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
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
Duration
11 days
From
NZ$18,025
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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
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
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$20,030
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Polar
Antarctica Classic in Depth
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"G expedition team members are very passionate, professional and knowledgeable!"
CHEN-WEI, traveled in November
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
30% Off
Duration
13 days
From $16,099
NZ$11,269
$2,275 now + easy payments of $1,820
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 01 Dec 2025
Pay today$2,275
5 easy payments$1,820
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 01 Dec 2025
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5 easy payments$1,820
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Polar
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula - Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros vessels
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"The crew, the food, the service is wonderful."
Xiao, traveled in November
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
30% Off
Duration
10 days
From
NZ$13,697
$3,424 now + easy payments of $1,468
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 11 Mar 2026
Pay today$3,424
7 easy payments$1,468
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7 easy payments$1,468
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Polar
Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) (2025)
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
30% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$11,549
+$2,600 upfront costs
$349 now + easy payments of $1,533
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Mar 2026
Pay today$349
9 easy payments$1,533
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Mar 2026
Pay today$349
9 easy payments$1,533
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Polar
Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) (2026)
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
30% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$16,099
+$1,750 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
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, King George Island,Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
19% Off
Duration
14 days
From $37,169
NZ$30,180
$7,545 now + easy payments of $3,773
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Feb 2026
Pay today$7,545
6 easy payments$3,773
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Feb 2026
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6 easy payments$3,773
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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
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
10% Off
Duration
14 days
From $40,029
NZ$36,025
$9,006 now + easy payments of $5,404
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Feb 2026
Pay today$9,006
5 easy payments$5,404
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Feb 2026
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5 easy payments$5,404
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Polar
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill, Operated by Quark
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$41,240
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Polar
West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs, Operated by Quark
Destinations
Toronto, Kangerlussuaq, Disko Bay, Qeqqata
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
21% Off
Duration
10 days
From $18,040
NZ$14,190
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings, Operated by Quark
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"The crew, staff, and destinations were amazing. I would definitely do this again with the same crew and staff."
Ralph, traveled in November
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
15% Off
Duration
20 days
From $58,949
NZ$50,105
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer, Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 traveler reviews)
"Seeing penguins really close up - they came even closer to us than I thought possible."
David, traveled in February
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
Duration
11 days
From $21,549
NZ$17,240
$4,371 now + easy payments of $2,186
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Mar 2026
Pay today$4,371
6 easy payments$2,186
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Mar 2026
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6 easy payments$2,186
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (25 traveler reviews)
"They went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience exploring Antarctica. This has truly been one of the most unforgettable trips of my life."
Claire, traveled in January
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
30% Off
Duration
11 days
From $17,699
NZ$12,389
$2,680 now + easy payments of $825
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Mar 2026
Pay today$2,680
13 easy payments$825
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Mar 2026
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13 easy payments$825
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Polar
Swedish Lapland: The Northern Lights
5.0 (20 traveler reviews)
"Truely, Yes-Trips is the best travel agencies for students and young professionals! We had so much fun and I have met so many cool international people."
Charles, traveled in January
Destinations
Stockholm, Abisko National Park
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Yes-Trips
30% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$1,367
$683 now + easy payments of $57
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Mar 2026
Pay today$683
12 easy payments$57
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Mar 2026
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12 easy payments$57
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Antarctica is a breathtaking experience we would recommend it to everyone. The penguins are super cool and elephant seals were hilarious."
Clarence, traveled in March
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
30% Off
Duration
10 days
From
NZ$10,365
$600 now + easy payments of $1,060
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 26 Mar 2026
Pay today$600
11 easy payments$1,060
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 26 Mar 2026
Pay today$600
11 easy payments$1,060
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