Arctic wildlife

Top of the Arctic food chain and the main draw for many High Arctic visitors is the magnificent Polar Bear who roams the ice majestically in search of its next meal. Their primary food source is the seal which can be spotted lazing on ice floes. Bear cubs stay with their mother for two years, so it's possible to see the younger and older cubs as they interact with their mother and siblings.

You're also likely to spot various whale species that frequent these waters on their own journeys north. If you're lucky, you may even encounter the rare horned narwhal.

A pack of walrus will brighten anyone's day as they tussle with one another to get comfortable on shore. the High Arctic is also the land of the reindeer and arctic fox who will astound you with their ability to survive in such a harsh environment. Bird life is also very impressive, particularly around the towering cliffs of Little Auk's, where thousands of guillemots together with their fledgling young gather in colonies.

Arctic expedition choices

trips are based on small ship expedition cruising, and within that there are choices to be made about levels of comfort, ice breaking capabilities of the ships, viewing possibilities and optional activities offered to enhance your journey. Your personal taste may demand a certain level of luxury, or your spirit for adventure could make the kayaking or snow shoeing a must for your trip. If photography is your thing or you wish to share this experience with your teenage family there are dedicated specialist departures to suit. For history enthusiasts, consider the itineraries that take you via Southern Greenland and / or Northern Canada to encounter some of the most isolated Inuit communities on Earth. Or if the North Pole is your ultimate goal we can arrange that too.

With a range of itinerary’s and activities on offer it is important to pick the right Arctic trip that suits you.

When to visit

Like all weather systems in the world today, conditions in the High Arctic can be a little unpredictable. If you travel in the earlier months of the season, June specifically, the ice is often too thick, so circumnavigation of Svalbard for instance, may not be possible. Instead you may spend time exploring the fjords further south where the experiences will be just as magnificent and rewarding. There is a common understanding that in the High Arctic you have to work for your wildlife but the knowledge and dedication of your crew and guides makes each individual trip incredible in its own right.

The weather

The first thing to get used to when you head into the Arctic Circle in June - September is the 24 hour daylight. After that there is the cold, and at times the wet and the windy. The ever-changing weather impacts the course you take and the experience you have, and this makes your own trip so much more special and unique. Being well dressed and prepared for changing climates make it ever more enjoyable. When the sun shines and the wind drops the absolute calm is simply beautiful. Waterproofs and Wellington boots can be hired on board and thermals are a must.

Getting there and away

We can arrange flights and accommodation to coincide with all start and end points together with any additional touring that may be of interest to you.

 • Flights to Longyearbyen, operate via Oslo and/or Tromso where you may have to stay overnight, depending on schedules.
 • For your voyage to the North Pole, trips start and end in Helsinki, Finland, with an onward charter flight north to Murmansk
 • For most trips travelling via the Greenland coast, Reykjavik is the disembarkation point and a few extra days in Iceland are well worth giving thought to.
 • You can start your journey through the Northwest Passage in Ottawa, Eastern Canada ending in Anchorage, Alaska.