Arctic regions are perfect for explorations by small ship cruises that can reach remote fjords, channels and shores.

Many of the Arctic cruises listed below offer sea kayaking where you can get close up to experience the ice, wildlife and sea life. Everything you need is provided. However, you will usually need to have previous experience and basic kayaking skills.

Arctic Smith Explorations
1-800-728-2875

A 12-day soft adventure exploring the Canadian Arctic including: Lancaster Sound, Grise Fjord, Beechey Island, Cape Hay Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and Pond Inlet. In Greenland they visit Qaanaaq and Cape York. When the conditions are right, optional kayaking will occur.

They are dedicated to fighting global warming through the support of alternative energy projects. With their Carbon Free Cruising campaign, they are committed to neutralizing carbon emissions and participate in the education of travelers about how to fight global warming.

A voyage to Spitsbergen, the largest Norwegian island in the Svalbar archipelago, is half way to the North Pole. Enjoy fascinating wildlife including walrus, polar bears, reindeer, seabirds and unusual bird life, as well it's natural scenic beauty including icebergs, fjords, glaciers, mountains, islands, hot springs and more.

With this voyage you will Learn about the historical significance of Spitsbergen's scientific research, hunting and fishing.

Most of the landings which occur twice a day are by Zodiac and the terrain on shore may be fairly rugged, so you should be reasonably sure-footed. Other than that, the landings and the tour does not make any special physical demands on the participants.

Quark Expeditions
1-800-356-5699

A 13-day Active Adventure that follows the eastern shore of Ellesmere Island and the western coast of Baffin Island. You will explore deep fjords, nature reserves, and visit remote villages that can only be reached by ship or air. The shallow draft of the Adventure Ship makes it possible to explore bays and transit channels that larger ships cannot. En route from Resolute to Iqaluit, an optional kayaking adventure will be offered.

In general you must be reasonably fit, as terrain may be rough, and require unassisted mobility. You must be able to make your way down a steep, narrow gangway on the side of the ship to board Zodiacs and for sea ice exploration.

Travel Wild Expeditions
1-800-368-0077

Cruise aboard the Khlebnikov as they sail through ice-choked waters, taking up to 108 passengers to remote fjords, channels and shores where precious few, if any, people have ever visited. They have on-board Helicopters for ice navigation, scouting landing sites, "flight seeing" and to land passengers in out-of-the-way places. Zodiacs whisk passengers ashore to observe wildlife and explore and archaeological and historical sites.

You can expect to see beluga and bowhead whales narwhals, polar bears, arctic seals, walruses, musk oxen and about two dozen species of birds, and fascinating scenery.