Longyearbyen Icebreaker Cruise: Float in the Arctic Ocean

Arctic Ocean float in survival suit near icebreaker in designated swimming area

A 6-hour icebreaker cruise from Longyearbyen through Isfjorden where you board the M/S Arktis with a live English-speaking guide, watch for seals and seabirds, and have the option to float in the Arctic Ocean in a survival flotation suit. Hotel pickup is included, and warm vegetarian soup is served during the journey. The floating experience requires basic swimming ability and a minimum height of 140 cm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Svalbard Icebreaker Cruise and Floating

• Hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen
• 6-hour cruise on M/S Arktis
• Listen to guides about Arctic nature
• Spot seals, seabirds, whales, polar bears
• Optional Arctic floating in survival suit
• Enjoy warm vegetarian soup lunch

The Experience

The M/S Arktis leaves Longyearbyen with hotel pickup included, carrying you into Isfjorden where the guides begin pointing out what moves in the water and along the distant shoreline—seals, seabirds, and occasionally whales or polar bears. The icebreaker's design lets you get closer to the ice and the wildlife than a standard boat can reach, and the guides onboard share details about the Arctic environment as the cruise unfolds over the full 6 hours.

The floating program is the centerpiece: you descend from the aft deck into the Arctic Ocean wearing a survival flotation suit that keeps you dry and warm, while the swimming area stays protected from wildlife. Guides give detailed instructions before you enter the water, and the experience is optional—you can stay aboard and watch others float, or skip it entirely. The suit accommodates anyone taller than 140 cm who has basic swimming skills; the guides handle the setup and stay with you throughout.

Warm vegetarian soup arrives during the cruise, served while you take in the fjord views. Cafeteria products are also available for purchase on the bar deck if you want something else. The full day—pickup, cruise, the optional floating, the meal and the wildlife watching—runs about 7 hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Longyearbyen.
• 6-hour icebreaker cruise aboard the M/S Arktis with a live English-speaking guide.
• optional Arctic floating experience with survival flotation suit and all equipment provided.
• warm vegetarian soup lunch served during the cruise.
• wildlife viewing opportunities in Isfjorden.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Icebreaking Company

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and instructions without translation. The floating is optional and requires only basic swimming ability, making the full experience accessible whether you want to enter the water or stay on deck watching the fjord and wildlife.

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Top questions

What wildlife might I actually see on the Svalbard icebreaker cruise?

Seals and seabirds are common sightings along Isfjorden; whales and polar bears are possible but less frequent, sometimes visible moving along the distant shoreline rather than close to the boat.

Do I have to float in the Arctic Ocean, or can I stay on the icebreaker?

The Arctic floating experience is optional, so you can choose to stay aboard the M/S Arktis and watch others float, or skip the activity entirely and spend the time on deck or inside.

What does the survival flotation suit actually do?

The suit keeps you dry and warm while you float in the Arctic Ocean; guides provide detailed instructions on how to use it before you enter the water from the aft deck.

Is there a minimum age or height requirement for floating?

You must be at least 140 cm tall to wear the floating suit; the activity also requires basic swimming ability, and guides assess comfort in the water before you enter.

What's included in the 6-hour cruise from Longyearbyen?

Hotel pickup, the icebreaker cruise through Isfjorden with a live English-speaking guide, warm vegetarian soup served during the journey, and access to the optional Arctic floating experience with all necessary equipment are included.