10 Best Baffin Island Small Ship Cruises for 2023-2024

Kayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regions

Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq
20 Days from $18,995

Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching for the Arctic wildlife and visiting the communities that are rich in culture and traditions. You will be amazed by the stunning glaciers, fjords, and icebergs surrounding the Western Arctic.

High Arctic Explorer

Resolute Bay to Kangerlussuaq
12 Days from $8,995

Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, you'll navigate the iconic fjords and rugged islands of the icy north before heading across wildlife-rich Baffin Bay towards Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Enjoy hikes and opportunities to meet local communities.

Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Toronto to Toronto
17 Days from $16,495

On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin Expedition, which left the shores of England in 1845 in search of the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage—only to become permanently icebound.

Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

Toronto to Toronto
12 Days from $11,495

Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the top of the world through adventure activities like helicopter flightseeing, wildlife tracking, and trekking.

Zodiac cruising on Sunneshine Fjord, Baffin Island

Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Toronto to Toronto
9 Days from $7,995

During this 9-day expedition cruise aboard the Ultramarine you will discover the great sea route known as the Northwest Passage at the top of the world and experience the highlights of the Canadian Arctic, including wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes.

Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari

8 Days from $15,608

Experience the classic spring floe edge 8-day safari where you may have the opportunity to view polar bears, narwhal and icebergs under the Midnight Sun. Travel to the northern reaches of Baffin Island where the sea ice meets the open water, and marine mammals and other wildlife congregate at the floe edge – also known as the “line of life”.

Baffin Island Dive Safari

7 Days from $18,042

Experience the most exhilarating 7-day diving adventure in the company of the Arctic's leading scuba diving experts. Settle into a safari-style base camp on the sea ice and dive in the most incredible ice formations. Witness the Arctic's wildlife such as pods of narwhal, a variety of seal species, bowhead, beluga whales, and polar bears.

Polar Bears & Glaciers of Baffin Island

7 Days from $13,113

Discover the remote and rugged beauty of the Arctic on this 7-day tour of Baffin Island. Experience the long Arctic summer days from the comfort of your safari-style base camp, and spend your time roaming the land in search of polar bears & wildlife in the beautiful silence of the Arctic as you explore Auyuittuq National Park.

Taste of the Arctic Summer

4 Days from $3,661

Discover the charm of Canada's hidden jewel, the marine city of Iqaluit. On this 4-day Arctic tour, explore the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park by hiking and kayaking in Frobisher Bay.

Guided Northern Lights Getaway

4 Days from $3,404

Discover the best of the aurora season and Iqaluit’s top highlights and attractions on a 4-day guided stay in the True North, Nunavut's capital. On a half-day excursion, see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, the Unikkaarvik Visitor Center, and the Inuit Art Gallery. Stretch and explore during a hike around Sylvia Grinnell Park.

All Baffin Island Luxury Tours

10 Best Baffin Island Luxury Small Ship Cruises for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland	$18995	20	Sep 11, 2023	Embark on Ocean Adventurer and join this 20-day itinerary in the exploration of the Arctic Circle through the legendary Northwest Passage, searching … 0
Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin	$16495	17	Jul 30, 2023	On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin … 0
Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands	$11495	12	Aug 19, 2023	Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the … 0
Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage	$7995	9	Aug 13, 2023	During this 9-day expedition cruise aboard the Ultramarine you will discover the great sea route known as the Northwest Passage at the top of the … 0
Expedition to the Thule Region	$21460	17	Jul 25, 2023	Departing from cosmopolitan Paris, luxurious L'Austral takes you north to Arctic Greenland on this 17-day expedition cruise. Explore Baffin Bay, … 0
Kangerlussuaq Roundtrip - Door to Door	$18500	17	Jul 23, 2023	Explore the Arctic on this exceptional 17-day roundtrip expedition cruise from Kangerlussuaq aboard Silver Cloud, thoroughly traversing Disko Bay and … 0
Baffin Bay Secrets	$18830	14	Jul 12, 2023	This incredible 14-day journey aboard L'Austral acquaints you with the secrets of Baffin Bay and Greenland. Glaciers and icebergs are home to the … 0
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic	$16495	17	Aug 28, 2023	Marvel at highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s stunning west coast aboard the Ultramarine on a 17-day adventure cruise. Participate in … 0
Northwest Passage	$18895	17	Jul 27, 2023	Join this spectacular 17-day Northwest Passage Expedition aboard Sylvia Earle and encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, beluga … 0
Complete Northwest Passage	$35195	30	Aug 24, 2023	Join this spectacular 30-dayComplete Northwest Passage Expedition aboard Sylvia Earle and encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, … 0

