Polar Explorer Aurora Icebreaker Cruise & Ice Floating

Set out on a 3-hour Arctic adventure with the Polar Explorer Aurora Icebreaker Cruise & Ice Floating in Lapland, Finland. This guided experience combines the thrill of sailing through icy waters on a powerful icebreaker, with opportunities to walk on frozen sea ice, try ice swimming, and possibly witness the northern lights. Rated 4.7 out of 5, this tour is ideal for those seeking a mix of adventure, history, and Arctic scenery, with plenty of engaging activities to keep the excitement high in just a few hours.

The tour starts at the Polar Explorer Icebreaker terminal in Kalix, Sweden, just a short drive from the Finnish border. It offers a chance to explore seven decks of the ship with an audio guide available in 15 languages, making it accessible for international visitors. While the ice floating, walks on sea ice, and ice swimming are optional and depend on sea conditions, they add unforgettable elements to the experience. The final touch is the possibility of catching northern lights during the night — an extra dash of Arctic magic that may or may not appear but is well worth the attempt.

Key Points

• 3-hour guided Arctic cruise aboard the Polar Explorer Icebreaker in Lapland, Finland
• Activities include walking on ice, ice swimming in survival suits, and a glow disco on ice
• Explore seven decks with an audio guide in 15 languages
• Potential to see the northern lights, though not guaranteed
• Departure from Kalix, Sweden, just over 2 hours from Rovaniemi
• Activities depend on sea ice conditions and safety considerations

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Polar Explorer Icebreaker in Kalix: A Gateway to Arctic Adventure

This tour departs from the Polar Explorer icebreaker terminal in Kalix, Sweden, a convenient location just 168 km from Rovaniemi, or about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car. The terminal itself is easy to reach, with free parking available and straightforward directions based on coordinates 65.76974487304688, 23.369787216186523.

The Polar Explorer Icebreaker itself is a robust vessel designed for navigating icy waters, offering a sturdy platform for a variety of Arctic activities. The experience begins with a warm welcome as you step onto the ship, ready for a three-hour journey through the Bothnian Sea. Its proximity to Finnish Lapland makes it accessible for travelers staying in the region, while the scenic drive through Lapland’s snowy landscapes adds to the anticipation.

Ice Floating and Sea Ice Walks: Unique Ways to Connect with Arctic Nature

One of the main highlights of this tour is the option to walk on the frozen sea. Standing on thick sea ice, surrounded by silence and the vast Arctic sky, offers a sense of serenity few other experiences provide. This activity is dependent on the ice thickness and sea conditions for safety, and the operator retains the right to restrict or cancel activities if necessary.

For the more adventurous, ice swimming in a thermal flotation survival suit provides an exhilarating challenge. This activity takes place in the icebreaker’s pool and offers a safe way to experience floating in icy waters. Whether just observing or participating, the sensation of floating in the Arctic in this way creates a memorable connection to the environment.

The Disco on Ice: A Festive Arctic Party

A standout feature of this tour is the glowing disco on ice, where music and vibrant lights turn the ship’s deck into a lively dance floor. This festive setting offers a fun contrast to the quiet Arctic scenery outside, making it an engaging activity for all ages. The lights and music create an energetic atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the Arctic night.

Exploring the Ship: Seven Decks with an Audio Guide

Guests are encouraged to explore the seven decks of the icebreaker, guided by an audio tour available in 15 languages. This informative feature highlights the history and mechanics of icebreakers, providing insight into the vessel’s design and role in navigating extreme conditions. The short film in the onboard cinema further elaborates on icebreaker operations worldwide, enriching the experience for those interested in Arctic maritime technology.

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Watching for the Northern Lights: A Chance for Arctic Stargazing

During the ride, the possibility of spotting the northern lights adds a touch of magic to the evening. While not guaranteed, this chance to see the aurora borealis from the deck of an icebreaker is a special bonus. The Arctic night sky, combined with the ship’s drifting through icy waters, offers an atmospheric setting for this celestial display, should the conditions be right.

Optional Activities: Dinner, Walks, and Swimming

The itinerary includes time for photo stops, walks, and swimming activities at Axelsvik, approximately an hour into the cruise. The dinner break lasts about an hour, giving guests a chance to relax and enjoy Arctic cuisine in a cozy setting. These additional stops and activities are designed to deepen the Arctic immersion and provide variety during the tour.

Practical Details: Logistics and Preparation

The tour is suitable only for passports or ID cards and requires warm clothing and shoes to stay comfortable outdoors. Since walking on sea ice and floating activities depend on safety conditions, participants should be prepared for possible cancellations or restrictions. The cruise operates in Swedish time, which differs by one hour from Finland, so planning accordingly is advised.

Accessibility and Suitability

This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, reflecting the physical nature of the activities and the ship’s layout. The tour is designed for those who are prepared for outdoor winter conditions and comfortable with short walks or activities on ice.

The Whole Experience: A Balance of Adventure and Education

The 3-hour cruise balances exciting Arctic activities with educational insights about icebreakers and Arctic navigation. The guided audio tour makes it easy to learn and engage, while the disco and scenic walks keep the experience lively and memorable. The possibility of seeing northern lights adds a sense of anticipation to each cruise, though it remains a natural phenomenon outside the operator’s control.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for adventurers who want a quick but rich Arctic experience, combining ship navigation, ice activities, and Arctic scenery in a compact timeframe. The family-friendly activities like the disco on ice and guided ship exploration make it appealing for all ages. However, those sensitive to cold or seeking a more relaxed experience might find some activities challenging.

The potential to see the northern lights and the chance to walk on ice and float in icy waters make this tour stand out among Arctic excursions. While activities depend on weather and sea conditions, the overall value lies in the variety of experiences packed into just three hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, activities like ice swimming and walking on sea ice suggest a need for physical stamina and warm clothing. The tour is best suited for older children or those comfortable with outdoor winter activities.

What should I bring for the cruise?
Guests should bring passport or ID, along with warm clothing and shoes suitable for winter outdoor activities. Dressing in layers is recommended for comfort during outdoor walks and ice swimming.

Can I participate in ice swimming?
Yes, ice swimming in a thermal flotation suit is an optional activity. It depends on sea ice conditions and safety considerations, and participants are advised that it may be restricted or canceled if conditions are unsafe.

What is the likelihood of seeing the northern lights?
The possibility exists but is not guaranteed. The Arctic night sky offers a chance to view the aurora borealis, adding a magical element to the experience, especially if clear skies prevail.

How accessible is the departure location?
The Kalix terminal is easy to reach by car, located just over two hours from Rovaniemi, with free parking. The site’s coordinates make navigation straightforward for self-driving visitors.

How long does the cruise last?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, including activities, exploration, and breaks. Check availability for specific departure times as they may vary.

This Polar Explorer Aurora Icebreaker Cruise & Ice Floating tour offers a well-rounded Arctic adventure, blending ship exploration, ice activities, and a chance to see northern lights — all within a short, exciting timeframe. Perfect for adventure seekers and Arctic enthusiasts, it promises a memorable glimpse of Lapland’s icy wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby