I Swam in the Arctic Ocean and It Wasn’t What I Expected

Swimming in the Arctic Ocean had been on my bucket list for years, and recently I got the chance to make it happen.

My husband, our five-year-old daughter, and I drove from Anchorage to Deadhorse on the legendary Dalton Highway. It took us five days and over 35 hours of driving time round-trip — a long, rugged, and occasionally surreal journey through some of the wildest landscapes Alaska has to offer. (Side note: the Brooks Range is now my favorite mountain range!)

Traveling To The Arctic Circle: The Dalton Highway and Atigun Pass

The Dalton Highway itself is an adventure. We crossed endless stretches of tundra, passed the last tree located in the Arctic Circle, and drove up Atigun Pass, with its steep grades and sweeping views. The Brooks Range loomed large, sharp and impressive. We spent the night in Atigun Pass, both on the way there and back. It stands to date as one of the best camping sites I’ve ever experienced, but I would recommend camping in your car, as a few bears ambled by early in the morning.

How to Book Your Swim

Deadhorse, the small, industrial town at the end of the Dalton Highway, may be a functional hub for the Prudhoe Bay oil fields, but for me, it was the launch point for one of my biggest bucket list items: jumping into the Arctic Ocean.

But you can’t just wander onto the Arctic Ocean shoreline. This is secured oil company land, and access to it, is tightly controlled. To get there, you’ll need to book a shuttle tour through Deadhorse Camp.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Make a Reservation: Call Deadhorse Camp ahead of time to reserve your spot. (907) 474-3565 or (877) 474-3565 
• Provide Your Details: You’ll need to give your full name, date of birth, and a valid ID, either a passport or driver’s license.
• Check-In: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in.

The shuttle was simple and comfortable, but it was unexpectedly hot at almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit! The air conditioning struggled to keep up, and the slow, winding drive through the oil fields felt longer than I’d expected. But it was worth it when we arrived at the beach!

The Arctic Ocean: What It’s Really Like

When we reached the shore, I was surprised at how calm and quiet everything felt. The water was flat and still, with no waves and no icebergsMost likely because of the hot weather). The shoreline was dotted with driftwood, an unusual sight considering there are no trees in the Arctic. I’d seen the last tree the day before, so standing next to driftwood was interesting, to say the least.

The ocean itself was shallow, which surprised me. I waded out for quite a while, and the water barely came up to my knees. I didn’t realize the shelf was going to be so shallow. Despite its reputation for being freezing, the water didn’t feel too cold, probably because the day was so unexpectedly hot. My daughter had a blast running and splashing along the shoreline while the rest of the group that booked the tour gleefully threw themselves into the ocean.

Behind the beach were oil rigs and industrial buildings, and it had no amenities. It was a pack-it-in, pack-it-out situation, so we needed to make sure we brought everything we needed for the swim.

Planning Your Trip

Here are a few things you’ll want to know before diving into your Arctic adventure:

• What to Bring: Pack a swimsuit and dry clothes for after your swim. There are no changing facilities on-site, so be prepared. They do offer you towels to use, so you can leave yours at home.
• Weather: The Arctic is unpredictable. Even on our scorching hot day, conditions could have changed quickly. Dress in layers.
• Bring Bug Spray: The Arctic Circle is notorious for mosquitoes. Bring plenty of really good bug spray to save yourself.
• Time Commitment: From Anchorage, the round-trip drive is long. Plan for fuel stops, food breaks, places to spend the night, and plenty of time to take in the scenery.
• Don’t Forget The Eye Mask: 24 hours of daylight will greet you during the summer months in the Arctic Circle. This will help you rest!

The Takeaway

I’ve lived in Alaska for over 16 years. The journey up the Dalton Highway, the awe-inspiring Brooks Range, and the little moments along the way — traveling to the Arctic Circle, seeing the last tree, camping in Atigun Pass, and watching my daughter’s pure joy at the edge of the Arctic Ocean — made this one of the most outstanding trips I’ve taken in Alaska.

If you’re looking for a bucket list experience that combines adventure, remoteness, and a little bit of the unexpected, this is it. Visiting the Arctic Circle is the best idea. The Arctic Ocean is waiting for you!