A journey to the Arctic or Antarctic is unlike anything else on earth.Â
Regardless of whether you're visiting the southern or northern extremes of our planet, there's something about these white landscapes that captures the imaginations of even the most hardened travellers. Nothing will prepare for the peaceful remoteness that awaits as you cruise to the extremes of the earth and discover great white landscapes full of icy inlets and frozen coves. Experience the rush of setting foot on some of the world's most isolated terrain, witness brilliant natural phenomena and come to terms with the sheer size and scale of the globe's polar regions. An Arctic or Antarctic Cruise is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll remember forever.Â
Browse our range of polar expeditions
14 Days
From
14800
Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...
11 Days
From
11730
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
11 Days
From
12330
Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...
14 Days
From
15800
Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale...
14 Days
From
14200
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
21 Days
From
25200
Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
11 Days
From
11730
This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...
11 Days
From
10530
Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...
11 Days
From
10400
Join World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) scientists on an 11-day expedition...
21 Days
From
19600
Spot seals, whales and albatross aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Retrace the steps of...
23 Days
From
25270
This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. Try wildlife photography and see...
12 Days
From
10530
Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Spot seals and penguins...
17 Days
From
21420
Take an Ocean Endeavour expedition to the Northwest Passage from Canada to Greenland....
15 Days
From
13335
Hop aboard the Ocean Endeavour ship for an exploration across the seas to Newfoundland,...
13 Days
From
15650
Set sail around Spitsbergen and head south toward Jan Mayen on an Arctic adventure. See...
13 Days
From
16250
Cruise the wild fjords of south Greenland and learn about Viking history. Spot whales...
13 Days
From
20150
Experience the majesty of Greenland’s soaring glaciers, gorgeous fjords and vast...
10 Days
From
13250
Take a cruise through West Greenland’s glaciers, fjords and icebergs on a journey...
11 Days
From
13000
From Reykjavik, Iceland, you’ll cruise the seas on the Ultramarine to Northeast...
10 Days
From
13300
Breathe in the crisp Arctic air and discover Spitsbergen, the largest island in Norway...
17 Days
From
25850
Take a 17-day polar expedition with Intrepid from Toronto via western Greenland through...
13 Days
From
16220
Traverse the untamed coastline of Greenland and Northern Canada on board the Ocean...
13 Days
From
16220
Explore the wild coastline of Northern Canada and Greenland on board the Ocean...
15 Days
From
19850
From Helsinki, experience the wonders of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland on a...
14 Days
From
15900
An Arctic expedition through East Greenland and Iceland is the perfect opportunity to...
7 Days
From
8000
Take a voyage across the Arctic Circle via the Svalbard Archipelago and north-east...
12 Days
From
50350
Head north on a 12-day Arctic expedition towards Canada’s most northerly islands,...
12 Days
From
15150
Join Intrepid on a 12-day journey along some of Greenland's most remote coastline,...
11 Days
From
14850
Tick Greenland off your bucket list on this 10 day cruise along the country's...
14 Days
From
22300
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen and more of the Svalbard archipelago, stopping by unique...
Things to do on a polar expedition

Take on the Drake Passage
Many might think the hardest part about travelling to Antarctica is 1) deciding to go and 2) paying the expense, but it’s actually crossing the notorious and legendary Drake Passage. Known to feature waves of up to 26 feet high, this sea crossing is one of the roughest passages in the world and won’t hesitate to test your endurance and stamina levels, as well as your stomach’s strength.Â

Visit the mythical North Pole
There’s simply something about the North Pole that makes it irresistible to avid adventurers. Whether it’s the vast, white nothingness that surrounds you, the chance of spotting Santa Claus and his reindeer dashing over the snow, or the immense satisfaction that comes with saying ‘I’m standing on top of the world’ – the North Pole is a destination so surreal you’ll think you dreamed it.Â

Kayak through the icy Antarctic waters
While you can still get relatively close to the Antarctic wilderness from aboard the Ocean Endeavour, a speedy zodiac, or on land itself, there’s nothing quite like gently making your way over the ocean’s ice-clogged surface on a kayak. Fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this region by paddling through the freezing waters, taking in the sheer size and stature of floating icebergs and glistening glaciers along the way. Â

Watch the Aurora Borealis light up the sky
Whether you’re watching from the back of a dogsled in Greenland or from the deck of the Ocean Adventurer in Norway, the natural phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) will capture your travel-loving heart in ways that nothing else will. While there’s a scientific way to explain the dancing colours, once you set your sights on them, you’ll believe they’re nothing short of a miracle. Â
Polar expedition reviews
Polar regions to explore
Antarctica
Antarctica is one of the few places in the world that still exists in pretty much its natural state. Venture to the southernmost tip of the planet to watch penguins courting as far as the eye can see, seals sleeping on ice floes and whales blowing water as they surface. Conquer the Drake Passage and set your eyes on dramatic contrasts while learning about a place that has united countries and belongs to no one. Â
The Arctic
Realm of the mighty polar bear and the renowned Northern Lights – the Arctic Circle is the final frontier before the long journey to the North Pole. It’s a challenging world populated by musk oxen, walruses and narwhals; where communities have a long history of surviving off the sea. Explore untouched coastal areas, icy oceans and tiny settlements and discover one of the most biologically diverse parts of the world.
