As adventures go, a journey to the polar regions is a giant one! However which frozen frontier must you choose?
The Arctic and Antarctica are actually (and figuratively) poles aside. While they’re comparable within the sense that they’re each intensely chilly, boast out-of-this-world surroundings and are residence to some superb wildlife, there’s loads that separates them too.
Polar bears or penguins? Clean crusing or rocky crossings? The North Pole or the South Pole? Let’s work out the suitable one for you…
When to go
Be aware: Selecting between the Arctic and Antarctica will rely closely on what time of 12 months you’re in a position to journey.
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The Arctic: Cruising season is set largely by the ocean ice. From October to March, massive patches of the Arctic Ocean are frozen, making it virtually unattainable to navigate.
European summer season is the right time to go to the Arctic (and Spitsbergen particularly), with most departures leaving between June and August. If it’s the Northern Lights you’re after, then August to September is an effective wager.
Picture captured by Andrew Turner
Antarctica: Issues aren’t fairly as minimize and dried with regards to Antarctica, and your choice will probably be impacted by what you’re hoping to see.
Antarctic summer season (November to December) is tipped to be probably the most awe-inspiring time to go to. Put together to see huge numbers of migrating animals, large quantities of ice and pristine snow, and interesting penguin courtship shows.
Full summer season (mid-December to January) is the warmest time of 12 months right here. It’s now that the primary penguin chicks begin to hatch. The times are additionally longer, that means extra daylight to be loved and even 24-hour solar at instances (across the Christmas interval).
Late summer season (February to March) is nice for whale watching and the ice permits for exploration additional south alongside the peninsula. You too can spot grownup penguins feeding their younger, a few of which will probably be beginning to develop feathery coats.
Experience the best of Antarctica on our 11-day Wildlife Explorer Expedition
Getting there
Be aware: There’s no disputing a polar journey will probably be somewhat pricier than your common vacation, so don’t overlook to think about flight prices.
The Arctic: For these dwelling in Europe, the Arctic is unquestionably the extra inexpensive possibility of the 2. The Svalbard Archipelago is in Norway and is definitely reached on a brief flight from Oslo or Tromsø.
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Antarctica: The truth that Antarctica is so remoted makes it more difficult (and costly) to get to. It additionally requires you to allocate extra time to succeed in your vacation spot, as most excursions make the two-day journey from Ushuaia to the peninsula — throughout the notorious Drake Passage.
Read more: All your Antarctica questions, answered
Climate
Be aware: A phrase of warning… should you’re not a fan of the chilly, possibly rethink a visit to the polar areas.
The Arctic: All through the summer season months temperatures sit at round 4-6°C (39-43°F). Loads hotter than you’d sometimes discover at comparable latitudes in Canada or Russia presently.
Antarctica: Even through the summer season, the climate in Antarctica may be changeable. However at its finest, you’d get pleasure from lengthy sunny days with heady temperatures of about 2°C (35°F).
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Wildlife
Be aware: Critical query… is it extra vital to you to see polar bears or penguins?
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The Arctic: Explorers have a tendency to return to the Arctic within the hope of recognizing an imposing polar bear. Apart from these cream-coloured giants, there are lots of different creatures to see too.
Within the ocean, you’ll discover walruses, a number of species of seal and 17 sorts of whales, together with belugas, orcas and mythical-looking narwhals. Whereas on land you may discover Arctic foxes and hares, Svalbard reindeer and an abundance of birdlife, together with puffins.
Cruise from Greenland to Canada on the Ocean Endeavour
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Antarctica: Penguins have the true pull with regards to wildlife watching in Antarctica. Look out for Adélie, chinstrap, Gentoo, king and macaroni species throughout the peninsula, in addition to the elusive emperor penguin.
You’re fairly prone to see all 5 species of seal too: fur, elephant, Weddell, leopard and crabeater. Humpback whales, wandering albatross, storm petrels and a lot extra will also be seen right here.
Join WWF-Australia scientists on an 11-day Antarctic expedition
Terrain
Be aware: It’s going to be icy!
The Arctic: Snow and ice are year-round fixtures within the Arctic, and the world round Svalbard presents views of spectacular ice floes, icebergs and drift ice. The panorama right here is extremely sparse and rugged, with craggy mountain peaks and gorges. Small flowers assist so as to add some color to the brownish moss vegetation that covers elements of the area.
Picture by Simon Evans
Antarctica: As the best, driest and coldest continent on the planet, you in all probability gained’t be shocked to listen to that Antarctica is 98% coated by ice. Its huge wilderness is damaged up solely by mountain ranges and ice streams. There are simply two flowering crops present in Antarctica: Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort.
If it’s turquoise-hued glaciers you’re on the lookout for, Antarctica can’t be overwhelmed. Nevertheless, when summer season involves the Arctic the calving of glacial ice makes for fairly spectacular viewing.
Read more: What to pack for your polar trip
Native tradition
Be aware: If it’s cultural experiences you’re after, the Arctic might be the suitable alternative.
Picture captured by Mikey Sadowski
The Arctic: Made up of elements of Canada, Greenland, Russia, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland – the Arctic Circle is residence to round 4 million folks. The area’s indigenous inhabitants have lived right here for 1000’s of years and are available from totally different populations corresponding to Inuit, Sami and Nenets. It’s doable to satisfy these Arctic inhabitants and be taught the life abilities which have saved them right here for hundreds of years, from reindeer herding to foraging.
Experience the Arctic around Iceland
Whaling station on Deception Island, Antarctica
Antarctica: The punishing Antarctic local weather signifies that the continent has by no means had any everlasting residents. Nevertheless, there may be wherever as much as 4,000 folks dwelling right here briefly at any given time – specifically scientists utilizing the world for key analysis. Having mentioned that, a visit to an deserted whaling station can present some fascinating insights into what life may have been like right here.
Actions
Be aware: Keep in mind that the majority polar actions should be booked prematurely.
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The Arctic: Apart from exploring the unimaginable outside, you too can attempt your hand at sea kayaking, driving a snowmobile, snowshoeing, climbing, husky sledging and extra.
Picture captured by Liam Neal
Antarctica: Kayaking can also be well-liked in Antarctica! You too can have a go at snowshoeing, climbing and ice tenting too.
Each the Arctic and Antarctica additionally provide the chance to take the “polar plunge”, and sure that’s precisely what it feels like. Be a part of the queue as you line as much as launch your self into the freezing water – it’s an actual bucket checklist tick!
Read more: What it’s really like to take the polar plunge
Able to embark by yourself polar exploration? Then have a flick thru Intrepid’s broad vary of journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica.
