Best Polar Cruises & Tours 2023/2024

A journey to the Arctic or Antarctic is unlike anything else on earth.

No matter 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 travelers. 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 remote terrain, witness brilliant natural phenomena and come to terms with the sheer size and scale of our planet's polar regions. An Arctic or Antarctic Cruise is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Browse our range of polar expeditions

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.

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Things to do on a polar expedition

A man staring out at the calm waters of Drake Passage from aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

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.

A group of travellers on a zodiac boat at the North Pole 90 degrees sign with the expedition ship in the background.

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.

A group of travellers kayaking over the icy waters of Antarctica with iceberg formations in the background.

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.

The blue/green colours of the Northern Lights in Finland.

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.

Polar expedition reviews

Polar regions to explore

Antarctica

Browse our Antarctica expeditions

The Arctic

Browse our Arctic expeditions

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.

Citizen Science Program

Camping

Kayaking

Snowshoeing

Photography

Day Paddle

Stand-up Paddleboarding

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.

Puffin

Common eider

Arctic tern

Purple sandpiper

Minke whale

Bowhead whale

Narwhal

Beluga whale

Polar bear

Walrus

Musk ox

Arctic wolf

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

View our fleet

Polar ships

Ocean Endeavour

Ocean Adventurer

Ultramarine

Ocean Endeavour - Arctic

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.

Where is the Arctic?

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

What country is the Arctic in?

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.

Click here to read more about the Arctic

What types of Animals live in the Arctic?

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 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).

Where is Antarctica?

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.

What country is Antarctica in?

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.

What are the possible landing sites in Antarctica?

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.

What types of animals live 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.

What's it like travelling solo on a cruise to 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.

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 do I 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.

Is there internet, wi-fi, email or telephone access available on the ships?

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.

How do I 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).

How fit do I need to be to travel to Antarctica?

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.

Does my trip to Antarctica support The Intrepid Foundation?

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

See more information in our Arctic Frequently Asked Questions and Antarctica Frequently Asked Questions.