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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10 best Polar tour packages

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Polar
4 Day Winter Minibus Tour: Blue Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle, Snaefellsnes & Northern Lights
2.8 (4 reviews)
"The pace of the trip was exhausting (12-14 hour days), but totally worth it."
John, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Arnarstapi, Djupalonssandur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Geysir,Gullfoss,Thingvellir National Park,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
South Iceland
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
From
US$1,289per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Finnish Lapland in Winter (6 destinations)
4.8 (12 reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ylläsjärvi,Pallas - Yllastunturin kansallispuisto+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $4,665
US$3,732per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Scandinavian Capitals, Fjords & Arctic Wonders | Scenic Flåm Railway, Daily Breakfast & Sightseeing Included
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, Tromso
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
13% Off
From $5,899
US$5,132per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Antarctica Classic in Depth
4.0 (5 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 $14,599
US$9,489per person
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Polar
Yukon Winter Dream | Active Winter Adventure
4.7 (14 reviews)
"Overall excellent value for money and I would recommend."
Stephen, traveled in February
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Whitehorse
Age Range
Ages 7+
State
Yukon and Northwest Territories
Operated in
English
Operator
Arctic Range Adventure
35% Off
From
US$2,281per person
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 reviews)
"Excellent trip. Great on shore landings and zodiac cruises."
Andrea, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $14,999
US$11,249per person
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Polar
Realm of the Polar Bear in Depth
5.0 (1 review)
"We saw 10 polar bears, some close and some far, Walrus, Seals, Dolphins, five types of whales."
Stu, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Longyearbyen, Nordaustlandet Island, Kvitoya
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Arctic / North PoleSvalbard+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From
US$7,499per person
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Polar
Legends of the North: The Tromsø & Senja Expedition
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Tromso, Senja Island, Lyngseidet
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Norwegian FjordsArctic / North PoleNorthern Norway+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
25% Off
From
US$900per person
+$1,091 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Polar
Elf Workshops & Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
25% Off
From
US$327per person
+$2,272 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 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, South Shetland Islands
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $30,742
US$27,820per person
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.7 (33 reviews)
"Extremely well organized, safety conscious, and the guides/naturalists had infectious enthusiasm."
Mark, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $9,399
US$7,519per person
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Polar
Trip Through the Lofoten Islands
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Narvik, Svolvær, Henningsver, Ramberg, Reine, Hamnøy,Nusfjord,Senja Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Norwegian FjordsArctic / North PoleNorthern NorwayLofoten Islands+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
20% Off
From
US$1,137per person
+$1,506 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Polar
Helsinki to Kirkenes - Beyond the Arctic Circle
4.5 (2 reviews)
"The itinerary for the tour was great and utilized the 10 days for maximum activity experience."
Jessica, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Inari, Kirkenes
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Carisa Travel Group
20% Off
From
US$4,988per person
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
5.0 (1 review)
"Superb staff at every level. The itinerary was always subject to the weather but there was always a plan 'b' or even 'c'."
JackWalton, traveled in October
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Uruguay Falkland Islands Antarctica Argentina
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$17,899per person
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Polar
Arctic Summer Explorer | Road to the Arctic Sea
4.8 (6 reviews)
"This was an amazing adventure with something new to see and experience daily."
Robert, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Whitehorse, Dawson City, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk
Age Range
Ages 7+
Regions
Dempster HighwayCanadian ShieldArctic / North PoleYukon and Northwest Territories+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Arctic Range Adventure
20% Off
From
US$3,748per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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