Svalbard Cruises & Tours

The best time to go on a Svalbard cruise is during the summer months between May and August. During this time, you will witness the midnight sun, and the wildlife around the Archipelago is at its most active.

The summer climate in Svalbard is mild for an area so far north, with daytime temperatures often above freezing. The midnight sun is visible in Svalbard from mid-April to mid-August.

Each month in Svalbard offers a different experience, and visiting one month from the next, the landscapes can look very different. Often, travellers return to see Svalbard at other times of the year.

Here are the highlights by month:

May

This is the best time to see Svalbard as it emerges from the harsh winter. Landscapes are covered by thick snow, and the shores are iced. Routes are shorter due to the sea ice. Shore landings are limited, but it is possible to do snowshoeing. It’s an excellent month for photographers looking to capture the raw beauty and nature. Polar bears return to the sea ice edge from the land and hunt for prey.

June

Svalbard transforms under the midnight sun as the ice and snow from the winter melt. Birds flock to the towering cliffs across the Norweigan Archipelago. The sea ice shifts north, opening routes to the Hinlopen Strait and the far east of Svalbard. Walruses return to their colonies on the shore.

July

July is the peak of summer in Svalbard, with the warmest temperatures above freezing. Wildlife is at its most active, and it is the busiest time to visit the islands. As the pack ice recedes, longer expeditions to Naudaustlandet are possible.

August

August is the best month for hiking the now snow- and ice-free landscapes. Wildlife is sighted throughout the Archipelago, but as the month ends, the birds migrate south, and the first snow returns to the mountain tops.

It’s possible to meet Polar bears from May until September. Earlier in the season, they are often seen on the fjord ice left over from the winter. Later in the summer, they can be seen scouting the remote shores for prey and in the pack ice to the north of Svalbard. Polar bear sightings are frequent but never guaranteed. Our top advice for seeing polar bears is to take a longer cruise, which allows more time to search for wildlife. Remember, the northern Archipelago is also home to many other remarkable species, including the Arctic fox, arctic birds, ringed seals and whales.

There are two options for reaching Svalbard. Most tourists choose the easiest and most convenient way: to fly to Svalbard and join an expedition cruise in Longyearbyen. The only airport with international flights in Svalbard is Longyear Airport, located 3 miles outside of Longyearbyen.

Longyearbyen cruises depart from the harbour, which is close to the town.

Some cruise lines include flights from Oslo, Norway, Paris, or Helsinki, Finland, in the cruise package.

If a flight is not included, Svalbard is easy to reach with daily flights from Oslo. SAS and Norwegian Airlines are the primary carriers flying between Oslo and Longyearbyen.

At the start of the season, reaching Svalbard on an expedition cruise from mainland Norway or Scotland is possible, as cruise ships sail north.

The best way to see the cold coast of Svalbard during the summer months is on an expedition cruise. Svalbard has very few roads and no other transport, so an expedition cruise allows you to explore all the places that would otherwise be inaccessible. Zodiac boats allow guests a great deal of flexibility to explore.

Cruises to Svalbard range from 7 to 15 days, and we recommend a longer cruise to maximise wildlife sightings.

The day-to-day activities involve exploring by ship, Zodiac cruising, and shore visits to the national parks with the expedition team. Cruises are geared around maximising wildlife-watching opportunities, and ships have onboard naturalists watching for wildlife.

Svalbard cruises are quite active, and many natural wonders exist. As part of your cruise, you can join optional exciting adventure activities such as kayaking and hiking trips which provide breathtaking views of Svalbard.

The polar plunge in Svalbard’s icy waters is a must-do option on most ships, but it depends on weather conditions.

Onboard activities include learning about Svalbard through lectures and with onboard guest speakers and guides.

After a day of exploring, enjoy onboard amenities, including hot tubs and saunas on the deck, while taking in the breathtaking views of the Arctic.

Svalbard has an Arctic climate characterised by cooler temperatures. During the summer, high pressure sits over the Arctic, and the weather is generally calm and stable. Days are often either sunny or overcast. Fog is common in Svalbard at the height of the summer and can occasionally restrict shore landings.

Temperatures can vary from -5oc during May to +7 degrees in July at the height of the summer.

You can see the northern lights in Svalbard from September until April. It is not possible to see the aurora borealis during the summer when there is the midnight sun. Consider one of our winter polar expeditions instead.

New regulations will be in place starting in 2025 to help protect Svalbard’s pristine nature and wildlife. We welcome news that ships carrying over 200 guests will no longer be able to visit Svalbard, encouraging people to travel on smaller ships, which offer a richer experience.

There will be a new restriction on landing sites, with 43 landing sites that can accommodate 100 guests at a time.

To reduce disturbance to polar bears, ships and Zodiacs must keep a minimum distance of 300 meters away between July and February and 500 meters away between March and June.

• It is important to pack warm clothing, including hats, gloves and neck warmers.
• Dress in layers. When hiking, it can often be warmer than expected, and it is essential to be able to take layers on and off as needed to regulate temperature.
• Waterproof outer layers and trousers are essential for Zodiac rides and shore landings.
• Most expedition operators supply rubber boots for shore landings and Zodiac rides.

A complete packing list will be provided at the time of reservation.

Find out more in our guide 10 Ways To Stay Warm On A Polar Cruise.

Polar Escapes has the most extensive range of Small expedition ships. If you need help choosing a cruise ship and the right cruise for you, please get in touch.

To travel to Svalbard, you will need a valid passport 6 months before expiry.

Travellers from North America, Europe, or Australia do not need a visa to enter Svalbard, as it is a visa-free zone. However, you need to have a passport that is valid in the countries you are transiting through to reach Svalbard. You may require a visa to enter a transit country.

It is mandatory to purchase comprehensive travel insurance when travelling to Svalbard.