Polar Cruises & Tours

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.  

Browse our Antarctica expeditions

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.

Browse our Arctic expeditions

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

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.  

Browse our Antarctica expeditions

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.

Browse our Arctic expeditions

Well-equipped ships

Our ships are well-equipped to deal with the harsh environment of Antarctica and safety is our biggest priority. Each vessel has modern conveniences and provides the perfect platform for Antarctic exploration.

Expert leaders

Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic from experts in the field, including naturalists and ornithologists who are always ready to answer questions.

Daily excursions

We run frequent excursions to get up-close to wildlife, allowing you to experience what it’s like exploring onshore. Each shore day includes two excursions with our leaders exploring the sea ice, ready to encounter any wildlife that may waiting. You’ll be given life vests, waterproof jackets and waterproof boots for the duration of the activities. 

Full board

All cruises provide three course meals, 24-hour tea and coffee, and main activities including Zodiac excursions, onboard seminars and shore landings. Our chefs know just how to warm you up after your Antarctic outing, just be ready for a second serving!

Safety

All of our ships and operations teams undergo strict safety audits. We are committed to upholding the highest safety standards on all our trips operating within the Antarctic region.

Responsible travel

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re travelling to improve the planet.