THE EXPERTS AT TRAVEL BEYOND
Planning a trip to the Arctic can raise plenty of questions, from the best time to visit to what to pack for such a unique destination. To help guide you, we surveyed our resident Arctic experts here at Travel Beyond and gathered their insights on everything you need to know for an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Whether you’re curious about the wildlife, the activities, or what makes a luxury Arctic expedition so special, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for. Keep reading to get expert advice that will help you prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the top of the world.
When is the best time to visit the Arctic?
Bob Gaston, Consultant
“The ideal time to visit the Arctic is from June to September, when summer conditions allow for easier ship access as the ice recedes, opening up more opportunities to explore deeper into the region. This is also the prime season for wildlife viewing. When I traveled to the Arctic in July, it was an unforgettable experience. We were incredibly fortunate to spot two polar bears—an extraordinary sight, considering how rare it is to see even one. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
What were your favorite animals that you saw in the Arctic?
Kay Beal, Owner
“All of the Arctic wildlife was incredible, but one experience stands out above the rest: our excursion that had us watching humpback whales breach against the backdrop of icy waters. From the safety of our Zodiac, we scanned the horizon and anticipation built. When the massive humpbacks arrived, they did not disappoint! We watched in awe as their enormous bodies surged out of the water before crashing back into the sea with a thunderous splash. We were close enough to see the barnacles on their tails as they rose high before vanishing into the depths.
The sheer size and power of the whales was mesmerizing, and the quiet between sightings only heightened the experience. It felt like a safari on the water—tracking these giants and watching for the telltale mist of their spouts. I’ve been fortunate to travel to many remarkable places, but witnessing these creatures up close in their natural habitat was one of the most humbling and unforgettable experiences of my life.”
What are a few of your must-haves when packing for a trip to the Arctic?
Kayla Hoyles, Product Manager, Polar Regions
“Binoculars are essential for any trip to the Arctic, as much of the wildlife can be spotted from a great distance. Plus, it’s always exciting to be the first to spot something! If you’re interested in photography, I highly recommend bringing a powerful zoom lens. For example, there are important regulations in Svalbard to protect polar bears, so you may need to use the zoom to capture the perfect shot when spotting them from a distance.”
What surprised you the most?
Joleen Soderberg, Brand Manager
“What surprised me most about the Arctic was the overwhelming sense of isolation while on the water – I just didn’t anticipate how remote it would feel. One of the most striking sights was the frozen ocean itself—not just the massive icebergs, but the intricate, shifting expanse of sea ice, which formed beautiful patterns across the water. I had imagined the Arctic as a place of solid glaciers and floating ice chunks, but seeing the ocean partially frozen in real time was something entirely different. The way the ice seemed to stretch endlessly, broken only by narrow leads of open water, made it feel like we were in another world. There was a quiet, almost surreal beauty in that vast frozen expanse and the stillness of it all. Something I’ll never forget!”
What were your favorite activities?
Bob Gaston, Consultant
“Hiking in the Arctic was an unforgettable experience. Some of the highlights included exploring abandoned whaling stations and historic cemeteries, as well as trekking up ridges for views of the surrounding landscape. While the scenery from the ship is impressive, there’s nothing quite like taking it in from a higher vantage point on land.
Beyond the hikes, I also enjoyed learning from the expedition experts on board. Every day brought a new opportunity to dive deeper into the region’s history, wildlife, and environment. Their knowledge added more context to everything we saw, making the trip even more rewarding.”
What makes a luxury Arctic expedition different from a standard cruise?
Craig Beal, Owner
“A luxury Arctic expedition is a really special, immersive experience. Luxury expedition ships are typically smaller than standard cruise ships, making them nimble enough to venture into some of the most remote, untouched regions of the world. This is especially important in remote regions of the world like the Arctic. Luxury operators offer a robust team of experts onboard and can include experts ranging from glaciologists to marine biologists, to historians. These specialists provide deep insights into the Arctic’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. With fewer passengers and a higher crew-to-guest ratio, travelers can enjoy a variety of excursions to help them immerse themselves in the area with seasoned naturalists.
Dining area aboard Silversea’s Silver Endeavor
Luxury extends beyond the destination to the experience itself. State-of-the-art expedition ships offer spacious suites with beautiful panoramic ocean views, world-class dining, and refined amenities like spas and observation lounges. Instead of large-scale entertainment, guests enjoy fireside lectures, photography workshops, and intimate, expert-led adventures. It’s truly a journey of depth and exclusivity.”
Any tips for people visiting the Arctic for the first time?
Kayla Hoyles, Product Manager, Polar Regions
“The Arctic is unique because it’s not all snow and ice. When most people think of the Arctic, they envision frozen tundra and polar bears, both of which are certainly highlights. However, there are also places in the Arctic where you might see reindeer grazing on local vegetation (such as in Svalbard) and find grassy areas perfect for hiking (like in Greenland). Additionally, the weather in some regions can reach the 50s and 60s! The Arctic is made up of a diverse group of countries, ranging from Russia and Norway to the Canadian High Arctic. Depending on the experience you’re seeking, there are many different options to choose from!”
The Arctic is a destination like no other, and every journey to this region offers something unexpected, from sightings of elusive polar bears to the breathtaking expanse of shifting sea ice. If you’re ready to start planning your Arctic adventure, our experts at Travel Beyond are here to help.
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