World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogAntarctica: where to find the best wildlife encountershttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2528/antarctica-a-wildlife-oasisActivities,Cruising,Wildlife,Antarctica and the Arctic,DestinationsWed, 20 Apr 2022 04:05:00 GMT<p>Where else in the world can you experience the dramatic extremes of a frozen continent? Holding the title of the coldest, driest and windiest place on earth, it may surprise some that Antarctica is also one of the most wildlife-rich continents in the world.</p> <p>Encounter king penguins on a day trek, paddle alongside whales in your kayak, catch sightings of leopard seals, orcas, crab-eater and minke in the waters, as well as albatross, kelp gulls, petrels and blue-eyed cormorants in the sky.</p> <p>Here's a quick guide on where you need to go to get up close and personal with the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?pageSize=30&categories=ATA%2CregionSubAntarctic%2CWildlifeSafari" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Antarctic's greatest wildlife</a>.</p> <h3>Shetland Islands</h3> <p>The <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?categories=ATA%2CregionSubAntarctic&searchKeywords=Shetland+Island" target="_blank">Shetland Islands</a> have an abundance of wildlife, including Antarctic terns, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags and southern giant petrels. Venturing to the Shetland Islands will take you across the Drake Passage, justifiably famous for its cetaceans, large flights of albatrosses, as well as whales and dolphins that frolic in the waters.</p> <p><img alt="A humpback whale prepares to fluke in Antarctica | <i>Holger Leue</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203266" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Poseidon-Expeditions/Antarctica-Peninsula-Cruising-Wildlife-1203266-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Poseidon-Expeditions/Antarctica-Peninsula-Cruising-Wildlife-1203266-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <p>If your idea of a good time includes encountering huge penguin colonies; viewing seabirds soaring overhead; or perhaps spotting whales and seals that frequent the icy polar waters, then a visit to the Shetland Islands is a must!</p> <h4><span style="color:#949e17;">Take me there</span></h4> <p>Our range of Antarctic voyages cruise to the magnificent <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=shetland+islands" rel="noopener" target="_blank">South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula</a> will make the voyage one to remember.</p> <p>Passing through the Drake Passage, you’ll be accompanied by an expert crew and experienced naturalists, so you can fully appreciate this unique region whilst receiving great value for money. </p> <p>And if you're strapped for time, jump on the shorter 10-day <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Antarctica/Polar-Cruises/Taste-of-Antarctica" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Taste of Antarctica</a> trip for an equally immersive voyage with two days of experiencing the Shetland Islands.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Prolific birdlife including Atlantic puffins are found on Fair Isle in the Shetlands | <i>Olga Parshina</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203258" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Poseidon-Expeditions/Puffin-Fair-Isle-Shetlands-Scotland-1203258-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Poseidon-Expeditions/Puffin-Fair-Isle-Shetlands-Scotland-1203258-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="A giant petrel soars alongside a boat in Antarctica | <i>Eve Ollington</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203257" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctic-Giant-Petrel-1203257-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctic-Giant-Petrel-1203257-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="A leopard seal sees the funny side of life! | <i>Eve Ollington</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203259" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Leopard-Seal-Antarctica-1203259-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Leopard-Seal-Antarctica-1203259-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div>   <h3>South Georgia</h3> <p>The sub-Antarctic island of <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?pageSize=6&categories=ATA&searchKeywords=South+Georgia" rel="noopener" target="_blank">South Georgia</a> is blessed with huge glaciers and a profusion of wildlife. With over 45 species of birds including seabirds, albatrosses and many more, there’s no shortage of wildlife if you’re looking to the skies.</p> <p>You’ll also catch sightings of the world’s only meat-eating duck, the pintail, as well as Antarctica’s famous songbird, the popit. Not to mention literally thousands of king, macaroni and rockhopper penguins. </p> <p>Spend time in South Georgia to visit rockeries and view the diverse wildlife that resides on the island, and kayakers can paddle the coastline’s nooks and crannies with the company of playful seals. </p> <p>The kelp-strewn beaches of South Georgia are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and a plethora of penguins.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="King penguins adorn in thousands, South Georgia | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203263" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/King-penguin-families-1203263-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/King-penguin-families-1203263-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="A curious King Penguin comes in for a closer inspection on South Georgia | <i>Richard I'Anson</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203261" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/South-Georgia-Sub-Antarctic-1203261-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/South-Georgia-Sub-Antarctic-1203261-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="A young fur seal basks in the sun in South Georgia | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203262" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Fur-Seal-South-Georgia-1203262-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Fur-Seal-South-Georgia-1203262-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Elephant Seal on South Georgia | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203264" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Elephant-Seal-South-Georgia-1203264-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Elephant-Seal-South-Georgia-1203264-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="A