The Arctic

Custom-built ships

Each vessel is purpose-built for polar conditions, well-equipped and fitted with modern conveniences to create a home away from home. Each ship also boasts a team of professional chefs preparing high-quality meals around the clock, a crew of experienced sailors and expedition leaders to chart a course.

Expert leaders

Travel with polar experts in a range of fields – glaciology, ornithology, marine biology and natural history – who provide invaluable context and insight to the region. Trained guides in Arctic terrain ensure you can travel with peace of mind onboard and during onshore activities.

Onboard activities

When you’re not spotting wildlife from the deck, exploring onshore or taking part in an adventure activity, all our Arctic trips include educational seminars to learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna. On top of all that, there’s a library where you can do your own polar research or have some downtime in the lounge.

Full board

All cruises provide three meals a day, 24-hour tea and coffee, and activities including Zodiac excursions, onboard seminars and shore landings. Our chefs know just how to warm you up after your Arctic outing, just be ready for a second serving!

Safety

Our polar operators are the best in the business and make your safety travelling in this potentially hazardous region their number one priority, adhering to all international maritime and SOLAS regulations.

Sustainable travel

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.

Zodiac through the Ilulissat Icefjord

One of western Greenland’s highlights is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a World Heritage-listed wonder of glaciers and icebergs. It's the perfect location to navigate in a Zodiac, gaining a perspective on the ice formations that you just can't get from on shore. 

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Search for polar bears in Franz Josef Land

This remote group of 191 islands, many covered in ice, forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia, lies entirely within the Arctic Circle and is part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Weather and ice conditions will shape your exploration, but this is one of your best chances to see polar bears.

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Fly over the North Pole in a hot air balloon

Imagine being one of the few people in the world to get a bird’s eye view over the northern tip of the planet! Top off your experience at the top of the world with a champagne toast and a barbecue on the ice.

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Watch walruses relax on Kapp Lee

This headland is a well-known walrus hangout, and one of our possible landing spots on Svalbard. Fun fact: walrus’s hides turn pink while they lounge in the sun as blood is pumped to the surface of their skin to aid cooling, similar to what happens to hippopotamuses in Africa.

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