All Baffin Island Cruises

10 Top-Rated Baffin Island Small Cruise Ships for 2023-2024

Ship Name	Max Passengers	From	Summary
Sylvia Earle	126	$18895	New in 2021, cruise the polar regions in style on the Sylvia Earle. Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, … 0
Ultramarine	199	$7995	New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. … 0
National Geographic Resolution	126	$36960	New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with … 0
L'Austral	264	$18830	The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the … 0
Ocean Endeavour	198	$8995	Updated as recently as 2014, the 200-passenger ice class Ocean Endeavor explores the most remote areas in comfort and style. With several decks and … 0
Ocean Albatros	169	$8290	Accommodating 169 passengers as it sails along Antarctica, the Ocean Albatros offers a unique adventure. Experience shore landings, excursions, … 0
National Geographic Explorer	148	$17860	The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, … 0
Silver Cloud	260	$18500	The newly refurbished Silver Cloud is the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Its large suites, destination … 0
Silver Endeavour	200	$17500	Designed for polar exploration, Silver Endeavour breaks the ice of luxury expedition travel. 0
L'Austral	199	$39495	Experience sophisticated design, innovative sailing technology, and the finest expedition staff from aboard the comfortable and sophisticated … 0

Canadian Arctic Travel Tip & Cruise Guide

Arctic Cruise: When to Go?

Though the austere Arctic landscape is often imagined to be a cold white wasteland, the brief months of summer see the flora blossoming and the fauna emerging from their long winter dormancy. Find out the best time to visit the Arctic based on your interests and expectations.

Favorite things to do on a Baffin Island cruise:

Daily wildlife viewing
Hike across glaciers
Sea kayak among fjords and icebergs
Daily zodiac excursions to look for wildlife and navigate the icebergs.
Coldwater diving and snorkeling
Snowmobile across pack ice
Visit traditional Inuit villages

Wildlife to see on Baffin Island:

Polar bears
Narwhals
Musk ox
Seals
Walruses
Beluga Whales
Caribou
Arctic foxes and wolves
Migratory sea birds

Baffin Island Fun Facts:

Baffin Island is the largest island in Canada and the fifth largest island on the planet.
It has been inhabited for centuries by the Inuit People, yet only about 11,000 people call the island home.
Viking explorers are believed to have visited and traded with the Inuit before 1000 A.D.
It can snow at any time of the year on Baffin Island

Cruise to Baffin Island also visit destinations like:

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Best Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2023-2024

Ponant - a French cruise line, invites you to set sail aboard L'Austral for an all-inclusive 14-day luxury expedition cruise along the eastern coast of Baffin Island, in Nunavut, Canada. This destination delights you with immense cliffs, bird colonies, and fjords.
Silversea Cruises - offers unique Baffin Island expeditions hosted by Silver Cloud and Silver Wind that include authentic Inuit culture and wildlife viewing opportunities from polar bears, walrus, bowhead whales, to orcas, narwhals, and beluga whales.
Lindblad Expeditions - lets you discover the extraordinary icescapes of the Northwest Passage aboard the Polar Class 5 National Geographic Resolution, which carries you across the Baffin Bay, a long-time favorite of Inuit hunters and fishermen. Discover ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga, killer, and bowhead whales, as well as the elusive narwhal.
Quark Expeditions - explore the northern shores of Canada's Baffin Island and the western coast of Greenland, visiting local communities and searching for wildlife, including one of the Arctic's most iconic animals, the polar bear. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the largest suites in its class, magnificent public areas, and more outside wildlife viewing areas than other expedition ships of similar size.
Aurora Expeditions - travel the Northwest Passage to Baffin Island, where you may see humpback, sei, sperm, and fin whales, as well as ring and harp seals. A cruise on the Greg Mortimer via the Northwest Passage lets you see the Canadian High Arctic archipelago of islands and canals.
Adventure Canada - takes you to Igloolik and the Nunavut's Foxe Basin coast searching for walrus and bowhead whales and allows you to camp on the floe's edge with Inuit guides searching for polar bears. The spacious, ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavour features twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and stabilizers.