penguin rookery in Antarctica | <i>Kieren Lawton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203265" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctic-penguin-rookery-1203265-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctic-penguin-rookery-1203265-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="One young amongst the old King Penguins, South Georgia | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203260" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Young-amongst-the-old-South-Georgia-1203260-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Young-amongst-the-old-South-Georgia-1203260-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div>    <h3>The Falkland Islands </h3> <p>Tie your voyage with a visit to the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Falkland+Islands" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Falkland Islands</a> for the ultimate prolific birding experience, habitat to some of the world’s rarest and most enchanting feathered friends residing within the archipelago.</p> <p>Find a plethora of birds such as thrushes, finches, tussac birds and Megallenic penguins inhabit its tussac grasslands. Pods of orcas, Peale's dolphins and leopard seals are also regularly seen in the waters around the island.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Young fur seal | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203268" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Young-Seal-Sub-Antarctic-1203268-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Young-Seal-Sub-Antarctic-1203268-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <div> <h4><span style="color:#949e17;">Take me there</span></h4> <p>You'll want to spend close to at least three weeks exploring the wildlife havens of the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Georgia region and the Falkland Islands and there are a number of cruises that combine these three destinations – <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=south+georgia" target="_blank">view them all</a>.</p> <p>Exploring the flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll also cross the fabled Drake Passage where you'll encounter an abundance of seabirds, including the majestic albatross and giant petrels.</p> <p><img alt="The Antarctic is home to a vast number of bird species, including the Black-browed Albatross | <i>Anne Clark</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203269" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Albatross-Antarctica-1203269-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Albatross-Antarctica-1203269-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h3>Macquarie Island</h3> <p>Listed as a World Heritage area in 1997, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?categories=ATA&searchKeywords=Macquarie" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Macquarie Island</a> is a wildlife haven located 1,500km southeast of Tasmania. The island is recognised for its rich and diverse wildlife, designated as one of 'the most important and significant natural habitats on the planet'. The cool temperate climate creates prime conditions to support a vast array of wildlife including albatross, penguins, petrels, prions, shearwaters and marine mammals like sea lions, fur seals and elephant seals.</p> <p>Macquarie Island is the only breeding ground in the world for the beautiful royal penguin, and large colonies of king, gentoo and rockhopper penguins are also found here.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Gentoo Penguins make their way to the rookery | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203273" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Isthmus-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203273-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Isthmus-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203273-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Curious Royal Penguin on Macquarie Island | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203270" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203270-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203270-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Lazy juvenile elephant seals laying on the beach at Sandy Bay | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203271" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203271-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203271-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Royal Penguin colony at Sandy Bay | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203274" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203274-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203274-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Sleepy elephant seal pup lounging in the grass | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203275" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Isthmus-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203275-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Isthmus-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203275-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Juvenile elephant seals having a little dispute | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203272" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203272-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Sandy-Bay-Macquarie-Island-Sub-Antarctic-Islands-1203272-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> <h4 class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><span style="color:#949e17;">Take me there</span></h4> <p class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1">Journey to the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?categories=ATA&searchKeywords=Macquarie" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Macquarie Islands</a>, as well as the three unique sub-antarctic islands: the Snares, Aucklands, and Campbell, to witness one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere.</p>   <p><img alt="Megaherb field descending from Mount Honey, Campbell Island" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1203276" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Heritage-Expeditions/Mount-Honey-Campbell-Island-1203276-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Heritage-Expeditions/Mount-Honey-Campbell-Island-1203276-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h3>When to go: the best times to spot wildlife in Antarctica</h3> <p>Witness courtship rituals among penguin colonies and fur seals during November, or explore the frozen continent in December and be accompanied by Antarctica wildlife including sea birds, seals and whales as they make their migration south for the summer.