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Arctic

The shape of the Arctic region.The Arctic is a land of extremes. Unparalleled panoramas, vast icy landscapes, rugged fjords, and sprawling tundra teem with wildlife, creating a truly unique destination. Here, the midnight sun casts its glow during summer months, while winter’s polar nights reveal a sky illuminated with the mesmerizing northern lights. Amid this stark beauty, indigenous cultures thrive, preserving traditions deeply connected to the rhythms of nature.

“The Arctic is a place where the silence hums with ancient secrets, and every icy horizon leads to a path unknown. To travel there is to witness the Earth’s quiet majesty, a world both fragile and fierce, where wonder meets the wild.” – Kayla Hoyles, Product Manager, Polar Regions

The shape of the Arctic region.

Highlights

See and do:

  • Sail through stunning fjords and ice-filled seas
  • Spot iconic wildlife, including polar bears and walruses
  • Kayak along rugged coastlines and under towering glaciers
  • Explore tundra hiking trails for breathtaking views
  • Take in the northern lights

When to Go:

The ideal time to visit the Arctic by expedition ship is from May to September, the region’s spring and summer months. During this period, the temperatures are milder, the ice begins to retreat, and wildlife thrives—polar bears roam the ice, whales feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and migratory birds return to nest.

The Arctic invites travelers into a realm of raw, untamed beauty, where the thrill of exploration blends seamlessly with the captivating wonder of wildlife. Small expedition ships navigate the vast, icy landscapes, granting access to remote shores and massive ice formations that seem otherworldly.

Wildlife is at the heart of the Arctic experience. Polar bears, reindeer, muskox, and Arctic foxes roam the rugged terrain, while the remarkable landscape reveals a surprising resilience of life in this extreme environment. The surrounding seas are alive with marine creatures, from walruses and whales to the elusive narwhal.

Zodiacs and kayaks offer close encounters with landscapes and wildlife, while guided hikes across the tundra reveal unexpected grassy patches. For many, the pinnacle of the journey is the chance to witness the endangered polar bear – even from a distance. The Arctic offers an unforgettable adventure, a place where the sheer beauty of nature and the spirit of exploration truly come alive.

Trip Inspirations

Remote Beauty + Iconic Animals

People looking at Svalbard, Norway, from the deck of a ship.

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