Polar cruises

Untamed, unpredictable, unbelievable and not to be underestimated; this is polar travel

From one frozen end of the world to its icy northern counterpart, our polar regions are about as otherworldly as you can get. Whether you’re swayed by the penguin-inhabited Antarctica or the polar bear realm of the Arctic, a trip to either end of the Earth is a trip of a lifetime.

Our polar cruises

Good Trips Only: Antarctica

Where you can go

Pair of travellers smiling standing on an ice platform in the Antarctic Circle, with waters behind
Antarctica

Truly the last frontier, a trip to Antarctica means venturing into a frozen wilderness where the wild carries on without care. No matter if you’re venturing due south to claim the badge of all seven continents visited, or you’ve got your eye on an icy, penguin and whale-filled expedition, the realm of Antarctica is an avid adventurer’s final challenge. 

Browse our Antarctica cruises
Travellers looking out at the Svalbard landscape from a ship
The Arctic

A land of dancing northern lights and resilient winter species. Where humans have made settlements among the ice fjords and history is laid into each stone, the top of the world is truly a northern frontier. Whether you’re here to paddle between icebergs or search for the elusive polar bear, one thing’s for sure: there’s an Arctic oasis up ahead. 

Browse our Arctic expeditions

Polar activities

Wildlife you may encounter

There aren’t many species capable of surviving in the cold climates of our north and south poles. Those that can have adapted into the cute, carnivorous, tusked, toothy, feathered or furry. Species of the Arctic include everything from the predatory polar bear to the storybook Svalbard reindeer. Wildlife in Antarctica ranges from the iconic penguin to the largest animal on Earth: the blue whale. 

Why choose us

Well-equipped ships

Polar regions have harsh and often unpredictable climates. That’s why all voyages are sturdy expedition vessels to get you there in style without compromising safety.

Onboard experts

Along with being experienced polar seafarers, our team are also experts in everything polar. From glaciologists to ornithologists, soak up the onboard knowledge from your crew.

Daily excursions

Our polar adventures get you off the ship and on the ground. With excursions ranging from iceberg kayaking to hiking over glaciers – you’ll be right in the action.

Onboard inclusions

They may be expedition cruises but you’ll be as well taken care of on board as you are onshore. All ships serve three meals a day and include 24/7 refreshments.

Safety

From the Arctic to Antarctica, we’re committed to the highest level of safety. We undergo regular safety audits and adhere to international maritime regulations.

Responsible travel

We’re thoroughly committed to the practice and promotion of safe and environmentally responsible travel in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Polar highlights

Travellers kayak out toward Pleneau Island in Antarctic waters
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.  

View trip
Green streaks of the aurora borealis dance over trees at the bottom of the arctic circle in Finland
Watch the Aurora Borealis light up the sky

Whether you’re watching from the back of a dog sled 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.  

View trip
A group of Gentoo penguins on the snow against a backdrop of blue water and ice in Antarctica
Peruse for penguins

Unique to Antarctica is its most adorable and noisiest residents – the penguins. From the cute Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins to the regal emperor, macaroni and king penguins, you’ll return home an avid bird watcher. And for those looking to go the extra mile, why not face the chill of the penguin habitat for yourself with a penguin plunge into the frosty Antarctica waters? That’s one thing to brag about when you get home!

View trip
Arctic wolves in the snow
Safari in the Arctic

The Arctic is home to an incredible array of species that have adapted to thrive in this icy environment. From the double-tusked walruses to the single-tusked narwhals, add in musk oxen, Arctic wolves, bearded seals, Svalbard reindeer and a handful of feathered and furry friends – the northern shores are full of all manner of weird and wonderful wildlife. Arctic animals aren’t to be missed - but can be if you don’t spot them in time! 

View trip

Our polar ships

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.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 189 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

Christopher · Traveled February 2024
An incredible trip to an incredible place that far exceeded my expectations!
Review submitted 16 Feb 2024

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

Claire · Traveled February 2024
What a trip on the Ocean Endeavour with Intrepid! This has been a dream of mine for years to go to Antarctica and to Antarctic Circle , I don't think it could have gone any better from the amazingly beautiful Antarctic to the amazing intrepid guides , crew and all staff 10 out of 10 from me . Would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to go to Antarctica. I have truly loved every minute and will never forget it !
Review submitted 16 Feb 2024

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

Constance · Traveled February 2024
Antarctica surpasses my expectations and the Intrepid expedition team made every excursion, on land or on the water, educational and safe, for us and the birds and animals. Don't hesitate, go!
Review submitted 16 Feb 2024

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

David E · Traveled February 2024
Intrepid's Antarctic Expedition was an amazing experience. All the views and amenities of a cruise, but with the added adventure of zodiac tours of Antarctic waters, hikes on land, kayaking with icebergs and wildlife, and the ability to observe penguins, seals, birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. We had a truly unique experience and highly recommend their expeditions.
Review submitted 16 Feb 2024

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

Diane · Traveled February 2024
This expedition entitled Journey to the Antarctic Circle is a unique opportunity to appreciate and understand how all life on this beloved Earth is interwoven and interconnected. I fell in love with this sublime continent. Oftentimes there were no words to express what I was feeling. One wow moment after another. It will stay with me
Review submitted 17 Feb 2024

Frequently asked questions

Get inspired on The Good Times