Arctic Cruises
Expeditionary cruising is a very practical way to discover the Arctic, allowing you to comfortably explore often untouched areas of wilderness you can’t otherwise reach from …
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Five reasons to kayak in the Arctic
- As part of a small, exclusive kayaking group, you can get to know the Arctic far more intimately
- You can often opt for a one-off paddling session if you have no previous kayaking experience
- Get a multi-sensory take on the Arctic – kayaking through the water is a fantastic contrast to seeing the environment from the deck of your ship
- Gliding along peacefully, you can explore at your own pace with the help of your guides to interpret your surroundings
- With chances to kayak on most days, this programme offers progressive skill development
Swoop says
I have to stop myself getting a bit spiritual when someone asks me about kayaking in the Arctic. It's so quiet, paddling around ice floes and having close wildlife encounters. There's nothing quite gliding along at sea level in any direction you choose.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Our most popular trips with kayaking
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Beginning in Svalbard before sailing west across the Greenland Sea and exploring Greenland’s long eastern coastline to finish in Iceland, this is an audacious Arctic journey of startling diversity and contrast. Spectacular landscapes, towering glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters all…
- 15 Days
- $23,595
Maximise wildlife sightings with the chance to circumnavigate Spitsbergen island. Search for walrus, arctic fox, whales and of course the ‘King of The Arctic'. Sail through the Hinlopen Strait and visit abandoned trapping stations and experience glaciers up close all…
- 11 Days
- $18,695
This comprehensive Arctic triumvirate encompassing Svalbard, East Greenland and Iceland offers the best of the Arctic: some of the best wildlife viewing with spectacular scenery, unspoiled fjords, gigantic icebergs and Inuit communities. You may also be lucky enough to see…
- 14 Days
- $14,295
The big ice and small towns of West Greenland provide a stunning start to this trip before you sail across the Davis Straight to Baffin Island and enter the Northwest Passage. Blend history, scenery and wildlife; pay your respects at…
- 17 Days
- $13,297
Traversing west to east this voyage takes you to iconic sites such as Cambridge Bay, Lancaster and Smith Sounds and Ellesmere Island, before exploring the fjords and towns of West Greenland. Bears, narwhal, musk ox, beluga and northern lights are…
- 17 Days
- $13,297
Stay in a specially designed seasonal safari-style camp as your base and explore this little visited land by kayak, zodiac, motor boat, helicopter or on foot. The long summer days help maximise exploration, while the rustic luxury of the camp…
- 10 Days
- $15,795
This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…
- 11 Days
- $9,761
Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse wildlife-rich Svalbard via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra, then continue on to Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point.…
- 15 Days
- $14,181
Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…
- 15 Days
- $14,081
What our customers think of the Arctic
Beyond my expectations, and I would recommend unreservedly. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Val Chiswell - United Kingdom
A very comfortable ship with excellent facilities, making best use of all the space available. The Mud Room, enabling us to park our wet gear out of cabins, was particularly useful, and the comfortable lounge was plenty large enough for everyone to be there at once for briefings and lectures. Read the full review
Travelled: August 2018
Charles & Lesley Cook - United Kingdom
Zodiac cruises were great fun. Some amazing wildlife sights with the seabird colonies probably the most dramatic. Getting up close to the glaciers was another highlight. Landings for shore excursions gave us a close-up view of the bleak tundra and the plant life. Read the full review
Travelled: July 2018
Steve & Tina O'Shea - United Kingdom
How does kayaking in the Arctic work?
If you choose to kayak in the Arctic as part of your voyage, you'll be offered excursions as much as conditions allow,depending on your package. You can take part in as many or as few as you like.
While the other guests on the ship cruise out to landing sites on zodiacs, Arctic kayak tours give you the chance to explore the region from a unique perspective.
You'll typically set off a little earlier and paddle for two to three hours out to the landing site. This means you'll arrive a bit later and can explore with fewer people around, but will also have less time on land.
If you’d prefer to kayak just once, try paddling instead...
Kayaking in Greenland
Paddling in the Arctic
If you want to try paddling in the Arctic just once rather than committing to several sessions as part of a full kayaking programme, some ships offer an alternative opportunity. This activity option is often known as 'paddling'.
Paddling is generally a one-off session for around 60 to 90 minutes, meaning you can still experience the thrill of being on the water without kayaking being the focus of your voyage.
On some – but not all – ships there may also be a difference in the kayaking equipment used. With paddling excursions, a handful use sit-on-top inflatable kayaks rather than sit-in sea kayaks.
Sea kayaking, Svalbard
Choosing between kayaking and paddling
Anyone who knows how to swim, has basic paddling skills, and is agile enough to get in and out of a kayak’s cockpit can take part in a kayaking programme. You don't need to be super experienced, but you should have kayaked before as this is not a beginner's course.
One-off paddling trips are suitable for those without prior kayaking experience. They have a gentler pace and cover less water. You'll still need to be agile enough to get in and out of the kayak and paddle for yourself.
Generally, the age limit for these excursions is 16 years and over, although some ships allow 14-year-olds to take part.
Kayaking in sea ice
Is it safe to kayak in the Arctic?
