Intimate adventure cruises in the Arctic Svalbard, Greenland and Norway.
Vessels for 12 passengers with character, a caring crew, and off-the-beaten-path itineraries — accessible, warm, and unforgettable.
01 Immersion sur le terrain
Débarquements quotidiens en zodiac, randonnées sur la toundra et observation silencieuse de la faune sauvage.
A human-sized ship
Sail where the large cruise ships cannot enter. Your ship becomes your warm cocoon amidst the ice.
Friendliness and expertise
Freely exchange with your guide, the crew, and other passengers. A continuous sharing of knowledge in a relaxed atmosphere.
Our adventure destinations
Each itinerary is designed to offer total immersion. Sail in a small group for an authentic encounter with the Great North.
Spitsbergen
The kingdom of the polar bear. Sail between vertical glaciers and the wild tundra of Spitsbergen.
Orcas, Auroras and Whales in Norway
A unique winter adventure. Observe orcas and humpback whales under the northern lights.
Disko Bay in Greenland
The dance of the ice giants. An immersive journey into the heart of Inuit culture and the frozen fjords.
12
Maximum guests
A preserved intimacy for a deep and respectful human experience.
Real immersion
No superfluous luxury, but simple and authentic comfort focused on the terrain
Passionate crew
Passionate guides who share their knowledge without barriers.
Accessible
Fair prices to discover the magic of the North without compromising on excellence
When to embark on the adventure?
They experienced the Escales Polaires adventure
An extraordinary journey combining grand landscapes, exceptional hikes, a competent crew, and unique friendliness. The charm of the Isbjørnen, far from large ships, makes the experience deeply unforgettable.
An exceptional journey made possible by the small size of the Isbjørnen II ship, allowing navigation close to the glaciers. Long and immersive outings in a zodiac and on land to observe abundant wildlife. French cuisine of the highest level, generous and refined. An experience felt as 'royal'.
An unforgettable stay blending a spirit of adventure, challenging hikes, spectacular landscapes, and attentive crew. An authentic ship, remarkable cuisine, and a strong human experience.
Frequently asked questions about the polar adventure
The small size of our ships allows access to narrow fjords that are inaccessible to large cruise ships. It also guarantees total flexibility: if we spot a polar bear or a whale, we can stop immediately. This ensures an authentic and intimate adventure. (P)
Our trips are aimed at anyone in good physical condition. The hikes on the tundra are adaptable to the group's level. The main thing is to be able to get on and off the zodiac (with the crew's assistance).
The ideal period is between June and July. During the polar summer, the sea ice breaks up, allowing our ships to navigate to the north and east of the archipelago, which are the preferred areas of the Arctic lord.
You want to travel in Arctic ?
Escales Polaires designs and operates adventure cruises in polar regions, aboard small ships, for groups of a maximum of 12 passengers. Here, the journey is not a fixed itinerary or a series of standardised excursions.
Each cruise is conceived as a lived experience, where time, proximity, and adaptation to real conditions take precedence over the programme. From the ship's deck, on land during hikes, or while navigating, we explore the Arctic landscapes at the rhythm of the sea, light, and wildlife.
Decisions are made on site, depending on the weather, ice, and current opportunities. You communicate directly with us, the founders of Escales Polaires, who design the itineraries and operate the ships.
This direct relationship allows for more flexible, more human, and more engaged cruises on the ground. Spitsbergen, Greenland, Lofoten Islands, or the fjords of Northern Norway: each destination is approached with the same demand for simplicity, safety, and immersion, to fully experience what these regions have uniquely to offer.