While experiencing the polar regions from the deck of a ship or by kayak and Zodiac craft is undoubtedly unforgettable, our polar expedition cruises offer a unique opportunity to feel the frozen ground beneath your feet and explore some of our planet's most stunningly beautiful environments by foot. All of our cruises include shore excursions, and hiking activities and excursions often part of our exciting itineraries, especially in the Arctic. But what sets us apart when it comes to hiking in the polar regions?
A hiking experience for all abilities
We champion getting you closer to the heart of nature, and embracing the spirit of adventure that comes with a polar adventure! Our range of hiking activities is not just carefully planned, but also inclusive of different levels of physical fitness and hiking experience. This means that you'll be able to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of locations such as Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland at a pace that best suits you, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the experience!
Our hiking activities are divided into different levels based on distance, terrain, location, and time. They usually last two to six hours, and we offer at least one to three types of hikes per landing site. While very itinerary-dependent and subject to change due to weather and other last-minute adjustments that come with an expedition-style cruise, our hikes can be divided into short hikes, medium hikes, and long hikes.
In Antarctica, options are often limited to our landing sites, with glaciated terrain and far more areas requiring specialist equipment and mountaineering experience to safely traverse. Variations in weather and local conditions may impact our ability to hike in the southern regions.
What can you expect on a short hike?
As a rule, short hikes stick close to the landing sites, often taking in beach areas and stretches of shoreline. These are usually the least physically intensive hikes, making them excellent options for photographers who want to spend time getting that perfect shot of frolicking Arctic foxes or beluga whales breaching in the bay before them. More leisurely, our short hikes often focus on the flora and fauna of the Arctic, giving you more time to see the details up close and personal. You'll be accompanied by expert guides who can provide insight into the plants, wildlife, and geology you'll see along the way.
How about a medium hike?
Depending on the landing, a medium hike will see you venture further afield than the general area of the landing site. The distance, exertion level, and terrain are variable depending on where we land. Still, when gathering guests for a medium hike, your experienced Oceanwide guides will explain all the where, how far, how long, and how tough questions! Generally, you can expect to break a sweat on a medium hike. Expect inclines, rougher terrain, and a longer walking period that usually loops back to the landing site, taking in specific sites and venturing further inland. Distances will vary, so keep in mind that a good fitness level is advised and required for medium hikes!
So, what's a long hike?
A long hike is, no surprise, long! Again, the distances involved and the elevation gain vary hugely depending on the location, weather, time of year, and suitability. However, as a general rule, you should expect to be hiking for several hours, venturing further away from the landing site. Long hikes are only possible on our Arctic cruises.
To take part in a long hike, you should be physically fit and an experienced hiker. The terrain we hike in the polar regions is often rocky and difficult to navigate. Expect to traverse shorelines, tundra, low hills, and river crossings. Therefore, it's vital to ensure you are prepared and capable before joining a long hike. In some cases, you might be hiking for several hours but remain close to the landing site - in this case, the main challenge is incline! But remember - the views will be breathtaking.
On some specific cruises, we also offer much longer hikes. These involve hikes upwards of 15km, with the hiking group being dropped at a landing site before hiking to a second point to rendezvous with the ship later in the day. Depending on the location, they can sometimes last up to a full day! These are specific additions to select itineraries and may not always be available. Please get in touch with us for more information regarding longer hiking excursions.
What else should I know?
Hiking as an activity is included at no extra cost on all of our cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. On your trip, you can take part in various landings at sites specific to your itinerary. Alongside these landings, hiking activities will be organized.
All hiking activities are weather-dependent and subject to change. If an activity isn't able to proceed, the guide team will arrange alternative activities or experiences.
Is hiking in the polar regions safe?
Safety is paramount on all of our expeditions. Hiking requires a certain standard of physical fitness and health. To ensure the group's and individuals' safety guides reserve the right to remove guests from the hiking group if health or other concerns are evident. If this happens, you can join a more suitable hiking activity. For further information, visit our hiking FAQ. All hikes are accompanied by one or more trained and experienced expedition guides. You will always be hiking as part of a group and never alone. In the Arctic (especially Svalbard), polar bears are a safety consideration. All Arctic hiking guides carry rifles while in polar bear territory due to this possibility.
We only hike in areas outside glaciated terrain. Treks inside these areas bring people into contact with crevasses and are, therefore, considered mountaineering.