When is the best time to visit polar regions?

The timing depends on where you're heading. Antarctica welcomes visitors from November to March, with the warmest and brightest days falling between December and February when you'll get more than 20 hours of daylight and temperatures around 32-35°F (0-2°C). If you're interested in the Arctic, plan your trip between June and September when temperatures are mild at 35-50°F (2-10°C). Summer in places like Disko Bay, Greenland gives you clear skies, plenty of whale sightings, and the unique experience of the midnight sun.

What wildlife will I see?

You'll see different animals depending on which pole you visit. In Antarctica, you'll spot several types of penguins including Gentoo, Adelie, Chinstrap and King penguins waddling about. Keep your eyes peeled for seals lounging on ice floes - Weddell, leopard, and elephant seals are common sights. In both polar regions, you might spot whales like humpbacks, minkes and orcas, plus lots of seabirds. One TourRadar traveler shared their excitement about "watching six whales doing a synchronized performance" during a Zodiac boat trip.

How much exploring can I do off the ship?

Most days you'll have two chances to leave the ship, usually for 2-3 hours each time, using small Zodiac boats to get around. The weather plays a big part in what's possible each day. If you're visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll likely spend 4-5 days going ashore to check out wildlife and landscapes. Arctic trips often mix nature exploration with visits to small communities like Itilleq or Qeqertarsuaq, giving you a taste of local life.

You'll need waterproof pants, warm layers, waterproof gloves, sun protection, and a camera with extra batteries. Many ships provide boots (usually US sizes 4-16) and expedition jackets as part of your trip. Pack for temperatures between 20-35°F (-6 to 2°C) in Antarctica, or 35-50°F (2-10°C) in the Arctic summer. The key is bringing clothes you can layer - you'll want to add or remove layers as conditions change throughout the day.

How rough is the sea journey?

The roughest part is usually crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica - sailors joke it's either the "Drake Lake" when calm or the "Drake Shake" when rough. While ships have stabilizers to help smooth things out, you might experience some rocky moments. The good news is that ship doctors have effective seasickness medication if you need it. The Arctic waters around Greenland's Disko Bay tend to be calmer, especially in summer.

What's included in the trip cost?

Your ticket covers your cabin, three daily meals plus snacks, guided trips off the ship, educational talks, expedition gear (boots and jackets), and transfers. Some companies, like Albatros Expeditions, include flights between Copenhagen and Greenland. You'll need to budget extra for your flights to the departure point, travel insurance, optional activities like kayaking (about $345-400), and anything you buy on the ship. Most trips cost between $7,000-40,000 depending on how long you're traveling and what kind of cabin you choose.

Polar Tours & Trips

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Polar
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The ship crew and expedition crew were wonderful and helpful. It was an unforgettable experience."
Aaron, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $18,025
NZ$15,321per person
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Polar
Journey to the Antarctic Circle
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"This trip was an 'excursion', not a 'cruise', so do not sign up if you are expecting multiple restaurants, live entertainment, or other such luxuries."
Jana, traveled in December
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $20,030
NZ$17,026per person
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Polar
Antarctica Classic in Depth
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"This expedition to Antarctica was brilliant and so special. A chance to see the last frontier and the unique flora and fauna of this amazing place."
Elizabeth, traveled in November
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
35% Off
From $22,599
NZ$14,689per person
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Polar
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula - Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros vessels
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Excellent, Really enjoyed very good arrangements."
GOPU, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Ocean Victory Ocean Albatros+1 ship
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Albatros Expeditions
35% Off
From
NZ$13,540per person
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Polar
Canadian Masterpiece with Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
5.0 (161 traveler reviews)
"Accommodation was very good."
John, traveled in August
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff National Park,Jasper National Park,Sun Peaks,Whistler,Victoria,Juneau,Skagway,Glacier Bay National Park,Ketchikan+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Zaandam
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
35% Off
From
NZ$10,289per person
+$1,296 upfront costs
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Polar
6 day Yellowstone Winter Wonderland Tour
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Bozeman, Mammoth, Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park,West Yellowstone+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Western USAYellowstone National ParkRocky Mountains+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bindlestiff Tours
35% Off
From
NZ$6,682per person
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Polar
Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) (2025)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage,South Shetland Islands+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
35% Off
From
NZ$11,549per person
+$2,600 upfront costs
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Polar
Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"we loved our crossing the circle via Buenos Aires trip, we had greattest expenerices in Antarctica."
Shauna, traveled in January
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, King George Island,Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
24% Off
From $37,169
NZ$28,430per person
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Polar
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition, Operated by Quark
4.7 (12 traveler reviews)
"A fabulous and memorable trip blessed by good weather, favourable ice conditions, calm seas and great wildlife sightings."
Nicola, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
RCGS Resolute
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
24% Off
From
NZ$40,030per person
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Polar
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill, Operated by Quark
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
24% Off
From
NZ$41,240per person
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings, Operated by Quark
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"A truly wonderful experience. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to visit such an awe inspiring part of the world."
Norman, traveled in February
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands England Chile
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% Off
From $58,949
NZ$47,160per person
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer, Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 traveler reviews)
"Antarctica is definately a place you should experience a once in a lifetime experience."
Antoinette, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% Off
From $21,549
NZ$17,240per person
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (25 traveler reviews)
"It is hard to put into words how absolutely amazing Antarctica is. G Adventures did a marvelous job of getting us there and providing a marvelous experience."
Kevin, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $13,399
NZ$10,049per person
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Polar
Swedish Lapland: The Northern Lights
5.0 (20 traveler reviews)
"Everything was organized well, a trip without worries. An unforgettable trip, I would recommend to everybody who loves an adventure."
Annika, traveled in February
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Stockholm, Abisko National Park
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Yes-Trips
25% Off
From
NZ$1,385per person
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The food was wonderful, the scenery unbelievable and the small passenger group made us all into friends."
Elaine, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From
NZ$10,475per person
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