</p> <p>January is great for seeing penguin hatchlings and seal pups, or voyage here during February and March for ideal whale watching time and to see penguin colonies in animation with baby seals at their most playful.</p> <p><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Antarctica" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>View all <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Antarctic expeditions and use our advanced search to filter dates and activities</span> ></strong></span></a></p> </div> 25285 things you may not know about Antarcticahttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2817/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-antarcticaActivities,Cruising,Wildlife,Community,Guides and staff,Destinations,Antarctica and the ArcticSat, 14 Mar 2020 20:56:00 GMT<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt">Our adventure travel expert, Shawn Weller, checked a major item off his bucket list and travelled on a basecamp voyage to <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Antarctica">Antarctica</a>. Shawn found that this remote, pristine and largely uninhabited landmass, provides endless opportunities to experience and learn new things. </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"> </p> <h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">Here are five unexpected things he discovered about Antarctica on his once-in-a-lifetime trip.</h4> <div> </div> <h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt"><img alt="Kayaking in Antarctica | <i>Shawn Weller</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="637100" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Kayaking-in-Antarctica-637100-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Kayaking-in-Antarctica-637100-###width###px.jpg" /></span></h4> <h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /> It’s not as cold as you think</h4> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">One of the first things people were telling me when I mentioned that I was heading to Antarctica was “it’s going to be freezing”. After all, I was going to the coldest continent on the planet. To my surprise, some days were actually warmer than it was at this time of the year (end of November) back home in Ottawa, Canada. </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">We had nice weather with temperatures from 1°C / 34°F on the coldest day to 14°C / 57°F on the warmer day during our final landing in Neko Harbour.<br /> <img alt="Giant icebergs dwarf the zodiac, Antarctica | <i>Learna Cale</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="473151" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Dwarfed-zodiac-by-the-giant-icebergs_-Antarctica-473151-1100px.jpg" style="margin-top: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px;" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Dwarfed-zodiac-by-the-giant-icebergs_-Antarctica-473151-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /> It’s bigger than you can imagine</h4> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">I was expecting to be impressed by the vastness of the White Continent, imagining sweeping landscapes that would take my breath away. I was absolutely right, except nothing could prepare me for the sheer size of the incredible landscape – it is truly indescribable. </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">I felt so privileged to be experiencing all of this grandeur. The sounds of this continent are as humbling as its silence – you can feel your proximity to nature and its power as well as the need to respect it and take care of this amazing place.</p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"><img alt="Prolific wildlife and amazing history can both be discovered in the Antarctic Peninsula | <i>Sue Werner</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="473193" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Gentoo-Penguins-in-front-of-house-473193-1100px.jpg" style="margin-top: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px;" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Gentoo-Penguins-in-front-of-house-473193-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /> You’ll learn more than you could’ve imagined</h4> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">Between <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Antarctica#most-popular-and-iconic-anchor">shore excursions, kayaking sessions and zodiac cruises</a>, you will learn more than you can imagine. Onboard, there were numerous lectures with experts in diverse specialties like polar exploration history, ice formation, rich fauna and Antarctica’s unique geology. </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">My favourite lecture had to be the one with our ornithologist Martin. He could not have made birds more interesting, especially about the cute, clumsy and curious penguins. We would later see hundreds of penguins of three different types during our voyage.</p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"><img alt="Meals onboard the ship | <i>Valerie Waterston</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="473195" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Food-_-Facilities/Antarctic-Peninsula-473195-1100px.jpg" style="margin-top: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px;" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Food-_-Facilities/Antarctic-Peninsula-473195-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /> The delicious onboard cuisines</h4> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt">When I stepped onboard the MS <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Vessels-Boats/Ortelius" target="_blank">Ortelius</a> leaving Ushuaia behind, I never expected the amazing food we were served. We enjoyed a daily buffet breakfast with all the fixings, lunches to die for and dinners that tasted like they were made at a 5-star restaurant. </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt">With three different choices on the menu every night, there was always something to please the palate. One of my personal favourites was the roasted New Zealander pink lamb rack with truffle mash potatoes and ratatouille vegetables followed by dessert – so good!