M/S Balto - Southern Sea Ventures

M/S Balto

explore the arctic in comfort with true expedition spirit

With space for just 12 guests, M/S Balto offers an exclusive and flexible way to experience remote landscapes, wildlife, and culture—far from the crowds.

A purpose-built expedition yacht with a legendary namesake

Named after the famous sled dog who helped deliver life-saving serum across the Alaskan wilderness, M/S Balto is a vessel with true expedition pedigree. Originally built for government service in the Baltic Sea, she was constructed to the highest ice-class standards in Rauma, Finland.

After a complete refurbishment between 2019 and 2022, M/S Balto now offers one of the most refined and spacious small ship experiences in the polar regions.

Elegant comfort for just 12 guests

Designed for intimate journeys, M/S Balto carries a maximum of 12 guests in seven outward-facing cabins—each with private ensuite and lower beds.

Cabin configurations include:

  • Owner’s Cabin (30m²): Queen bed, six windows, and a private seating area
  • Superior Cabin: Two twin beds and a separate seating area
  • Three Double Cabins: Each with a queen bed
  • Two Single Cabins: Perfect for solo travellers

All cabins include a desk, chair, and wardrobe for storage.

Relax between adventures

The guest deck features a small sauna with cold shower—perfect for post-excursion wind-downs. Inside, the warm and welcoming saloon and dining area are panelled in rich crotch-mahogany, with a bar, library, and round-the-clock coffee and tea.

Outside, you’ll find a mix of open and semi-enclosed deck spaces—ideal for wildlife watching, photography, or simply soaking in the Arctic scenery. The ship’s bridge is open to visitors, offering a chance to learn more about navigation and daily operations.

A flexible, low-impact way to explore

With two Zodiacs and a highly experienced international crew, M/S Balto allows us to land in remote locations, visit isolated communities, and access quiet anchorages larger ships can’t reach.

Smaller group sizes mean:

  • More time ashore
  • Greater flexibility in daily activities
  • A lighter footprint on the fragile polar environment

Made for the wild

M/S Balto is built to go further—navigating narrow fjords, exploring rarely visited coastlines, and offering a deeply immersive Arctic experience. Whether it’s paddling past icebergs, walking through historic Inuit sites, or spotting wildlife from deck, this is adventure done differently.


m/s balto trips

west greenland expedition cruise

Witness the midnight sun cast its golden glow over Disko Bay, feel the thunder of ice breaking from massive glaciers, and experience the Arctic’s rich wildlife, from whales gliding through icy waters to seabirds soaring above remote cliffs. This is an adventure of discovery, where each day unfolds new wonders in one of the world’s most untouched wilderness areas.