Kayaking in Antarctica is a strictly supervised activity. Your guides are experienced and safety-oriented, and you'll be kept informed as they constantly monitor the surroundings.
Before taking to the water, you'll attend a mandatory safety briefing on board the ship. Guides will also ask about your prior experience and explain the kit you'll need to wear. You can also ask any question you might have.
If you fall into the water, you’ll be helped straight back onto you kayak by the support team who will always be nearby on a zodiac. While waiting for them, your life jacket and dry suit will keep you afloat, so you’ll be in very little danger.
Kayaking at Svalbard
What will you see while kayaking in the Arctic?
Think glassy surfaces and getting closer to icebergs than you'd thought was possible. The waterways around the Arctic are protected, so more often than not conditions are perfect for sea kayaking.
However, please bear in mind that this is still the Arctic, and weather and ice can change daily, so kayaking excursions are not guaranteed.
Staying flexible is key and actually very much all part of the adventure.
Kayaking in Svalbard
Swoop says
Paddling was a highlight of my trip. It was an fantastic opportunity to experience the Arctic in complete silence, far removed from the noise of the ship and zodiac engines. In fact, the only sounds came from chunks of brash ice hitting the kayak and the nesting seabirds on the cliffs nearby.
Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist
Planning your Arctic kayaking trip
How much does kayaking cost?
Prices for Arctic kayak excursions vary. On a few voyages they are complimentary, but otherwise cost between USD $630 and USD $1,995 per person, depending on which ship you join and the length of your expedition.
While this may seem high, bear in mind that you could be out kayaking every day. The more often you join the excursions, the more value you’ll get.
One-off paddling sessions are understandably cheaper, costing around USD $295.
Kayaking at Alkefjellet
What to pack for kayaking in the Arctic
On most occasions, you'll be given the following kit:
- A full drysuit
- Neoprene boots
- A waterproof dry bag
- Pogies (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle)
- A life vest
You’ll need to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a warm hat, as well as layers for under your dry suit. When on the move, you may get warmer than you thought, so leave some extra clothes on the zodiac support boat to wear once you get onshore.
Kayaking close to a glacier
Swoop says
You don't need to be able to do an eskimo roll to kayak in the Arctic, you just need some previous experience. The region's calm, protected waters make it very safe, and you'll always be accompanied by a guide and support boat.
Plan your trip to the Arctic
Arctic Ship Guide
We partner with selected ice-strengthened Arctic expedition vessels from small yachts and nimble little ships with convivial atmospheres, to larger Russian research boats and …
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What to expect on an Arctic cruise
Choosing to visit the Arctic is the easy part, but what can you expect to do and see once you arrive? From daily zodiac safaris, guided shore landings, insightful lectures and …
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Arctic Animals & Wildlife
The Arctic is one of the most diverse wildlife habitats on Earth, harbouring a vast array of animals adapted to the extreme cold. Polar bears and walrus can be spotted on the sea …
Discover MoreKayaking in the Arctic: FAQs
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What's the difference between kayaking and paddling in the Arctic?
The main difference between kayaking and paddling is that the full kayaking programme means you could be on the water every day, while paddling refers to a one-off kayaking excursion.
Some ships offer both a full kayaking package plus an additional one-off paddling excursion. Some ships may only offer one of these activities.
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Do I need previous experience to kayak in the Arctic?
Sea kayaking in the Arctic is open to anyone with an adventurous spirit, basic paddling skills and the ability to get themselves in and out of the cockpit of a kayak. You don't need to be super experienced, but you should have paddled before as this isn't a 'beginner's course'. You should also be able to swim.
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Do I need experience to go paddling in the Arctic?
Paddling in the Arctic by sea kayak is open to anyone with an adventurous spirit, basic skills and the ability to get yourself in and out of a kayak’s cockpit.
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Will I also be able to go on landings?
Whenever possible, some of the kayaking outings also include time spent exploring on land. It may be that the group decides on a hybrid approach for some excursions so you'll mix kayaking with a shore landing. Just bear in mind that you'll be wearing your drysuit on land.
You can also choose to skip any kayaking excursions and take part in the landing or zodiac cruise instead.
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Is Arctic kayaking in single or double kayaks?
Double kayaks are preferred over single kayaks. If you're travelling alone, your guide will assign you a kayaking partner.
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Can my partner and I share one kayaking place?
This isn’t possible for a few practical reasons:
- Your kayaking kit will be selected to your size
- The kayak will also be set up to your own specifications
- Anyone joining the party halfway through won’t have attended the safety briefings
- Only people who sign up for kayaking can do this activity
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What happens if I fall into the water while kayaking?
Togged out in a drysuit, and wearing a buoyancy aid, you’re in little danger and typically people get straight back into their kayak with the help of the support zodiac.
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What kit is provided for kayaking in the Arctic?
On most occasions, you'll be given a full drysuit, neoprene boots, a waterproof dry bag, 'pogies' (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle) and a life vest.
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What happens in case of cancellation?
Kayaking is very much subject to the weather conditions and will be cancelled in case of too much wind or swell. It would be incredibly rare for all outings to go ahead, but with excursions planned for most days, you’re sure to get to kayak in the Arctic.
Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
