When to Travel to the Arctic

You can comfortably travel to the Arctic any time between June and September depending on what sort of experience you are looking for. Outside these months, daylight is very limited and weather tends to be extreme. The only reason a visitor may choose to travel out of season is to see the Northern Lights, stay in an ice hotel or, in December, visit Santa Claus!

The best time to travel is in the high summer when days are long and the weather generally more clement. This is also the time when ships are able to penetrate further north and there are opportunities to circumnavigate Spitsbergen or even reach the North Pole.

March – May; In March, there are still chances of seeing the Lights and through to May, there is still lots of snow and ice around. However, there are no organised expeditions or cruises and the only way of venturing north is independently or on board the Hurtigruten daily post ship to Kirkenes in northern Norway.

June – September: Ice recedes giving increasing opportunities for travelling north, especially on board icebreakers. Wildflowers in the early weeks on Spitsbergen and Greenland. Possibilities of seeing polar bears on Spitsbergen. Humpback, northern right (or bowhead), beluga and orca whales are best seen July to September with seals and walrus at any time. Birdlife abounds with nesting colonies and young fledglings. Earlier and later in the season is a time when there are fewer mosquitoes around, although these are not a problem on board ship. Chances of seeing the Northern Lights in September.

October – most of the cruises and expeditions finish this month. A good time to see Aurora Borealis.

What to take

When your feet are cold, cover your head - Inuit saying.

Clothing – As your trip will be in the Arctic summer, you won’t need to take any real extreme cold weather gear. Temperatures on many or most days will be above freezing and although the average mid-summer level is about 6º on Spitsbergen, daytime temperatures in double figures are not uncommon. Obviously people adapt to the cold in different ways and some tourists in the Arctic favour lightweight clothing while others wrap up like the Michelin man in the same conditions. Layering is the key, and then you can be flexible according to conditions.

Camera – Be sure to take a good quality camera with you, this can be digital or 35mm. Spare batteries/rechargeable types as well as filters, film or memory cards are absolutely essential. Many travellers also bring a laptop or notebook computer to download images on a daily basis.

Good quality sunglasses – it does get bright, especially when the sun reflects off the sea and ice or snow.

High factor sun-cream – Clear air and ultra-violet light, especially where it reflects off snow or ice, are real dangers. Don’t get caught out!

Lightweight waterproof rucksack to carry your stuff ashore while leaving arms free to clamber in and out of zodiacs.

A good pair of binoculars, especially if you’re an avid wildlife watcher.

Swiss army penknife – never leave home without one, but don’t have it on your person when you check in for your flight!

Photography – what to use

Digital Photographic technology has advanced incredibly over the last 5 years, with a good quality camera coming in at a very reasonable price. Generally a digital camera makes the ideal choice for an Arctic Cruise; pictures can be viewed immediately, shared easily and edited simply. However some still argue a traditional 35mm SLR film camera cannot be beaten for quality of image even by the very best digital cameras. It really boils down to your own expertise, the convenience you want and your budget.

You will have exceptional photography opportunities on your Arctic adventure, so the best equipment to suit you will ensure perfect memories.

Ships

The following is brief overview of the different styles of vessels that offer the very best cruising experiences.

Research Ships
The Research Ships tend to offer more active programmes and attract an adventurous but ageless clientele. The accommodation on these vessels is simple – comfortable, but not luxurious. These trips often feel more like a private expedition in the Arctic than a conventional cruise.

Expedition Ship
An expedition ship is designed to cruise remote waterways. Polar Expedition cruise ships focus on natural history and culture, and have on-board educational programs. The Arctic expedition ships offer more comfortable, even luxurious, accommodations and higher quality of onboard service and dining.

Icebreakers
An icebreaker is specifically designed for breaking through sea ice. The icebreakers often explore the most remote areas, located further north, where an icebreaker is needed to safely explore in more extensive sea ice. These are true Polar expeditions.

Sailing Ships
There is currently one true sailing ship offering unique adventure itineraries in the Arctic. It is a two-masted schooner with just ten twin cabins and sails around Spitsbergen in the summer and the Lofoten islands in the late autumn to see the Aurora Borealis in perfect conditions.

Expedition Liner
Large, spacious vessels more akin to traditional cruise ships. Offer a large variety of on board facilities, but less chance of shore excursions and interacting with Arctic animals and other wildlife.

For further details of facilities on board visit our Life On Board page.

Travelers’ Information
The following links will take you directly through to external web-sites which contain essential and useful information for travellers. Each site is managed by a reputable organisation; however, Arctic Bound cannot be responsible for the content of these sites or the information displayed.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office issues advice to travellers regarding safety, consular services, advisability of travel to certain parts of the world, etc.

BBC Weatherworld
Check the weather before you go

The Passport Agency
This link will give essential information regarding UK passports.

World Travel Guide
This useful link will provide details of worldwide passport and visa requirements and other general travel information.