Svalbard Cruises
Halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard distils the best of The Arctic into one remarkable archipelago. In high summer, largely ice-free coastlines and fjords reveal …
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The North Pole: key information
- The North Pole is 700 miles from its nearest neighbour, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, and is only practically accessible by icebreaker ship or on foot
- Remote and challenging to access, less than a thousand people a year join the exclusive club of travellers who have stood at the North Pole
- Suspended above the Arctic Ocean on ice six to ten feet thick, there’s nothing to actually mark this mythical spot when you get there
- The travel season is restricted to the boreal summer of June to September only, when improved conditions allow a narrow window of opportunity to visit
- While the North Pole isn’t known for its wildlife, you’re almost guaranteed to see polar bears en route, along with plenty of birds and possibly whales and seals
- Unless you’re unusually hardy and willing to make your own way on foot overland, the only way to get there is by icebreaker ship
Swoop says
Bucket List destinations don't get any bigger than the chance to stand at the North Pole where all lines of longitude converge.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
The North Pole: FAQs
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Can you really travel to the North Pole?
Yes, it is possible to reach the Geographic North Pole. However, the options are very limited for getting to this incredibly remote place:
- On foot: Hardy modern-day explorers test themselves by skiing and man hauling their own sled over the ice for many weeks
- By air: The shifting, frozen Arctic Ocean isn’t conducive to establishing even a seasonal landing strip for planes, and the range too great for helicopters
- By ship: The only practical, scheduled, comfortable and guaranteed way to reach the North Pole is by icebreaker ship
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Why visit? Top reasons to visit the North Pole
- Stand on the roof of the world at 90° North, where every line of longitude converges under your feet
- Achieve the ambition of a lifetime – the world’s most elusive bucket-list destination – a journey that few will ever dare and even fewer will ever claim
- Experience the Arctic’s vast, raw, stark, beauty, along with 24 hours of daylight under the midnight sun, and feel its icy nip on your cheeks
- To encounter the King of the Arctic – a polar bear in its natural realm – a truly majestic, life affirming experience
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When is the best time to go?
During summer months when the ice is thinner: June to early September.
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How long does a trip take and how much does it cost?
Duration: Typically 16 days in length for a ship-based trip.
Cost: These trips are expensive. North Pole trips by ship cost from USD $30,000 to over USD $60,000 per person, depending on which cabin category you choose and how far in advance you book. Prices are variable and increase over time as the early booking discounts diminish.
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Will I see polar bears on a trip to the North Pole?
Yes, polar bear sightings are all but guaranteed travelling by ship, and are a real highlight of this trip (even though reaching the Pole is the main focus).
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How cold will it be at the North Pole?
The average temperature during the summer months is 32°F (0°C), and the atmosphere is dry and the sun remains low in the sky.
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Do I need a visa to travel to the North Pole?
No, not specifically for the North Pole – only a visa to travel to the start and finish points of your trip.
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Will I see the Northern Lights?
If you travel north during June to late August you won’t as it's the time of the midnight sun and 24 hours of daylight, during which time the sun doesn’t sun.
However, if you choose a late August or September trip, when the nights are starting to draw in fast at these northerly latitudes, there are chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Our North Pole Voyages
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Reach the top of the world in serious comfort onboard a state-of-the-art luxury, hybrid-powered icebreaker. Travel north through icebound waters and join the exclusive list of intrepid explorers who have visited the geographical North…
- 16 Days
- $36,840
Book your place for the world’s coolest marathon. Maximum kudos and bragging points included. Fly by charter flight direct from Paris to Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic where you embark the world’s most advanced icebreaker ship for your journey to…
- 16 Days
- $53,505
As if a voyage to the North Pole isn’t special enough, this extended version includes exploring both east Greenland and Svalbard as well, thereby ticking off three very distinct and contrasting parts of The Arctic in a single thrilling voyage.…
- 18 Days
- $47,010
What our customers think of Visiting The North Pole
Once again, Swoop’s service and advice were immaculate. The fact that we are returning clients says it all! Read the full review
Travelled: August 2018
Charles & Lesley Cook - United Kingdom
The North Pole by Icebreaker
Though inaccessible for most of the year, it is possible to travel to the North Pole between June - September onboard the world’s first custom-built icebreaker for private travel.
This powerful, very comfortable, state-of-the-art expedition ship offers a handful of scheduled departures each summer for thrill-seekers to achieve the most elusive of Bucket List triumphs.
Once the North Pole is achieved, spend days in situ exploring this raw, beguiling world - snowshoeing, photographing, kayaking, or even consider doing the polar plunge.
Le Commandant Charcot in the Arctic ice
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
Roaming polar bear
Le Commandant Charcot in ice
Kayaking excursion
Commandant Charcot
Resting polar bear
Sailing between ice floes
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice
At the Geographic North Pole
Ice walk
Parked in the ice
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The Arctic is so vast and diverse that one of the biggest challenges is knowing where to begin. Our exclusive guide will help you get started with your travel plans.
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.