</p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"><img alt="Iceberg scenery, Antarctic peninsula | <i>Learna Cale</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="473192" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Iceberg-scenery_-Antarctic-peninsula-473192-1100px.jpg" style="margin-top: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px;" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Iceberg-scenery_-Antarctic-peninsula-473192-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /> There’s a lot more blue on the white continent than you’d think</h4> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt">Something I didn’t expect while planning my journey to the White Continent was how blue it actually is. The icebergs, glaciers, water and the sky offer such variations and shades of surreal blue – it is truly spectacular. </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt">Fun fact: The bluer an iceberg, the older it is. You’ll learn why when you join this <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Antarctica">once in a lifetime voyage</a>.<br />  </p> 2817Arctic or Antarctica - where should you go?https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2275/how-to-choose-a-polar-expeditionActivities,Adventure Travel,Multi-Activity,Destinations,Antarctica and the ArcticThu, 03 Dec 2015 02:31:00 GMT<p>While the Arctic and Antarctic regions have many similarities, these icy landscapes could be considered "polar opposites" in many regards. Both remote areas exhibit some of the most extreme environments known to man. If you're yearning to experience the beauty of mother-nature at her very best, a polar expedition will over deliver on expectations.</p> <p>Do you head north, exploring the Arctic’s tundra and glacier walking, fjords and wildlife? Or do you venture south to experience Antarctica’s vast continent with its enormous icebergs and diverse marine wildlife? Choose the expedition that's right for you with our Polar Expeditions Guide.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Zodiac cruising in the Antarctic Peninsula | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215621" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Zodiac-Cruising-3215621-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Zodiac-Cruising-3215621-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <h2><strong>Arctic Ice versus Antarctic Topography</strong></h2> <p>In the simplest of terms, Antarctica is a continent surrounded by ocean, whereas the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents.</p> <p>The landmass evidently impacts the natural features in both destinations. For example, in Antarctica the icebergs are carved directly from glaciers and transform the sea into an iceberg graveyard, with enormous chunks of ice sitting on the bottom of the bays while waves create unique and mesmerising sculptures. These towering icebergs can be measured in excess of 25 cubic miles, and can create huge tidal waves as they split from the glaciers and shelf ice.</p> <p>In comparison, the icebergs of the Arctic are seasonal and are carved from glaciers. Greenland houses the Jakobshavn Isbræ Glacier - the largest polar ice cap next to Antarctica, as well as the largest glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. As a result, the glacier carves icebergs so large that they drift from Greenland to the USA! And here’s some trivial information: It’s believed that the iceberg that sunk the Titanic came from here. Of course with our modern technologies on board voyages navigating such obstacles is now taken care of!</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="The sheer scale of the Antarctic ice cliffs | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215623" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Icecliffs-Antarctica-3215623-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Icecliffs-Antarctica-3215623-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Huge tabular ice bergs in Antarctica | <i>Kyle Super</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215626" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctica-3215626-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctica-3215626-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Breathtaking views in Svalbard | <i>Tessa Chan</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215628" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Krossfjorden_-Svalbard_-Arctic-3215628-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Krossfjorden_-Svalbard_-Arctic-3215628-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div>   <h2><strong>Arctic Wildlife Vs Antarctic Marine and Birdlife</strong></h2> <p>Though both are incredible wildlife destinations, there are some key differences between the types of animals you’ll encounter in the Arctic versus Antarctica.</p> <p>Given that the word “arktikos” literally translates to “bear” in Greek, it should come as no surprise that with the North Pole comes the majestic Polar Bear. These typically solitary animals have bodies built for the icy marine climate. They can be seen roaming the Arctic ice sheets and swimming in the region's coastal waters.</p> <p>The Arctic is also is home to large land animals such as reindeer, musk ox, lemmings, arctic hares, arctic terns, snowy owls, squirrels and the arctic fox. These animals migrate south in the winter and return to the north in the summer. Seasonality is an important consideration  if you want to maximise your wildlife viewing opportunities. Aside from land animals, the Arctic is blessed with marine life such as walrus, porpoises, puffins, narwhal and the bearded, harp, ringed, spotted and hooded seals.</p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic">Find your Spitsbergen cruise</a></em></strong></p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Up close with the majestic Emperor Penguin | <i>Kyle Super</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215629" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctica-3215629-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctica-3215629-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="A young fur seal basks in the sun in South Georgia | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215630" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Fur-Seal-South-Georgia-3215630-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Fur-Seal-South-Georgia-3215630-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Spectacular encounters in Antarctica" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215631" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctic-Peninsula-Cruising-Ice-Continent-3215631-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Antarctic-Peninsula-Cruising-Ice-Continent-3215631-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> </div> <p>While Antarctica’s purely terrestial largest animal is an insect, a wingless midge less than 1.3cm long, Antarctica is home to an enormous array of animals that feed in the sea yet come onto the land for part or most of their lives. These include large numbers of king, emperor, rockhopper, adelie, chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni penguins, as well as elephant, fur, leopard, Weddell and crabeater seals, not to mention the assortment of whales such as the Right, Blue, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Fin, Sperm and Killer whales. The bonus here is that in Antarctica there is a better opportunity to view wildlife, and as man isn’t a natural predator in Antarctica, the animals aren’t afraid of seeing humans.