The Arctic

Small Ship Cruises & Expeditions

The Arctic is Vast, Diverse and Spectacular

Explore the Arctic through small ship cruises, a perfect way to access remote areas and witness spectacular wildlife and landscapes. Starting in May, Svalbard is ideal for observing polar bears and glaciers. As summer progresses, the melting ice allows ships to reach Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, rich with Inuit culture and history. By August, the elusive Northwest Passage opens up, tracing historic routes and offering sights of unique flora and abundant wildlife. These cruises also offer adventurous activities like hiking and dog sledding, alongside opportunities to learn about the indigenous peoples and explore geological wonders such as Iceland's dramatic volcanoes and Greenland's vast glaciers.

Arctic Highlights

Benefits of Booking with Wild Earth Travel

Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years' experience voyaging, leading and creating expeditions all over the globe.

• We Are Travellers. Our team of small ship cruise specialists is very well travelled. We have led small ship cruises all over the world and experienced the most unique and fascinating corners of the planet, and we love sharing our experiences with you!

• Unbiased Advice. Our team are all passionate expedition and small cruise ship travellers, and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences, which we then use to match you with the best small ship options for you.

• Largest Choice Providers. Our collection of small ship cruises is constantly growing, we now feature over 1200 cruises aboard more than 80 small ships. Our insider knowledge of the industry means there is barely a ship or a destination worldwide that we haven't experienced.

• Convenience Matters. We offer you the ability to pay in the original currency of the ship operator, meaning that you won't pay more in currency buffers. You can be assured that you are in safe hands as our team of specialists guide you through the entire booking process.

• Personalised Service. As you prepare for your cruise, we will be in touch to ensure you have everything you need, from packing lists and suggested reading lists to pre- and post- transfers and accommodation. For some cruises, there may be the option to add on extra activities.

The Arctic region is vast. From hiking and kayaking, to wildlife spotting and visiting remote communities, this diverse landscape is a wonderland for adventurers, but what kind of adventure are you looking for? With a firsthand experience cruising the Arctic, we will find the right trip for you! 

Featured Arctic Cruises

Below is a selection of the expedition cruises we offer to the Arctic. Our collection ranges from 4 to 21 days, and from adventure and expedition to luxury-style ships.

Selling out!
Arctic / Greenland

Arctic Odyssey Expedition Cruise

14 days from
$1,107 AUD per day
  • Greenland ExpeditionExpedition
  • Arctic Odyssey Expedition Cruise in Greenland: ship
  • Next departure on Aug. 10, 2025
Arctic / Greenland

Arctic Sights and Northern Lights Expedition Cruise

12 days from
$1,050 AUD per day
  • Greenland ExpeditionExpedition
  • Arctic Sights and Northern Lights Expedition Cruise in Greenland: ship
  • Next departure on Sept. 15, 2025
Arctic / Iceland

Arctic Islands & Fjords - Iceland, Spitsbergen & Jan Mayen Island

15 days from
$1,419 AUD per day
  • Iceland Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • Arctic Islands & Fjords - Iceland, Spitsbergen & Jan Mayen Island in Iceland: ship
  • Next departure on June 9, 2025
North America / Alaska

Transarctic, the Quest for the Two North Poles

21 days from
$3,532 AUD per day
Northern Europe / British Isles

Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

14 days from
$1,293 AUD per day
Arctic / Iceland

A Circumnavigation of Iceland Expedition

10 days from
$2,629 AUD per day
Northern Europe / Scandinavia

Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

8 days from
$887 AUD per day
  • Scandinavia ExpeditionExpedition
  • Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights in Scandinavia: ship
  • Next departure on Jan. 17, 2026
Save up to $15,073 AUD
Arctic / Iceland

Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights Expedition Cruise

17 days from
$1,293 AUD per day
Arctic / Spitsbergen

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

8 days from
$469 USD per day

If you'd like to learn about some of our other Arctic itineraries, please contact us. You may also be interested in specific Arctic destinations including the North Pole, Greenland and Iceland, Svalbard/Spitsbergen or Canadian Arctic and Northwest Passage.

Watch Our Arctic Webinars

Arctic Overview and Iceland

Want to cruise the Arctic but not sure where to start? Neil Saunders from Wild Earth Travel imparts his knowledge on booking your expedition cruise through these icy waters and presents on one of his favourite destinations, Iceland.

Watch Here

Greenland and Spitsbergen

To talk us through the highlights of this icy realm, we chat to Arctic cruise specialist, Grands Espaces who offer unique and intimate exploration of both Greenland and the Svalbard Archipelago.

Watch Here

 

 

Canadian and High Arctic

Join us for an insight into the High Arctic as we talk to on-the-ground specialists Adventure Canada, a family-run business that has been taking adventurers on intrepid expeditions through the High Arctic including the Canadian Archipelago, Greenland and Iceland for close to 40 years.

Watch Here

Iceland and Greenland

Wild Earth Travel catches up with Natascha from Iceland ProCruises to learn more about their Iceland and Greenland small ship expeditions.

Watch Here

Expedition Svalbard

We hear from Polar Quest and wildlife photographer, Doug Allan, about small ship cruising the Svalbard Archipelago.

Watch Here

Ready to Learn More?

We look forward to helping you plan an incredible adventure to the Arctic

Choose Your Adventure!