Five reasons to visit the Arctic in August

  1. Experience the vast movement of seabird colonies as they prepare to head south again for the winter
  2. In the Canadian Arctic take advantage of the short absence of ice to sail the historic Northwest Passage
  3. East Greenland opens up allowing access to Scoresby Sund and opportunities for inland exploration
  4. Spitsbergen’s west coast is now entirely ice free and polar bears are increasingly sighted on land
  5. Greenland´s flora blooms bringing carpets of colour to the tundra and hillsides

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

Both whale and bear sightings in Svalbard can be excellent in August, while the snow-free terrain means hiking is at its best.

Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist

Arctic cruises in August 2026

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Svalbard & Norway in Style

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
  • 1-Aug-2026
High Arctic Explorer: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

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
  • $24,295
  • 2-Aug-2026
Arctic Journey: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

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
  • $11,495
Basecamp Greenland: Into the Wilderness

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
  • $14,195
  • 2-Aug-2026
Into the Wild: Baffin & West Greenland

Visits to Canadian and Greenlandic communities Inuit history and culture are at the core of this journey, among those stops both Kinngait, the centre of Inuit Art and Nuuk, Greenland's capital are included. There's plenty of wildlife opportunities too with…

  • 14 Days
  • $9,995
  • 2-Aug-2026
Express Iceland Circumnavigation

Beginning and ending in Iceland’s iconic capital, spend six full days circumnavigating the wild fringes of this extraordinary island by small expedition ship, a world away from the busy crowds on land. Superlatives quickly run dry when trying to describe…

  • 8 Days
  • $8,140
  • 2-Aug-2026
Expedition Svalbard & East Greenland

This extraordinarily varied two-centre combination Arctic voyage not only consistently overdelivers, but it's also sensibly priced for all you will experience. Travelling onboard an elegant, sturdy older ship, any shortcomings it may have in the luxury amenities department are more…

  • 15 Days
  • $8,999
East Greenland Small Ship Adventure

Focused on East Greenland’s Ammassalik region, specifically the incredible ice-choked Sermilik Fjord, this trip offers the best of this entire coastline in microcosm. Travelling slowly in a rarely visited area, maximising time off ship to hike and explore the tundra,…

  • 10 Days
  • $12,180
Ice & Fire: East Greenland & Iceland Combined

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
Svalbard In-Depth

Scouting Svalbard’s ice floes for wildlife by zodiac and on foot, cruising the magnificent 14th of July glacier and reaching the world’s most northerly settlement at Ny Ålesund are just some of this 10-day voyage’s many highlights. There's also the…

  • 10 Days
  • $7,034
North Pole in Luxury

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
  • $44,900
Icebergs & Auroras: East Greenland & Svalbard

Beginning deep inside the High Arctic and finishing in subarctic Iceland, we like this voyage for its diversity, sense of journey and extended time exploring East Greenland. Zodiac cruising among towering icebergs, glimpsing the Northern Lights and tracking musk oxen…

  • 20 Days
  • $12,041
  • 12-Aug-2026
Svalbard Explorer

Circumnavigate Spitsbergen on board a choice of three small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore, and some late-season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…

  • 12 Days
  • $11,890
East and South Greenland In Depth

Start off in Akureyri, then cross the Arctic Circle as you sail north across the Denmark Strait and along Greenland's immense eastern coastline. The final leg of the voyage is across the Greenland Sea to Longyearbyen. This is a truly…

  • 14 Days
  • $7,750
Baffin Island & West Greenland in Style

Combining little-visited southeast Baffin Island with the towering icebergs and charming communities of West Greenland, this is an unusual and fascinating exploration of two very different Arctic regions divided by Baffin Bay. Sailing on an all-inclusive luxury polar ship, with…

  • 17 Days
  • $21,250
East Greenland Explorer: Icebergs & Northern Lights

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
  • $5,900
  • 16-Aug-2026
Greenland, Baffin & Northwest Passage In-Depth

