When to visit the Arctic
The arctic summer, blessed with long days and buzz of wildlife and human activity, is favoured by travellers seeking the classic arctic experience. But delve deeper and you'll find…
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Attractions and landmarks
The vast scale of the Arctic can sometimes feel unfathomable, with 8 different sovereign states including the United States, Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden, so it can help to identify a few landmarks to shape your trip.
- The bird cliffs on Prince Leopold Island promise skies filled with darting birds, an incredible sight to behold
- For the emerald green Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky, plan a trip to West Greenland
- Build education into your adventure at Ny-Ålesund on Svalbard, the world's most northerly science lab
- History buffs will be familiar with Beechey Island, Franklin's place of rest, but you can also visit the abandoned huts of explorers in the Russian Arctic
- For huge ice sculptures the size of tower blocks, don't miss Disko Bay, with its landscape that sparkles in the low light.
Swoop says
Dog sledding in spring, standing at the North Pole in summer or encountering polar bears in Churchill in autumn, it's the inexhaustible variety of Arctic experiences which keeps me returning again and again.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Our most popular Arctic trips
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
A full transit of the Northwest Passage is a truly epic undertaking, travelling in the footsteps of legendary explorers Amundsen, Franklin and Larsen. This voyage is distinguished by the small, nimble and comfortably appointed expedition ship you'll travel on, with…
- 29 Days
- $50,995
There are few wilder, more remote places on the planet than East Greenland. Travelling by a small, very comfortable custom-built expedition ship, this voyage aims to showcase the best of Greenland’s eye-popping scenery, vast ice and exotic wildlife. Walk the…
- 12 Days
- $19,769
Encounter the King of the Arctic up close, with an exceptionally high chance of sightings in October and November. Small groups explore the tundra in exclusive vehicles with a specialist guide when the bear migration peaks. You'll also learn about…
- 6/7 Days
- $8,495
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
- $22,295
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 or 12 Days
- $18,695
Truly escape the modern world and explore Svalbard on board a schooner. Sail north through the melting spring ice, spot wildlife and learn about the archipelago’s rich history. Highlights include the Monaco Glacier, 17th century whaling settlements, close encounters with…
- 8 or 11 Days
- $4,200
This might be a short trip but it packs a huge amount in. Sail among the ice of Disko Bay and spot humpbacks hunting herring; trek to the look out over Jakobshavn Glacier; explore the settlements of Sisimiut and Itilleq…
- 8 Days
- $6,495
Sailing in August or September, explore the massive fjords of East Greenland and their legendary icebergs, spot musk oxen and visit ancient and modern Inuit settlements. Late summer provides a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. A choice of…
- 10 Days
- $6,000
Travelling in luxury aboard an outstanding expedition ship, we love this trip for its unusual combination of Svalbard and Norway’s northern tip, plus its focus on top-notch service and cuisine. After a hassle-free charter flight from Oslo to Svalbard, spend…
- 11 Days
- $17,600
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
- $39,567
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board on a comfortable expedition ship and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling on a smaller ship allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special guest…
- 12 Days
- $9,290
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
- $14,247
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
- $7,267
Spending time exploring Canada’s historic Northwest Passage and West Greenland, we like this voyage’s balance and variety as much as exploring little visited spots such as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world, and Smith Sound. Big ice,…
- 17 Days
- $19,671
Exploring East Greenland’s wild, dramatic coastline on board a small, custom-built polar ship, this is expedition cruising at its very best. Hike the autumnal tundra in search of musk oxen during the day, with a strong chance to see the…
- 11 Days
- $10,796
Arctic destinations
Svalbard
An Arctic archipelago halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the most easily accessedparts of the High Arctic.
In the spring, pristine snow conditions make it an ideal place for snowmobiling and dog sledding adventures. During high summer, the melting of the ice turns Svalbard’s dramatic coastline and fjords into exciting cruising grounds for expedition ships.
Flowers on the beach in Svalbard
Northwest Passage
Long sought by early adventurers as a sea route linking the Northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, this labyrinthine waterway through Canada’s Arctic archipelago is no stranger to ship-based exploration.
Travelling the Northwest Passage is to step back in time, following in the footsteps of Franklin, Peary, Amundsen and so many other early adventurers who gave their names in perpetuity to the islands and bays you will explore.
Greenland
The world's largest island is also the least densely populated country in the world, challenging the adventurous with its vast swaths of beautiful, unfenced wilderness.
From cruising the iceberg strewn water to trekking the world's largest ice cap, Greenland is a sensory assault on all levels., and its empty spaces is like a siren call for the adventure traveller.
Churchill
A bear in the Churchill snow
For a few weeks each year, the outpost town of Churchill on the shores of Hudson Bay becomes one of the best places in the world to see polar bears.
During October and November this is somewhere you can very nearly guarantee sightings and it's been known to see over forty individuals in one day! At other times of year you can see countless beluga and in the winter the northern lights make dramatic appearances.
Canadian Arctic
The Canadian Arctic is well known for its diverse wildlife, fascinating history, rich native culture and spectacular scenery.
A vast area in total, encompassing the Canadian Arctic archipelago, a watery wilderness which in late summer thawing ice allows expedition ships to explore, following the early explorers in their search for the fabled Northwest Passage.
North Pole
To travel to 90 degrees north and stand on the roof of the world at the Geographic North Pole, where all lines of longitude convergence, is a ‘Bucket List’ item shared by many.
Whether you travel by nuclear-powered icebreaker in high summer or arrive by helicopter in April, the North Pole is more accessible than you might think.
Travellers circle the North Pole
Customer reviews of Places to visit in the Arctic
Beyond my expectations, and I would recommend unreservedly. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Val Chiswell - United Kingdom
We actually arranged some additional time in Oslo and Iceland before and after the trip ourselves, and Swoop’s advice and coordination were extremely useful. Read the full review
Travelled: August 2018
Charles & Lesley Cook - United Kingdom
The trip was good, the light gorgeous, the icebergs fantastical, and the wildlife wonderful with more polar bears than expected. The traditional villages made us think about their future, and we met new friends. Read the full review
Travelled: August 2018
Carol & Gerard Yorke - United States Of America
I will tell my grandchildren that we had a barbeque on the front upper deck and got to 82 degrees north! Read the full review
Travelled: July 2018
Dianne & Jim Spry - United Kingdom
Close-up views of a blue whale on the first evening as we left Longyearbyen was a great start. Fantastic to have sailed beyond 82N into the ice cap. Read the full review
Travelled: July 2018
Steve & Tina O'Shea - United Kingdom
Kayaking in the thick brash ice by a big glacier, on a beautiful sunny day was a highlight....but then again, so was when the walrus popped its head up out of the water right in front of me when in the zodiac! Read the full review
Travelled: June 2018
Leslie & Nancy Steenbeke (Grossman) - United States Of America
Plan your trip
Arctic Cruise Ships
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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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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A guide to Arctic travel
Standing as an ice mass that stretches up to 14 million square miles at peak winter, the Arctic is one of the last wildernesses left on Earth. The Frozen Planet series inspired …
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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.
