How to get to the Arctic
You're planning a trip to the end of the earth! Now, how to get there? With multiple countries and entry points, tricky weather conditions and vast distances, this is a decision to…
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What happens on an Arctic expedition cruise?
Arctic cruises are deeply immersive adventures that plunge you into the heart of the Far North. Regardless of whether you choose an intimate expedition vessel or a high-end luxury ship, your days will be filled with shore landings, zodiac tours through glittering ice-filled bays, and engaging educational programs – all centred around spotting iconic wildlife like the polar bear.
While the volatile polar climate requires a flexible itinerary, the presence of a professional guiding team ensures that, no matter the weather, the wonders of the Arctic are always within reach.
Swoop says
One moment you’re zipping through ice-choked bays on a zodiac, the next you’re standing on a remote shore, humbled by the silence. Arctic cruising is active, unpredictable, and deeply immersive. Whether you’re learning from world-class experts or scanning the horizon for polar bears, the energy is constant – every second feels electric.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Our most popular Arctic cruises
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
- $13,995
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
- $13,872
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
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
- $22,995
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
- $20,521
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…
- 11 Days
- $6,000
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
- $5,266
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
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
For a stellar introduction to all Svalbard has to offer, travel on board a modern X-Bow ship with a maximum of just 130 guests while accompanied by one of the best expedition teams in the business. Complimentary charter flights and…
- 8 Days
- $14,395
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
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…
- 13 Days
- $38,380
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
What our customers think of Arctic cruising
What you'll experience on an Arctic cruise
Shore landings
Daily shore excursions from Arctic expedition ships provide an unparalleled immersion into the wild, from the tactile crunch of snow to the sensory intensity of animal colonies and the humbling scale of the polar terrain.
No two landings are identical. Some prioritise intimate wildlife encounters, others highlight historic landmarks, and many are selected simply for their breathtaking scenery. Led by knowledgeable guides, every step you take onto Arctic soil becomes an indelible memory.
Visiting an historic hut
Zodiac cruises
Zodiacs are the pulse of any Arctic expedition, offering exhilarating 'ice safaris' into the unknown. Driven by expert guides constantly scouting for wildlife, these flat-bottomed boats provide a stable, practical platform for photographers and an absolute blast for everyone else.
The sheer spontaneity of a zodiac means your experience can shift in an instant: one moment you're weaving through ancient ice floes, and the next you're watching walrus hauled out on the ice, or gasping as a whale breaches nearby.
Zodiac excursion at Bear Islands
Wildlife watching
The Arctic is one of greatest wildlife watching destinations on the planet, and the wildlife here is quite unafraid of people, which can lead to some truly extraordinary encounters.
Come to the Arctic for walrus on ice floes, whales showing their flukes and, of course, polar bears. At times, you won’t know where to point your camera, but the expert naturalist guides will always be on hand to point out what you’re seeing – and recap and review the day’s wildlife tally when you’re back on board.
Polar bear roaming on the snow
Adventure activities
From kayaking and paddling to snowshoeing and hiking, adventure activities can take your Arctic experience to another level.
These optional activities normally carry an additional charge and are booked when you secure your cabin, but some ships also offer trips that include activities in the price.
Kayaking at Alkefjellet
Swoop says
Flexibility is at the heart of every Arctic cruise, and plans can change as quickly as the unpredictable polar weather. However, your expedition team are masters of adaptation, so whatever the conditions, they'll always ensure you get the best that the Arctic has to offer.
Photography
The Arctic serves as a phenomenal backdrop for photography. The landscapes are breathtaking, wildlife is abundant, and the 'golden hour' at the conclusion of a long polar day offers truly spectacular lighting conditions.
Every expedition team features at least one specialist photography guide to help refine your skills. For dedicated enthusiasts, specific vessels even provide specialised photography zodiacs during outings, ensuring passengers can capture the perfect shot without compromise.
Photographing the pack ice
Education and enrichment
Enlightening guests about the Arctic is a fundamental pillar of the polar expedition experience. Your guides are true specialists; many have spent years conducting field research on the ice before bringing their expertise to your vessel.
This wealth of knowledge is shared through engaging onboard presentations, but it truly comes alive in the field. As your guide pauses the zodiac beside a iceberg to explain the nuances of glaciology, you’ll quickly realise that an education in this extraordinary outdoor classroom is unlike anything else on the planet.
Guide leading an excursion
Citizen science
Numerous expedition vessels provide passengers the opportunity to participate in citizen science initiatives, gathering vital data for world-renowned research organisations.
Available programs range from collecting phytoplankton samples to study climate impacts and monitoring whales or seabirds, to assisting NASA with the calibration of their weather satellites. These projects are not only highly engaging but offer an unmatched way for travellers to engage deeply with the broader environmental challenges facing the Arctic.
