Polar Cruises & Tours

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. 

Click here to read more about the location of the Arctic

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. 

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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. 

Click here to read more about the animals of the Arctic

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. 

Read more about the location of Antarctica

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.

Read more about which country Antarctica is in

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. 

Read more about landing sites in Antarctica

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. 

Read more about the animals of Antarctica

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. 

Read more about solo travel in 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.

Read more about the best time to visit 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).

Read more about the weather 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.

Read more about what to wear in Antarctica

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? 

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.

Read more about mobile phones in Antarctica

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.

Read more about how to choose an Antarctic cruise

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).

Read more about the cost of an Antarctica cruise

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. 

Read more about fitness requirements for Antarctica

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.

WWF 

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. 

Find out more or make a donation