This comprehensive westbound voyage stands out for its compelling combination of West Greenland, the east coast of Baffin Island and the historic Northwest Passage. Jaw-dropping scenery, towering icebergs, thrilling wildlife encounters, Inuit community visits and fascinating history pervade this epic…

  • 17 Days
  • $19,224
  • 17-Aug-2026
Northwest Passage Odyssey

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
  • 20-Aug-2026
West Greenland & Disko Bay

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
  • $7,695
East Greenland in Style

Combining the majestic landscapes of remote East Greenland and a slice of western Iceland with all the trappings of travelling aboard a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship, this trip overdelivers on every front. Enjoy the sensory overload of Arctic landscapes during…

  • 16 Days
  • $25,000
  • 24-Aug-2026
Northwest Passage: In Franklin's Footsteps

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
  • $18,495
  • 26-Aug-2026
Wilderness Explorer: Greenland, Labrador & Newfoundland

In two weeks and over 2,200 nautical miles, sail from west Greenland to Newfoundland along Canada’s dramatic Labrador coast. Along the way explore four pristine Canadian National Parks. Prepare to be wowed by the variety with everything from Inuit culture…

  • 15 Days
  • $11,995
  • 28-Aug-2026
Southern Greenland: Vikings & Big Ice

One of very few voyages to explore Southern Greenland in depth, expect big ice, Viking history, dramatic scenery and humpback whale sightings. Then journey on to the west coast, delving into Greenlandic culture in the capital city, and visiting the…

  • 14 Days
  • $12,297
  • 29-Aug-2026
​Ultima Thule: Northwest Passage & West Greenland

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
  • 31-Aug-2026
East Greenland Fly & Cruise Adventure

Exploring East Greenland doesn't get any easier. A short charter flight from Iceland saves you time and a potentially rough crossing of the Denmark Strait. On arrival, embark your small, expeditionary sailing ship and spend the next nine full days…

  • 11 Days
  • $6,150
  • 31-Aug-2026

Arctic cruises in August 2027

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Basecamp Greenland: Into the Wilderness

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
  • $14,295
Svalbard & Norway in Style

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
  • 1-Aug-2027
Into the Wild: Baffin & West Greenland

Visits to Canadian and Greenlandic communities Inuit history and culture are at the core of this journey, among those stops both Kinngait, the centre of Inuit Art and Nuuk, Greenland's capital are included. There's plenty of wildlife opportunities too with…

  • 14 Days
  • $6,747
  • 2-Aug-2027
Ice & Fire: East Greenland & Iceland Combined

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
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

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
  • $19,195
  • 8-Aug-2027
High Arctic Explorer: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

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
  • 9-Aug-2027
Spitsbergen Explorer

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
  • $14,895
  • 17-Aug-2027
East Greenland in Style

Combining the majestic landscapes of remote East Greenland and a slice of western Iceland with all the trappings of travelling aboard a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship, this trip overdelivers on every front. Enjoy the sensory overload of Arctic landscapes during…

  • 16 Days
  • $25,000
  • 23-Aug-2027
Northwest Passage Revealed (Westbound)

In the labyrinthine icy channels of the legendary Northwest Passage, explore the islands and channels that form Canada’s High Arctic region. Meet local indigenous people, encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife – including walruses, beluga whales, polar bears, musk oxen and the elusive…

  • 16 Days
  • $25,495
  • 30-Aug-2027

Planning your Arctic cruise

When to visit the Arctic

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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Arctic Cruise Ships

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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Husky puppy in Svalbard

Arctic Animals & Wildlife

The Arctic is one of the richest and most diverse wildlife habitats on Earth, harbouring a vast array of animals, spanning from the mighty white bear, to the strong musk oxen, to …

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Find Your Arctic Ship

Making the correct choice of ship is key. With firsthand experience of all of the ships we offer, let Swoop help guide you to exactly the right one.

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