Five reasons to visit the Arctic in September

  1. Experience the explosion of autumn colours across the Greenlandic tundra, a great time for trekking
  2. With the sun now lower in the sky, soft light and dramatic sunsets make September a great month for photography
  3. The recession of pack ice north allows a short window of opportunity to explore East Greenland’s Scoresby Sund
  4. From mid month the day’s start to shorten, temperatures drop and the first new snow begins to appear
  5. The return of the polar night provides great opportunities to experience the Aurora Borealis

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

September marks that narrow annual window of opportunity when the Northwest Passage briefly loosens its icy clasp, allowing ships to slip through this fabled labyrinth.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic

Arctic cruises in September 2026

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

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
  • $6,495
Fjords, Bergs & Aurora

Discover the vast landscapes and enormous icebergs of Scoresbysund in East Greenland. Visit tiny remote communities and trek in pristine wilderness then spend the night watching the Northern Lights above…

  • 11 Days
  • $11,406
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
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
  • 8-Sep-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
Untamed East Greenland

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
  • $8,326
Northwest Passage, Ellesmere & West Greenland

Traversing west to east this voyage takes you to iconic sites such as Cambridge Bay, Lancaster and Smith Sounds and Ellesmere Island, before exploring the fjords and towns of West Greenland. Bears, narwhal, musk ox, beluga and northern lights are…

  • 17 Days
  • $18,495
  • 11-Sep-2026
The Geographic North Pole & East Greenland

As if a voyage to the North Pole isn’t special enough, this extended version includes exploring both east Greenland and Svalbard as well, thereby ticking off three very distinct and contrasting parts of The Arctic in a single thrilling voyage.…

  • 18 Days
  • $47,010
  • 11-Sep-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
  • $12,690
  • 13-Sep-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
  • $13,595
  • 27-Sep-2026
Churchill Polar Bear Adventure: Tundra & Town

Imagine waking up on the tundra in a mobile hotel with the very real chance of there being a bear outside your window! This trip offers the best of both worlds with two nights on the tundra and two in…

  • 7 Days
  • $11,795

Arctic cruises in September 2027

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

Northwest Passage Revealed (Eastbound)

Beginning in Cambridge Bay, this westbound-arching route encapsulates the best that the Northwest Passage and West Greenland have to offer. Thread your way through the icy labyrinth of staggering landscapes, dramatic history, remote Inuit settlements and charismatic Arctic wildlife, with…

  • 16 Days
  • $25,495
  • 12-Sep-2027
The Geographic North Pole & East Greenland

As if a voyage to the North Pole isn’t special enough, this extended version includes exploring both east Greenland and Svalbard as well, thereby ticking off three very distinct and contrasting parts of The Arctic in a single thrilling voyage.…

  • 18 Days
  • $47,010
  • 13-Sep-2027
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
  • $8,996

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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