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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Reasons to travel by land
- Go at your own pace, with dedicated guides
- Reach parts of the Arctic that cruise passengers would never come close to
- Avoid groups and spend more time with local people, experiencing their culture and traditions
- Enjoy a real sense of adventure, where opportunities arise as you go
- Stay in a wide range of accommodation; from luxury hotels to remote campsites
- Tailor your trip to focus on an area of specific interest
- Use our knowledge to book local guides who will enhance your trip
Hiker explores the dramatic scenery of Spitsbergen
Head of Arctic, Jon, on the Greenland Ice Cap
Dog sledding in Churchill
Winter snowmobiling in Svalbard
Sisimiut blanketed in winter snow
Winter dog sledding in Greenland
Muskoxen on the Greenlandic tundra
A Greenlandic sled dog watches curiously
Colourful houses scatter the coastlines of Greenland
Where to go
Greenland
Just the name, Greenland, conjures up some magical images in the mind. Unfathomablly big fjord systems filled with massive icebergs, colourful settlements alive with fascinating culture, and of course the ice cap that crushes the land on which it sits.
Greenland is open to ships for just a short window from July to September, but to the land traveller, it's open all year round.
Winter months offer dog sledding, ice fishing and snowmobiling across the frozen fjords, before walking out under the Aurora Borealis.
The freezing conditions give way to the relative warmth of spring and summer when trekking becomes serious and arctic char, salmon and trout head upstream. Kayaking and camping is an option during the summer too, with options across west, south and east Greenland to consider.
A night out on the ice cap is something no one could forget, or, for the serious adventurer, there is also the opportunity to cross its entirety. For us, Greenland is the ultimate Arctic destination, offering something at almost any time of the year.
Svalbard
Best known for boat-based expeditions in search of polar bears, Svalbard is little known for its land-based adventures, but there are many to choose from.
For short sharp breaks in winter, Svalbard becomes a playground for dog sledding and some serious snowmobiling, as well as visits to ice caves or abandoned coal mines.
The northern lights are often spotted above the hills and the heart of winter gives you an opportunity to experience 24-hour darkness in the relative comfort of good hotels.
One of the amazing sled dogs ready to mush
Summer in Svalbard is undoubtedly dominated by the ships, but that does not preclude land-based travel with the Russian mining towns of Pyramiden and Barentsburg making fascinating places to visit. The presence of polar bears is a very real threat and that makes serious trekking in Svalbard a specialist activity, but shorter hikes from Longyearbyen will gain you some incredible views.
With the channels mostly free of ice you can also head out on daily whale watching cruises or go kayaking. A favourite of ours is to head along the coast by speed boat to the old Radio Station and spend a couple of days in total isolation and surprising comfort!
Beluga whales in Hudson Bay
Alex says
There's nothing more thrilling than heading off into the Arctic's terra firma and embracing the expansive wilderness at the edge of the habitable world.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Churchill
One of the exclusively land-based destinations within the Arctic, with some fabulous tours to chose from. During February and March, this is one of the very best places in the world to see the northern lights due to an incredibly high proportion of clear nights and some brilliant facilities to help keep you warm at the same time.
In July and August, Hudson Bay hosts one of the most spectacular animal migrations in the world as thousands of beluga whales congregate at the mouth of the Churchill River to calve. This should be on any wildlife lovers list of must-sees.
Perhaps most famously though, for a few weeks in October and November Churchill becomes the centre of a polar bear migration as these majestic apex predators gather to await the ice on Hudson Bay and the seals that will attract. Nowhere else on earth will get you so close to a polar bear.
A polar bear in Churchill, the 'polar bear capital of the world'
Our favourite land-based trips
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…
- 9 Days
- $12,995
For the ultimate polar bear and High Arctic experience, look no further. Two full days of polar bear spotting are combined with dog sledding, flightseeing by helicopter to a bear’s denning site and the chance to see the shimmering Northern…
- 7 Days
- $9,195
A true showcase of the serene energy and dramatic fjord landscape of southern Greenland, highlights on this amazing adventure include the Polar Ice Cap, the Inlandis Tongue, Qooroq Fjord, and Kiattut glacier. Navigate pristine icy channels by boat and hear…
- 8 Days
- $2,350
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
- $9,995
Experience one of the most immersive wildlife experiences on earth and stay out on the tundra among the bears for 3 or 4 nights in a mobile hotel provides unparalleled opportunities for prolonged observation of polar bears at close quarters…
- 6 or 7 Days
- $10,795
Encounter the King of The Arctic up close, with an exceptionally high chance of sightings in October and November. Small groups explore the tundra in exclusive vehicles with a specialist guide when the bear migration reaches its peak. You will…
- 6/7 Days
- $7,295
Witness more icebergs than people on a 15 day kayaking adventure through southern Greenland’s deep fjords, icy glaciers, and spectacular mountains. A wilderness expedition for experienced kayakers and beginners alike; by the end of the trip you will have covered…
- 15 Days
- $2,778
This polar bear photo safari provides the best possible opportunity and environment in which to capture images of the world’s largest living land carnivore. Three full days out on the tundra, near guaranteed sightings and the chance to observe these…
- 7 Days
- $8,195
Experience different wonders of the Arctic environment over 14 days of hiking, sailing, and even kayaking. Panoramic views of the area's most mighty glaciers await your exploration – see the three "Big Walls", the 1,400 meter high Tasermiut glacier, and…
- 15 Days
- $3,100
Winter in Hudson Bay is cold but also very dry and that means clear skies and at this latitude that is perfect for spotting the northern lights from a variety comfortable, heated viewing platforms. Day time activities include dog sledding…
- 7 Days
- $5,995
Head north to Churchill, renowned for its high auroral activity, and capture images of the ethereal Northern Lights. Accompanied by an expert photographer, evening aurora sightings are maximised using multiple, heated vantage points while you wait in anticipation. By day,…
- 7 Days
- $5,995
The ultimate fast-paced adventure through Svalbard’s pristine, icy wilderness. Capable of speeds of +60 miles per hour, travelling by snowmobile you’ll really cover the ground. Stay overnight in a cosy, modern cabin 100 miles from civilisation overlooking the Nordenskiold Glacier.…
- 5 Days
- $1,560
A startling opportunity to explore the ice edge and see the elusive narwhal as well as bears, whales and walrus. Travelling by snowmobile and staying in heated yurts this journey will take you parts of the Arctic that very few…
- 7 Days
- $9,773
Arctic Cruises
If you have a longing to adventure by cruise, planning a ship-based trip around the Arctic is certainly a spectacular way to fulfil it. From kayaking in the Northwest Passage, to spotting polar bears in the Russian Far East and appreciating Inuit art in the Canadian Arctic, our cruise trips vary as much as the ships they feature. The expedition focus, however, is at the core of each – with maximum landings and uninterrupted discovery, out on deck and in workshops and lectures, while at sea.
Imposing Arctic cliffs are observed from the ship
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Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
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Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.