The Arctic v Antarctic: Which Should You Visit?

When Do You Want To Travel?

Fortunately, the best times to visit the two polar regions are at opposite ends of the year. For the high Arctic, June to September is best. Depending on the month you choose, you will have opportunities to search for polar bear and walrus in Svalbard; witness the aurora borealis and experience the rich Inuit culture of Greenland; or follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers while navigating the Northwest Passage.

The best time to visit the Antarctic is November to March. There is never a bad month to go as wildlife is abundant throughout the season as you navigate through stunning snow and ice-clad landscapes. However, each month has something different to offer the visitor: in November – December you can enjoy tabular icebergs and pristine white landscapes, and penguins as they start to build their nests; late-December – January is when the first penguin chicks appear; and February – March is the best time to go in search of whales!

How Long Do You Want To Be Away?

Most Arctic expedition cruises can be done in 1-2 weeks, with requirements to fly out to Norway, Iceland or Canada to meet your ship. Meanwhile Antarctic cruises need more time as you will have to fly out to Chile or Argentina first and gradually work your way south to the ship, often with some time in Buenos Aires or Santiago. A typical Antarctic cruise will require you being away 2 weeks, but if you want to visit the Falkland Islands or South Georgia – which is very popular – the cruise becomes 20 nights. If you are shorter on time, it is also possible to fly to Antarctica on certain departures and miss out on 4 days sailing the infamous Drake Passage. Do bear in mind that these flights can be very weather dependent, so buffer time is required either side.

What Activities Are On Offer?

Both polar regions offer a wide range of activities – all totally weather dependent. Some are included such as walks and hikes, zodiac cruising, educational learning about the history and wildlife of the regions, and of course the Polar Plunge. For many travelers this is exactly what they have come to experience. However, more and more ships are now offering a far wider range of optional activities: sea kayaking, scuba diving, heli-hiking, alpine mountain biking, skiing, stand up paddle, camping (in the early part of the season) and culinary experiences. These are limited to a handful of spaces and places book up long ahead of departure.

Polar Bears Or Penguins?

Quite simply, would you rather see penguins or polar bears? Penguins populate the Antarctic while polar bears roam the Arctic. But it is not just about these magnificent species: The Antarctic ice flows and shores are also teeming with seals, while killer whales dominate the seas and the wandering albatross glides effortlessly overhead. The Arctic is home to huddles of walruses, well-camouflaged arctic foxes, whales and vast bird cliffs. In parts of Greenland you also gain a unique insight into Inuit culture. Also let’s not forget the chance to witness the dazzling Northen Lights!

Which Ship Should I Sail On?

Once you have decided on your Polar destination and the time of year you can travel, the next step is choosing the right ship to sail on. This will be your home for a week or longer, so it is important to have everything you want and need on board. The good news is that the choice has grown tremendously over the last decade, especially at the luxury end, and importantly the ships we offer retain the key focus of expedition cruising. If comfort is important then there are ships to rival 5* hotels with swimming pools, a choice of restaurants, good fitness and spa facilities and sumptuous cabins. You should also consider the size of ship as the number of passengers on board is a key determinant of where you can land and how many can go on shore at one time. Some cruises include charter flights to and from the start/end point, or can fly you over the Drake Passage to Antarctica itself. If you are wanting to be more active, then again some ships do this better than others.

How Far Ahead Should I Book?

Polar destinations are hugely popular and we highly recommend booking at least a year in advance – or even earlier when it comes to peak dates for Antarctica such as Christmas! Cruise operators release dates well in advance and if you book early then this means you can avoid compromising on what will be the adventure of a lifetime. It is great to have plenty of time to get all the details right. Additionally, early booking discounts are common with cruise operators, which can often mean savings up to 20 or 30%!

In need of more inspiration? Take a look at our vacations to the Arctic or Antarctic.