Activities in Antarctica
Make your Antarctica experience even better by participating in some once-in-a-lifetime activities. Offered on the majority of our trips, these activities will push your boundaries and take you out of your comfort zone so you can get the most out of this wild and unforgettable destination.
Wildlife in the Arctic
Boasting one of the most diverse regions in the world, the Arctic is home to hundreds of animal species from the mighty polar bear to the distinctive snowy owl. And you've got a front-row seat. Here's a small glimpse of what you can expect to see on your Arctic adventure.Â
Find out more about animals in the Arctic here.
Why choose Intrepid
Well-equipped ship
Our Ocean Endeavour is built tough; designed to handle the harsh Antarctic wilderness with ease while ensuring your safety at every step of the adventure.
Onboard Experts
Our experienced expedition team are at the top of their fields. You’ll find out everything you want to know from our Antarctic experts, including naturalists and ornithologists. Â
Daily excursions
We don’t call them hands-on, feet-on adventures for nothing. Get closer to the action with, not one, but two daily excursions on land and, via Zodiacs, at sea.Â
Onboard inclusions
Our onboard creature comforts will warm you up after your Antarctic outings. Expect 3-course meals, 24/7 tea and coffee and fascinating evening seminars. Â
Safety
We’re committed to providing the highest safety standards, which is why the Ocean Endeavour, and all our operations teams undergo regular safety audits.
Responsible travel
We’re deeply committed to being a responsible business and take considered steps to minimise our impact, support vital research and promote conservation in the Antarctic. Â
Your home on the sea
We know you want to be as comfortable as possible while cruising on board, which is why we’ve chosen vessels equipped with modern conveniences that make each voyage a true pleasure. Each ship boasts onboard chefs to prepare a range of hearty, quality meals, and onboard experts to ensure you spend more time seeing the sights and less time thumbing through a guidebook.
Polar ships
Arctic FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Arctic?
The best time to visit the Arctic region is during the high summer season (between June and September) as the weather is warmer and it is more enjoyable to spend long periods of time outside.
What is the weather like in the Arctic?
It's generally cold in the Arctic but the summer season does see temperatures rise above freezing and most people find being outside tolerable and sometimes enjoyable.
What should I wear in the Arctic?
Packing for the Arctic may seem daunting but as long as you pack heaps of layers, socks, gloves, beanies, and other cold weather clothing, you should be well prepared.
Will my mobile work in the Arctic?
Your mobile phone won't work while you're at sea but there are various towns in the Arctic region where mobile coverage is satisfactory, even good.
The Arctic is located at the northernmost part of the planet, starting from the North Pole (yes, where Santa Claus lives) and extending out in all directions to the edges of the Arctic Circle.Â
The Arctic is considered a polar region but it's made up of areas that belong to the Arctic ocean, a number of other seas and, of course, countries. These countries are Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Iceland, and the USA.Â
There are several animal species that call the Arctic their home including a variety of sea birds (puffins, common eiders, purple sandpipers and more), whales (minke, bowhead, beluga etc), polar bears, walruses, musk oxen, Arctic wolves, and reindeer.Â
Antarctica FAQs
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
Antarctica is best visited in the summer months from November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore.
What is the weather like in Antarctica?
The climate in Antarctica is the coldest one on Earth with cold summers and freezing winters. The warmest month is January with averages of around 10°C (50°F).
What to wear in Antarctica?
You have to be prepared and thorough when packing for Antarctica due to its remote location. Make sure you bring lots of layers, gloves, sunscreen, and moisturiser among other items.
Will my mobile phone work in Antarctica?
Your mobile phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place.
How to choose an Antarctic cruise
Deciding on the Antarctic cruise that suits you best comes down to figuring out the time of year you want to go, the itinerary, and how long you want the cruise to be.
How much does a cruise to Antarctica cost?
The cost of an Antarctica cruise largely depends on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for, and the type of cabin you book on the ship but most cruises start from AUD$7,000 (USD$5,000).
Antarctica refers to the seventh continent of the world and is largely situated in the Antarctic Circle - a line of latitude sitting at around 66.5° south of the equator - at the base of the globe. The Antarctic refers to the region made up of south polar zones that include the seas and some outlying islands.Â
Antarctica isn't part of one single country, rather it is a continent governed under a series of recognised guidelines and agreements called the Antarctic Treaty System.
Each expedition includes stops at various landing sites around the Antarctic but when you stop at them and for how long often depends on the weather, as well as sea ice and wildlife movement.Â
While Antarctica may not be hospitable to human life, there are plenty of animal species that call the seventh continent their home. This includes penguins, whales, sea birds, seals, and more.Â
While you can't embark on an expedition to the world's seventh continent alone, you can travel solo on a group tour to Antarctica. This means you'll still have plenty of free time to do your own thing (and use the ship's excellent amenities) but also have the comfort of knowing expert leaders are handling the pesky logistics. You can also choose from a variety of accommodation arrangements, from single cabins to room-sharing, depending on your preference.Â
Antarctica is best visited in the summer months from November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore.