Enjoying West Greenland's spectacular glacially-carved scenery
The polar plunge
The polar plunge is a legendary Arctic tradition, guaranteed to earn you looks of admiration (or disbelief) from friends back home. Typically offered once per voyage, the event creates a festive, party-like mood across the ship; even for those staying dry, it remains one of the region's most entertaining spectator events.
While the sudden cold is certainly a shock, the post-plunge rush is exhilarating, fuelled by a unique sense of camaraderie with your fellow jumpers. It is entirely optional, but we suggest tucking a swimsuit into your luggage regardless of your current resolve – you never know when the spirit of adventure might take hold!
Braving the polar plunge
What to expect on an Arctic cruise: FAQs
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How fit do I need to be for an Arctic cruise?
Most people are fit enough for a cruise to the Arctic. You’ll be walking short distances during the landings (under half a mile or 1km) and even when longer walks are offered, you can always opt for a shorter alternative route.
It's worth making sure you're in good physical shape, and capable of walking across uneven ground that may be covered with ice or snow, before you head off on your cruise. That way, you'll get the most out of your time in the Arctic.
A walking pole provides a useful third point of balance. You can bring your own, but most ships have poles for guests to use.
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What is the best time of year to visit the Arctic?
The visitor season in the Arctic runs from May to September. There's no one best time to visit – different months offer different experiences.
In May, the Arctic awakens from its lengthy, dark hibernation. While temperatures remain frigid, the sun finally climbs above the horizon, a momentous event met with local excitement.
During July and August, the brief summer peaks. A flurry of activity takes hold as wildlife and travellers alike seize the fleeting window of warmth. Expedition vessels operate at full capacity, and the initial icebreaker journeys toward the North Pole begin.
As September arrives, the crisp air of autumn spreads across the region. As the weeks pass, a significant temperature drop occurs, and the sea begins its seasonal freeze once more.
For more information, see our page about the best time to visit the Arctic.
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What clothing will I need for an Arctic cruise?
It's imperative that you dress for cold and wet weather in the Arctic. For a detailed packing list, see our guide on what to wear to keep you warm and dry.
There is no specialist equipment that you'll need to bring in order to take part in adventure activities such kayaking as this will be provided for you on the ship. You'll be given a full packing list of what to bring when you book.
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Can the planned excursions be affected by weather?
Yes. The weather in the Arctic is the deciding factor and it's one of the reasons why itineraries are never set in stone. The ship's captain and your expedition leader work closely together to plan the best activities for each day, taking the weather into account. There will always be backup plans.
Expedition leaders are very experienced in improvising when the conditions change, so even though the weather will influence your trip, it would be incredibly rare that it would affect it to the point of all landings being missed.
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How easy is it getting in and out of zodiacs?
Boarding and exiting a Zodiac is much simpler than it first appears, easily handled by anyone with reasonable mobility.
When moving to or from the ship, you’ll use a set of stairs to reach the boat. Crew members will provide a steady hand during the process.
For shore excursions, you’ll perform a 'wet landing' – shifting to the side in shallow water before swinging your legs over the pontoon. This movement quickly becomes instinctive.
In choppy conditions, extra caution is required when stepping across, but the expedition team will be there to support you every step of the way.
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How long to zodiac cruises last?
Zodiac cruises usually last between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on the weather and location. Your expedition team will always aim to maximise the cruising time.
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How close will I get to the wildlife on a zodiac cruise?
Zodiac cruises offer some of the most intimate wildlife encounters in the High North. You might watch puffins diving nearby or drift silently toward bearded seals resting on ice floes.
Strict Arctic guidelines dictate that zodiacs must not approach most wildlife closer than 30 metres, with specific new regulations for polar bears requiring a minimum distance of 300 to 500 metres to prevent disturbance. Guides will always retreat if an animal appears stressed. In practice, curious marine life may still approach a stationary boat; in the late season, it’s not uncommon for whales to surface so close to your zodiac that you can actually smell their distinct, fishy breath.
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Do I need prior experience to take part in the adventure activities?
In general no experience is needed for the majority of adventure activities in the Arctic. Kayaking does require some previous experience and a good level of fitness, but many ships also now offer introductory paddling options for beginners.
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Can anyone do the polar plunge?
Anyone in good health can take a polar plunge – you'll just need a little bravery.
If you have been in poor health prior to your trip, or have a heart condition, we recommend getting a medical opinion before taking part. The ship's doctor always attends polar plunges.
More about the Arctic
Arctic cruise costs explained
The Arctic is the destination of a lifetime. Our guide offers everything you need to know about how much an Arctic cruise costs, whatever your type of trip.
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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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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…
Discover MoreReady 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.
