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Travel to the Arctic to feel like a true explorer, see the Northern Lights, hear crackling glaciers, touch the Arctic Ocean, taste local produce, and rediscover yourself along the way.

Arctic cruises & expeditions

Arctic tours
Travel to the Arctic to feel like a true explorer, see the Northern Lights, hear crackling glaciers, touch the Arctic Ocean, taste local produce, and rediscover yourself along the way.

Arctic cruises & expeditions

Arctic destinations

Greenland
A crown jewel of the Arctic region, Greenland is the world’s largest island: sparsely inhabited yet bustling with nature and wildlife. East Greenland is perfect for an Arctic adventure: through a maze of fjords to spectacular scenery, towering icebergs, seals and whales, all while the aurora borealis illuminates the night sky.
Across the Denmark Strait from West Greenland lies Iceland, where fire and ice meet. The island presents a surreal blend of hot springs and active volcanic systems with ice caps and mountain glaciers. This is where a lot of Arctic cruises start, since Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, has an international airport.
Iceland
About the Arctic
Above it, during summer solstice, the sun doesn’t set all day long. That’s why the region is sometimes called “the land of the midnight sun.” The Arctic encompasses varied climates and geology. It stretches across multiple countries, a rather large body of water, and lots of sea ice.
The Arctic is commonly defined as the area above the Arctic Circle — a line drawn around the globe at 66°33′ N
About the Arctic
Others, like the Svalbard archipelago or Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic, have a few main settlements. But in most of the Arctic, visitors are still rare. Franz Josef Land and Wrangel Island in the Russian High Arctic, Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic, and even the North Pole itself meet all the definitions of a true wilderness.
Some areas are highly industrialized and populated, like the Russian Arctic or the Faroe Islands
About the Arctic
Besides providing a home to diverse wildlife like polar bears, countless bird species, walruses, and whales, the polar regions also welcome modern-day explorers. To venture off the beaten path, you can join an Arctic expedition and discover the region with a reasonable amount of comfort and leisure.
However, all this doesn’t make the Arctic inaccessible or inhospitable

Why travel to the Arctic?

An Arctic cruise is a travel experience unlike any other. Just being in these remote areas is a privilege not many people have had. What’s more, you get to do things you wouldn’t dream of anywhere else in the world. Imagine seeing a glacier the size of a 10-storey building, or being within camera distance from a polar bear, a seal, or a whale in their natural habitat. The dramatic scenery of endless ice vistas and snow-covered mountains adds to the appeal.
Wildlife enthusiasts will have the chance to observe unique Arctic animals, such as polar bears and whales, in their natural habitat. Adventurers will revel in the many landings and hiking trips along the coast. And for those seeking a sense of peace and solitude, Greenland's remote location and sparse population make for a rare opportunity to disconnect from the world.
Travel to Greenland, the biggest iceland of Arctica and of the planet, with us on the Wylde Swan sailing ship
One of the top attractions of an Arctic expedition is seeing polar bears. The best chances of spotting the world’s largest land carnivores are near their preferred habitat: the pack ice. Polar bear sightings are frequent around Svalbard and Franz Josef Land, and may even happen at the North Pole.
At sea, tall ships and small Zodiac boats can come close enough to the steep rocks and columns that birds prefer for nesting. In Franz Josef Land, for instance, the loud and lively colonies reach thousands in number. With a bit of luck, you’ll also get to see the champions of the deep: whales. Other Arctic wildlife includes seals, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes and hares, and the musk ox.

Arctic wildlife

Arctic experiences

Arctic voyages offer very contrasting experiences, which is what makes the expedition so emotional.
Being disconnected from the rest of the world, surrounded by the grandeur of the glaciers, icebergs, and mountains is very peaceful, almost humbling. But that’s not to say Arctic cruises aren’t spontaneous and action-packed. Unscripted wildlife sightings, sail handling, new islands or fjords to explore each day: the thrill and excitement make you feel truly alive.

Destination highlights

Main points

The icebergs and whales of Greenland

Greenland's glaciers are considered to be the world's second-largest freshwater reservoir after Antarctica. And when pieces of them break off, icebergs of all colors, shapes, and sizes are born. They’re left to drift in the ocean for us to admire from a safe distance and capture on film. Whales visit this area regularly, alone or in pods.

Historical relics of the High Arctic

A voyage to Franz Josef Land provides a unique opportunity to see monuments, artifacts, and historical sights literally frozen in time. You can visit cabins, huts, and encampments scattered around the coastline, left behind in attempts to cross the final Arctic frontier. At the end of the 19th century, the rugged islands acted as a stage for many North Pole expeditions.

Svalbard’s wildlife safari

Svalbard is an archipelago of outstanding beauty and abundance. Most of its ecosystem is protected in a network of national parks and nature reserves. During Zodiac cruises and landings, Arctic inhabitants might make an appearance. The chances of encountering polar bears, walruses, an array of birds, and other wildlife are very high.

The icebergs and whales of Greenland

Greenland's glaciers are considered to be the world's second-largest freshwater reservoir after Antarctica. And when pieces of them break off, icebergs of all colors, shapes, and sizes are born. They’re left to drift in the ocean for us to admire from a safe distance and capture on film. Whales visit this area regularly, alone or in pods.

Historical relics of the High Arctic

A voyage to Franz Josef Land provides a unique opportunity to see monuments, artifacts, and historical sights literally frozen in time. You can visit cabins, huts, and encampments scattered around the coastline, left behind in attempts to cross the final Arctic frontier. At the end of the 19th century, the rugged islands acted as a stage for many North Pole expeditions.