The climate in Antarctica is the coldest one on Earth with cold summers and freezing winters. The warmest month is January with averages of around 10°C (50°F).
You have to be prepared and thorough when packing for Antarctica due to its remote location. Make sure you bring lots of layers, gloves, sunscreen, and moisturiser among other items.
Internet access is available on most Antarctic ships, at a cost. Alternatively, there may be a ship-based email system where you will have an email account to stay in touch with family and friends. Because of the remoteness of Antarctica, connections can be slow, so all ships charge for data used rather than time spent online. Please refer to your detailed pre-departure information for more information on Internet facilities on your ship.
Will my mobile phone work in Antarctica?Â
Your mobile phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place.
Can my family and friends contact me while I’m on board in the case of an emergency at home?
Yes. There is a number to call the ship and you can purchase data for the wi-fi onboard, although the connection is intermittent and not to be relied on.
Deciding on the Antarctic cruise that suits you best comes down to figuring out the time of year you want to go, the itinerary, and how long you want the cruise to be.
The cost of an Antarctica cruise largely depends on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for, and the type of cabin you book on the ship but most cruises start from AUD$7,000 (USD$5,000).
While the destination itself might conjure up images of nefarious voyages only the fittest can endure, you only need to be in good health and be able to move around freely to participate in and enjoy Antarctica's numerous activities and adventures. Yep, those with an average fitness level (and above) are compatible with Antarctica travel, so you don't need to spend hours in the gym before considering booking a trip.Â
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Antarctica directly support our foundation partner, WWF.
WWFÂ
WWF-Australia is a well-established conservation organisation helping protect our natural environment. Donations from our trips help their pioneering whale research and conservation efforts to establish marine protected areas around Antarctica and save whale species from extinction.Â
See more information in our Arctic Frequently Asked Questions and Antarctica Frequently Asked Questions.Â
Read more about polar travel
May 05, 2020
How to be a responsible traveller in...
You might think the highest, driest, coldest and most remote continent in the...
Sep 02, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
Whether you’ve always wanted to get off the beaten track in Romania, watch the...
Aug 20, 2023
Arctic vs Antarctic cruises: How to...
Polar bears or penguins? Smooth sailing or rocky crossings? Let's find out which...
Jun 28, 2022
What it’s like taking the Polar...
The Polar Plunge - leaping off a ship into the freezing waters below - has become...
Mar 02, 2023
Meet Martin Cohen, Antarctica...
Listen to Intrepid ambassador Sarah Davidson’s podcast, Seize the Yay, to hear all...
Aug 14, 2022
Travel to Antarctica alongside whale...
Ever wondered what it would be like to explore Antarctica with a team of whale...
Jul 27, 2022
How can a responsible tour operator...
It’s the world’s last great wilderness – so why are we still taking...
Oct 29, 2022
Beyond sightseeing: All the things...
If you're after a way to break up all that sightseeing, there are a number of ways...
Aug 25, 2022
I travelled solo to Antarctica just...
Rachelle Berke had travelled to more than 60 countries before deciding to visit...
Oct 25, 2022
Meet Eva, the polar scientist heading...
Eva Prendergast is a polar scientist, photographer, naturalist and marine mammal...
Jun 23, 2022
Your guide to tackling the Drake...
This is the Drake Passage: the only unhindered flow of ocean on earth. Prepare...
Jun 28, 2022
Polar Pointers: All your Antarctica...
What you'll see, what you'll eat, who you'll meet, and what it's *really* like...
Jun 28, 2022
What to pack for an Antarctica cruise
How do you pack for a trip to Antarctica, one of the coldest, windiest, remotest...
May 14, 2022
6 reasons why you should visit...
Something tells us you don't need that much convincing though...
May 01, 2019
8 things you need to know before your...
So you wanna go on a polar expedition? First thing you need to know is that it...
Dec 26, 2018
What to expect on an Arctic expedition
While we often associate polar adventures with rugged explorers, frostbite and...
Mar 18, 2019
Why Greenland might just be the next...
While Iceland attracts over two million tourists a year, Greenland only sees about...
Jun 22, 2022
How to become a citizen scientist in...
Want to become a citizen scientist in the coldest, highest, driest and windiest...
Jan 06, 2019
Your essential guide to polar...
For all its natural beauty, the Arctic and Antarctica present a unique challenge...
Aug 30, 2017
Visiting Antarctica with Intrepid:...
Having traveled to over 40 countries and touched every continent, I can safely say...
Jun 28, 2022
Why you should visit the most...
A place where the only sound is provided by nature, or the gentle hum of your...
Jun 09, 2019
What an expedition to Antarctica is...
At home in Brixton, I am not a morning person in the slightest. So it came as a...
Dec 17, 2018
What to pack for an Arctic adventure
As one of the last untouched stretches of wilderness, the Arctic is an exciting ...
Nov 19, 2019
How to spend 48 hours in Longyearbyen...
Don’t make the mistake of thinking Longyearbyen is simply a launchpoint for your...