Places to visit in the Arctic
The land inside the Arctic Circle is divided between eight countries, each with its own very distinct characteristics. From polar bears to history, wilderness to dog sledding, …
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Five reasons to visit the Arctic in May
- By late spring The Arctic is opening up and purple saxifrage can be seen starting to bloom
- Puffins, Brünnich's and common guillemots and other migratory birds return to The Arctic to nest
- Expedition ships arrive in Spitsbergen and Greenland for the summer
- Warmer weather and more sunny days makes May a favourite time for dog sledding and snowmobiling
- Experience the spring ice floe edge with chances to see narwhals, polar bears and icebergs
Swoop says
I love May in Svalbard for the pristine quality of the scenery and the excitement as the archipelago reawakens after the long polar night.
Nardus Erasmus Arctic Sales Specialist
Arctic cruises in May 2027
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Spring travel in Svalbard is a real treat, particularly on board a 12-guest micro ship. Revel in being one of the earliest visitors with the whole archipelago largely to yourselves. Explore iced fjords, a landscape still shrouded in snow, and…
- 8 Days
- $12,500
For the Rolls-Royce of expeditionary cruising in Svalbard, travel with the original pioneers of polar exploration on this trip. Traversing Svalbard aboard one of the most advanced small expedition ships afloat and accompanied by your unparalleled onboard expedition team, expeditionary…
- 10 Days
- $14,420
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
- $10,501
May is springtime in Svalbard and for those travellers looking for pristine, fairytale snowy landscapes, icy fjords and a world – and wildlife – re-awakening after the long winter slumber, it’s a magical time. Travelling on board a micro expedition…
- 9 Days
- $10,490
East Greenland in May is still frozen and inaccessible, unless you’re travelling aboard this extraordinary icebreaker which is the only ship capable of pushing through the pack ice to explore this wild, pristine land in springtime. This is true polar…
- 11 Days
- $25,504
May is springtime in Svalbard and for those travellers looking for pristine, fairytale snowy landscapes, icy fjords and a world – and wildlife – re-awakening after the long winter slumber, it’s a magical time. Travelling onboard a small ship with…
- 9 Days
- $7,990
Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…
- 8 Days
- $6,972
East Greenland is little-travelled in the summer months, so an extended trip in May when this coastline is still gripped by ice is even rarer. Travelling onboard the world’s most advanced icebreaker ship allows you to cut through the ice…
- 15 Days
- $38,478
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard an exceptional expedition ship. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about the history, geology and wildlife…
- 9 Days
- $8,890
Setting sail from Scotland, this iconic journey island hops its way northwards before bisecting the Arctic Circle and spending time exploring the captivating Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The little-visited islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen are a real treat,…
- 10 Days
- $3,300
Arctic cruises in May 2028
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
For the Rolls-Royce of expeditionary cruising in Svalbard, travel with the original pioneers of polar exploration on this trip. Traversing Svalbard aboard one of the most advanced small expedition ships afloat and accompanied by your unparalleled onboard expedition team, expeditionary…
- 10 Days
- $14,420
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
- $10,391
Experience Arctic summertime at its best on this immersive expedition, travelling aboard a modern X-Bow ship built for a smoother ride through polar waters. Keep watch for walruses, whales and, with luck, polar bears as you venture towards the sea…
- 8 Days
- $7,306
For those who value comfort without the formality, this all-inclusive Svalbard expedition offers a relaxed introduction to the High Arctic. The ship’s contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design provides a stylish and comfortable base from which to explore by zodiac, on foot and…
- 9 Days
- $6,650
Planning your Arctic cruise
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
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 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 …
Discover MoreFind 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.
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.
