Choosing where to go in the Arctic

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

Kayaking amongst icebergs, standing at the North Pole, encountering polar bears, visiting Inuit communities and watching whales up close. It's the inexhaustible variety of Arctic experiences which keeps me returning again and again.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic

Places to visit in the Arctic

Svalbard

Hikers in Ny London, Svalbard

Deep inside the Arctic Circle and only 500 miles from the North Pole, the archipelago of Svalbard exists at the edge of the inhabitable world. An icy realm on the roof of the world…

Discover More

The Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage

For the explorer, there are few places evocative as the Northwest Passage. For centuries men sought a way through the ice; even today passage is not guaranteed. This is a true …

Discover More

Greenland

Greenland

From Greenland’s vast size and scale to her welcoming people and vibrant capital, it’s a staggering place on so many levels. While many Greenlanders continue to adhere to …

Discover More

Churchill

Churchill

The centre of a polar bear migration in October and November, the worlds' best place to see northern lights from January to March and a gathering point for thousands of beluga …

Discover More

The North Pole

Le Commandant Charcot navigating the ice

We’ve all gazed at the top of a globe or map and wondered what it must be like up there on the roof of the world. Remote, cold and largely inaccessible – yet that ambition to …

Discover More

The Russian Arctic

The Russian Arctic

The Russian Arctic is wild, rugged, rarely visited, totally isolated, desolate and utterly stunning. That isolation has lead to flourishing wildlife and pristine landscapes that …

Discover More

Customer reviews of Arctic Travel Guide: Places to Go

I really enjoyed the zodiac cruises by the glaciers. For landings I would say Ny Alesund for sending a post card and Gamsha for the old whale bones.

Travelled: August 2026

Robert Raica-Scallan - USA

Expedition team and all staff in ship were outstanding. The twice daily expeditions were also excellent.

Travelled: August 2026

Mark Shattner - USA

I liked the cabin, the ready rooms, the lounges and being able to eat a few meals outside. The head chef was so kind. All the expedition team were good.

Travelled: August 2026

Lindley James - USA

The crew were excellent; they were far more like friends than I expected. The freshness of the food was also very welcome.

Travelled: July 2026

Edward Milford - UK

During our circumnavigation of Svalbard, we observed a wide diversity of Arctic wildlife including: 9 polar bears, a pod of beluga whales, all species of seals, minke whales, walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer and thousands of sea birds.

Travelled: July 2026

Valerie Wright-St Clair - New Zealand

The team and trip are incredible!!... It's a beautiful cultural journey if you like the sea and learning first hand about the people and the culture of the places seen and visited during the passage crossing.

Travelled: September 2025

Sandra Zobel de Ayala - Spain

Responsive and info provided have been most useful.

Travelled: July 2025

Lai Ling Tang - Malaysia

My engagements with Swoop so far for the last two trips (both Kate Higgs & Hannah Green) were very pleasant. Kate and Hannah have been very helpful with our questions.

Travelled: July 2025

Kuang Chuan Tan - Singapore

Overall the trip was fantastic and staff were great. Our Expedition Leader was the best I’ve had (of three trips).

Travelled: June 2025

Jean Brown - Canada

Customer Image

Beyond my expectations, and I would recommend unreservedly. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2018

Val Chiswell - United Kingdom

Customer Image

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

Customer Image

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 - USA

Customer Image

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

Customer Image

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

Customer Image

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 to the Arctic

National Geographic Resolution, Arctic Vessel

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 …

Discover More
Arctic Ship Guide

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 …

Discover More
Le Commandant Charcot navigating through ice

Arctic Cruises FAQs

Our expert team are ready and waiting to answer your questions. Whether it's about a specific ship, the best time to travel, or even what clothing is best for the Arctic, we're …

Discover More

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.