Svalbard’s wildlife safari

Svalbard is an archipelago of outstanding beauty and abundance. Most of its ecosystem is protected in a network of national parks and nature reserves. During Zodiac cruises and landings, Arctic inhabitants might make an appearance. The chances of encountering polar bears, walruses, an array of birds, and other wildlife are very high.
Once sea and ice conditions allow for confident navigation, the expedition season begins with Svalbard cruises, with nature and wildlife running the show.
May – June

Best time to go to arctic

July – August
Peak summer is perfect for a High Arctic expedition. There is still plenty of ice around for polar bears and walruses, and whales are at their most abundant.
August – September
As the summer comes to a close, the Greenland tundra is awash in autumn colors. Mesmerizing Northern Lights displays are the literal highlight of the night.
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Arctic expeditions

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Iceland and East Greenland on the Wylde Swan sailing ship
We will sail to the area of unspoilt Arctic nature and watch giant icebergs from the deck of our topsail schooner. You’ll hear the crack of falling ice, sail along the longest fjord in the world and discover what a polar day is like.
15 days
26 AUG – 9 SENT 2023
9 — 23 SEPT 2023
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Activities in ARCTIC

During an Arctic expedition cruise, there is rarely a dull moment.
The first few days of your voyage, the primary focus will be on mastering the art of sailing. Later on, it’s all about balancing education, entertainment, and on-foot exploration. Whether it’s on board, ashore, or at sea, there are plenty of activities to choose from.
Zodiac excursions
Daily landings
Nature photography
Wildlife watching
Walking and hiking
Visiting historical sights and Inuit villages
Seamanship and sail handling
Lectures and workshops from the expedition team

Arctic regions

Greenland

Greenland is well-known for its glaciers and white and blue icebergs that float, crack, and glisten under the Arctic sun. A different side to the island can be discovered in old Inuit villages and settlements with colorful houses. Here, fishing and hunting still plays the leading role. Visitors and expedition cruise travelers can get a rare glimpse of Northern traditions.

Svalbard

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago, one of the most northerly island groups on the planet. Its main settlement, Longyearbyen, is situated on the island of Spitsbergen. It has an international airport and a port for Arctic cruises. Svalbard is renowned for its varied landscape of flowering tundra, mountain stretches, and huge ice sheets, and is unofficially the Arctic’s wildlife capital.

Franz Josef Land

A High Arctic archipelago of 182 islands, Franz Josef Land is most widely known for being in the history pages of North Pole expeditions and early Arctic exploration. However, its surreal geology is also worth a mention: the mysterious stone spheres of Champ island, the harsh landscape of a polar desert, and the jagged, bird-teeming cliffs.

Greenland

Greenland is well-known for its glaciers and white and blue icebergs that float, crack, and glisten under the Arctic sun. A different side to the island can be discovered in old Inuit villages and settlements with colorful houses. Here, fishing and hunting still plays the leading role. Visitors and expedition cruise travelers can get a rare glimpse of Northern traditions.

Svalbard

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago, one of the most northerly island groups on the planet. Its main settlement, Longyearbyen, is situated on the island of Spitsbergen. It has an international airport and a port for Arctic cruises. Svalbard is renowned for its varied landscape of flowering tundra, mountain stretches, and huge ice sheets, and is unofficially the Arctic’s wildlife capital.

Franz Josef Land

A High Arctic archipelago of 182 islands, Franz Josef Land is most widely known for being in the history pages of North Pole expeditions and early Arctic exploration. However, its surreal geology is also worth a mention: the mysterious stone spheres of Champ island, the harsh landscape of a polar desert, and the jagged, bird-teeming cliffs.

Expedition ships that go to arctic

Wylde Swan
The Wylde Swan was build in 1920 and rebuilt in 2010, going on to win the international Tall Ships Races. She is strong enough to endure moderate ice, and carries a fleet of Zodiacs to get as close to the action as possible. The accommodations for 26 expedition trainees in total are similar to a capsule hotel, making her a top choice for Greenland cruises.

Expedition ships that go to arctic

Wylde Swan
The Wylde Swan was build in 1920 and rebuilt in 2010, going on to win the international Tall Ships Races. She is strong enough to endure moderate ice, and carries a fleet of Zodiacs to get as close to the action as possible. The accommodations for 26 expedition trainees in total are similar to a capsule hotel, making her a top choice for Greenland cruises.

Expedition ships that go to arctic

Eldorado
This two-masted schooner is perfectly ready for a polar voyage, featuring a strong main engine and all the necessary navigation equipment.

The silent generators, heating, air-conditioning, and six cozy double cabins ensure the comfort of passengers. Trainees coming aboard to reach the Arctic won’t be disappointed.

Expedition ships that go to arctic

Eldorado
This two-masted schooner is perfectly ready for a polar voyage, featuring a strong main engine and all the necessary navigation equipment.

The silent generators, heating, air-conditioning, and six cozy double cabins ensure the comfort of passengers. Trainees coming aboard to reach the Arctic won’t be disappointed.

Expedition ships that go to arctic

Amazone
A two-masted schooner designed in Holland, the Amazone isn’t afraid of the Arctic ice. Like the rest of the fleet, she’s nimble enough for an in-depth exploration of secluded fjords and bays. The sailboat features two-bed cabins, and a spacious lounge for meetings and events.

Expedition ships that go to arctic

Amazone
A two-masted schooner designed in Holland, the Amazone isn’t afraid of the Arctic ice. Like the rest of the fleet, she’s nimble enough for an in-depth exploration of secluded fjords and bays. The sailboat features two-bed cabins, and a spacious lounge for meetings and events.
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