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 2026
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
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
- $21,640
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
- $6,490
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
- $9,442
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
- $29,450
This Arctic journey begins in Iceland's vibrant Reykjavík and remote Westfjords, including Djúpavík's herring factory and whale-rich Húsavík. Cruising north, discover volcanic Jan Mayen and explore Svalbard's historic, glacier-carved fjords. The voyage culminates at the North Cape, Europe's northernmost point,…
- 14 Days
- $18,878
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
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
- $5,495
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
- $2,800
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
Explore the fjords and ice of Svalbard keeping a close watch for polar bears onboard a choice of three truly exceptional small expedition ships. Spend time on deck, on land and in zodiacs with the hugely experienced guides learning about…
- 9 Days
- $6,990
In the Land of Ice and Fire, where snow-capped peaks rise above glaciers and active volcanoes rumble, stroll along black-sand beaches strewn with glittering icebergs and walk amongst geysers and bubbling mud pools. Explore spectacular fjords and impressive waterfalls during…
- 11 Days
- $13,995
Experience the best of two contrasting Arctic regions as they get ready for summer. Beginning in Reykjavík, this audacious voyage by expeditionary icebreaker ship arches north across the Arctic circle following the dramatic, ice-choked coastline of east Greenland, before steering…
- 17 Days
- $36,860
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
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.
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
- $21,640
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
- $5,495
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
- $29,450
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.
