable adventure that brings you into the heart of Norway’s Arctic landscape during the magical season of the midnight sun. It’s breeding season for many birds, which construct their nests on cliff ledges, shores, and wetland vegetation. Among the species you can observe there are: Lapland Bunting, Red-throated Loon, Black-throated Loon, Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua, Long-tailed Skua, Bluethroat, and many more. This is also the prime whale-watching season, with a bit of luck, you may spot whales, dolphins, and orcas as they move along the coastline, adding a dramatic dimension to your Arctic experience.
Day 1
We will land at Ivalo airport, a village in Lapland more than 250 km north of the Arctic Circle and we will drive into the infinity Finnish taiga to reach our destination: the Varanger Peninsula. We make a first stop in Kaamanen, where the local restaurant has set up some bird feeders frequented by species such as the Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit and Pine Grosbeak. Thanks to the phenomenon of the midnight sun, we can enjoy spectacular light conditions to photograph during all the day. Afterl lunch we head north again where we can see beautiful herds of reindeer all along the way and with a bit of luck also Black Grouse and Capercaillie. Then we look out for Northern Hawk Owls in the trees and camouflaged Rock Ptarmigans making their territorial calls in the tundra. We will then arrive at Kongsfjord Arctic Lodge, located on a beautiful headland on the fjord of the same name, a strategic point to find wildlife, and which will host us for the next few days.
Day 2
After a rich breakfast buffet we will prepare for an intense day of wildlife photography. We will visit the plateaus around Kongsfjord and try to photograph a lot of species of Birds. After looking for this and other species such as the Red-throated Loon and the Common Goldeneye, we will drive to the municipality of Syltefjord where we will have lunch and gain strength for an approximately 3-hour sea excursion to a spectacular colony of Northern Gannets. As we make our way along the coast of Makkaurhalvøya Nature Reserve, we will see hundreds of Gannets nesting on the cliffs above the Barents Sea, along with Puffins and Thick-billed Murres. On the way out of the fjord to the open sea we will look for Northern Fulmars, but also for cetaceans, because it will not be difficult to spot dolphins and whales coming to the surface to breathe. Back in Kongsfjord for dinner, we organize a hike to our Peninsula of Veines where we can spot the beautiful and rare Gyr Falcon.
Day 3
After breakfast in Veines, we drive to the nearby town of Kongsfjord, where we enjoy a morning photo session of the mixed colony of Arctic and Common Terns nesting on the artificial beach built by Skua Nature. After the session we return to Veines to have lunch and photograph groups of Purple Sandpipers. After lunch we continue our exploration around Kongsfjord, this time towards Berlevag, where the long panoramic road offers us not only many opportunities for landscape photography, but also the chance to observe species such as the White-tailed Eagle, the Parasitic Jaeger, the Long-tailed Skua, and the Snow Bunting. When we arrive in Berlevag, we can observe the flight of hundreds of Black-legged Kittiwakes, Great Black-backed Gulls, and European Herring Gulls. On the way back to Kongsfjord we will keep an eye on the coast in case we spot Temminck’s Stints. In the evening we will have a farewell barbecue right in front of the abandoned dock where Black Guillemots, Common Terns and Eurasian Oystercatchers nest, accustomed to the constant presence of humans.
Day 4
It will be a long and exciting day, during which we will mainly look for birds of prey that live in these areas. In the morning we will look for the Northern Hawk Owl in the Dwarf Birch forests. On the shores of Varangerfjord we can spot Harbor Seals, White-tailed Eagles, Bar-tailed Godwits and Common Cranes, but especially the meadows along the road are an excellent place to look for the beautiful Short-eared Owl. In the afternoon we will visit an impressive colony of thousands of Black-legged Kittiwakes on the cliffs of Ekkerøy. Here you will have the opportunity to photograph the incredible aerial battles between these birds and the Parasitic Jaegers trying to steal their food. The road itself is also a spectacle of wild landscapes and small, colorful fishing villages. In the evening we will reach Vardø, a small island connected to the mainland by an underwater tunnel, where we will spend the night. We pick up our luggage and head to the Island of Hornøya. On the island we witness the incredible spectacle of more than 100,000 seabirds going about their nesting activities. Hornøya is a unique enclave where impressive flocks of Puffins, Razobills, European Shags, and Common and Thick-billed Murres can be spotted.
Day 5
After breakfast, we start a thrilling boat ride around Vardo and to Hornoya Island to have a chance to photograph the coloniesof Birds on this paradise Island. A journey through the crystal-clear waters, spotting humpback whales, dolphins, fulmars and great skuas in their natural habitat. With our expert guides by your side, you'll learn about the unique behaviours and characteristics of the birds that call the Arctic home. Afterwards, we'll land on the stunning Island of Hornoya, where, after a pic-nic lunch, you'll have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photographs of the bird colonies up close. Marvel at the sight of thousands of birds in their natural habitat, including Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills. With this unforgettable excursion, you'll have the chance to experience the beauty of the Arctic's sea birds both on the water and on land. With the help of your guide, you will learn techniques for capturing the perfect shot. We return to Vardo for dinner and a late excursion to visit the coast until the beautiful beach of Hamminberg.
Day 6
After breakfast we leave Vardo and head south to look for more Short-eared Owls in the morning light. We drive to Vadso, Ekkeroy and until Varangerbotn, an area with public observation points, from which you can spot Velvet and Common Scoters, but mainly waders like Temminck’s Sandpiper and the Eurasian Oystercatcher, if you are lucky. After lunch we will return to Finnish territory and reach again the area of Kaamanen. We will have another photo session dedicated to forest passerines and siberian birds and after we will enjoy a well-deserved last dinner to end our trip. After dinner we will be able to take pictures of the different bird species in the area at our leisure, as we will be staying in the same building as the restaurant.
Day 7
In the morning we'll drive to Ivalo and take advantage of the last kilometers to photograph reindeer, and with a little luck, moose, which will bid us farewell. Before noon we will reach the airport, where we will say goodbye until our next adventure together.
Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our Skua guides based on their experience, observations, and logistical considerations. We strive to provide the best possible experience, and adjustments may be made to ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
Ivalo - Kaamanen - Kongsfjord - Berlevag - Batsfjord - Syltefjord - Tana Bru - Ekkeroy - Vardo - Hornoya - Vadso - Ivalo
Bring:
Participants: min 4 - max 8
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
Important information:
Ivalo Airport
Target Species: Arctic Tern, Red-throated Loon, Black-throated Loon, Red-Throated Diver, Common Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dotterel, Smew, Knot, Gannet, European Golden Plovers, Long-tailed Duck, Eurasian Dotterels, Horned Lark, Long-Tailed Skua, Common Guillemot, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Little Auk, Razorbill, Puffin, Glaucous Gull, Short-ear Owl, Black-legged Kittiwake, Rock Ptarmigan, Willow Ptarmigan, Mountain Hare, Rough-legged Buzzard, White-Tailed Eagle, Humpback Whale, Fin Whale, Grey Seal, Harbor Seal, Red Phalarope, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Arctic Redpoll, Goldeneye, Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, Bullfinch, Snow Bunting, Pied Flycatcher, Brambling, Little Bunting, Rustic Bunting, Parrot Crossbill, Red-Throated Pipit.
Best date: 27 june
Single room charge 400 € on request
