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
Highlights of Antarctica (MS Roald Amundsen, 2025)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
MS Roald Amundsen
Operated in
English
Operator
Hurtigruten
From
US$8,414per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (7 destinations)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,Tierra del Fuego,South Shetland Islands,Drake Passage,Antarctic Peninsula+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $8,195
US$6,966per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Exclusive
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Polar
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Scotland Faroe Islands Norway Svalbard
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
40% Off
From $7,795
US$4,677per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Highlights of Antarctica, Argentina and Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2026
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls,Rio de Janeiro+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
44% Off
From $50,955
US$28,550per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
44% Off
From
US$10,899per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"A brilliant trip with a wonderful staff."
Dave, traveled in February
Duration
14 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 $17,599
US$13,199per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"it was fantastic, exceeded my expectations. We had a very unique experience."
Lily, 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
33% Off
From $20,990
US$14,061per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Expedition team were good. Food was very good."
Jhansi, traveled in December
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, King George Island,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
14% Off
From $16,867
US$14,575per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The trip crossed the Antarctic circle. We saw many glaciers and wildlife."
Walter, traveled in February
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
14% Off
From
US$12,445per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle, Operated by Quark
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
40% Off
From $25,595
US$15,357per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (26 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 $9,699
US$7,274per person
Price based on Shared Room
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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
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
US$10,035per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Wild Wonders of the Arctic - 8 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent tour, staff went above and beyond to make the tour as memorable as possible."
Lynette, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Longyearbyen, Ytre Norskoya, Svalbard, Ny Aalesund
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Arctic / North PoleSvalbard+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From
US$7,765per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
5.0 (1 traveler 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 England Argentina
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From
US$16,999per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Swedish Lapland: The Northern Lights
5.0 (20 traveler reviews)
"The activities were various, the price was the best you can find and they are ready to help in every situation."
Giovanni, traveled in January
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
US$813per person
Price based on Shared Room
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