Escape the crowds as you explore the coldest and most remote parts of Earth on board an expedition cruise either around the Arctic Circle or Antarctica. The opportunity to witness wildlife up close and in its natural habitat is second-to-none, while the landscapes tend to be unique and breath-taking, despite typically being frozen. No bathing suits needed on these voyages, just warm protective gear to keep the cold away while you explore the great outdoors. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite routes for a polar expedition.
Antarctica
A journey to the Antarctic is a voyage to Earth’s most remote destination, a place where preserving the continent for scientific research purposes is so strong that the Antarctic Treaty, enacted in 1959, protects the territory. It’s therefore no surprise that the continent is home to a variety of birds, including penguins, and marine life including seals. Humpback whales are also known to grace the waters nearby. Given it’s the coldest place on Earth, don’t expect to see any wildlife on land. But a kayak adventure will take travellers up close with marine life as they paddle through the ice and around the icebergs. And, if you’re up for a truly unique and once in a lifetime experience, you can also camp on the ice under the stars of the Antarctic sky.
Arctic
Travel to the top of the world, literally, as you cruise around the Arctic Circle. The adventure here is never-ending. During daylight hours witness seals, walruses, polar bears and sea lions in their natural habitat. The barren landscapes and glacier covered mountains falling into the sea are picturesque and a row of icebergs passing by is not uncommon. And as night falls, the sky fills with glistening stars and depending on the time of year, the North Lights will put on an amazing performance as they dance in the overnight sky above.
Northwest Passage
The Northwest Passage, located between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, borders the northernmost part of North America. During an expedition through this area, you can expect to encounter the Inuit, a cultural group of indigenous people living in the Canadian Arctic who have sustained themselves for millennia. During your expedition and encounters, the opportunity for cultural exchange is encouraged.
The adventurer can also witness the imposing icebergs either while on a shoreline hike or while cruising past. For photographers of all skill levels, there is also plenty of wildlife in their natural habitat to photograph. Even someone with a small automatic point and shoot camera can take home some amazing memories of the remote wildlife.
Norway
Book a Norwegian expedition for an opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, best viewed during the winter months as there is minimum daylight hours that far north that time of year. A Norwegian expedition has you crossing in to the Arctic Circle and voyaging through the fjords and mountains of this northern European kingdom. In summer, witness the midnight sun as the area experiences 24-hour daylight.
Greenland
Greenland, the world’s largest island, may be sparsely populated with humans, but it’s filled with outdoor adventure. And the island’s beauty isn’t just witnessed on board a ship. Kayak amongst the enormous icebergs. Book a multi-day dogsledding tour and adventure around the island. Witness the Northern Lights in winter months; Learn about local life on a visit to Tasiilaq; and cruise the fjords and watch for whales on a boat excursion. The adventure options are endless!
Polar expeditions provide travellers with extraordinary adventures at the ends of the earth and whether you are in search of penguins, whales, and polar bears, or just the opportunity to say you are one of the few people on earth to complete a polar expedition, there is an itinerary and experience for everyone! Expedition cruises often sell out a year in advance so be sure to plan early.
For more information about polar region expeditions, please contact Krista Tovell at Tovell Travel.
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