</p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="A polar bear checks surroundings in Svalbard | <i>Toby Story</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215632" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Svalbard-Polar-Bear-3215632-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Svalbard-Polar-Bear-3215632-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Walrus halout in Svalbard | <i>Toby Story</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215635" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Svalbard-Walrus-3215635-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Svalbard-Walrus-3215635-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Wild reindeer in the Arctic | <i>Fiona Windon</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215645" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Wild-reindeer-3215645-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/Wild-reindeer-3215645-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> </div> <h2><strong>Arctic Culture Vs Antarctic Explorer History</strong></h2> <p>If you are seeking a cultural polar expedition, the Arctic is undoubtedly the region you should visit. The rich culture of the Inuit people has survived for centuries, braving the harsh conditions of the Arctic Peninsula. Many Inuit tribes still live here, dog sledding across glaciers in search of caribou. They hunt whale in dugout kayaks and bury puffin, shark and whale meat to get them through the long winters. Experience the small remote villages of Greenland, home to one of the last truly intact cultures on earth.</p> <p><strong><em>Sail <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Canada/Expedition-Cruising-Sailing/Into-the-Northwest-Passage">Into the Northwest Passage</a> for a journey of discovery, history and culture along the famed Northwest Passage. </em></strong></p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Shipwreck on South Georgia | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215650" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Shipwreck-3215650-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Shipwreck-3215650-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Local Inuit woman | <i>Fiona Winhdon</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215651" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Canadian-Arctic/Canadian-Arctic-3215651-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Canadian-Arctic/Canadian-Arctic-3215651-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Uncovering East Greenland's rich Inuit culture and history" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215654" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Greenland/Arctic-Villages-19-3215654-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Greenland/Arctic-Villages-19-3215654-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> </div> <p>Antarctica hardly compares to the Arctic for a genuine cultural experience. It is an uninhabited continent, bar some research stations and scientists. However, this in itself is an insight into how explorers settled this immense land of ice in 1898 and how researchers live there today.  Furthermore, with no shops selling tea or souvenirs, there are no distractions from the pristine, natural scenic beauty of Antarctica.</p> <h2><strong>Arctic Activities Vs Antarctic Adventure</strong></h2> <p>There are plenty of adventurous activities in both regions. Undertaking an active Polar expedition will leave you revelling in the beauty, magic and natural splendour of the region.</p> <p>Cruises in the Arctic region provide wonderful opportunities for tundra and glacier walking, kayaking, diving, fjord exploration plus dramatic landscapes, and wildlife viewing. Experienced dry-suit divers can explore the underwater world for a close-up view of icecaps and glaciers.</p> <p>If you prefer an above-the-water experience, enjoy the freedom and solitude of kayaking amongst the backdrop of stunning arctic scenery. Or trek through the tundra, gaining an incredible perspective of towering mountains, huge glaciers and vast icy plateaus.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Kayaking the tranquil waters in Antarctica | <i>Justin Walker</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215657" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Kayak-Climb-Camp-Basecamp-Antarctica-3215657-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Kayak-Climb-Camp-Basecamp-Antarctica-3215657-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Shore excursions from the zodiacs | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215659" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Zodiac-Landings-3215659-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Antarctica/Zodiac-Landings-3215659-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Hiking in Greenland | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215660" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Greenland/Blomsterbugt-Greenland-3215660-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/Greenland/Blomsterbugt-Greenland-3215660-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div>   <p>With a bit of planning, you may get a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis as they dance across the sky. Created by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the earth's atmosphere, the Northern Lights are a magical sight for many.</p> <p>Though Antarctica doesn’t have the infrastructure for tourism as the Arctic region does, adventures are plentiful and unique.</p> <p>With specialised trips for kayakers, divers, climbers and photographers, there is no limit to the exploration of this continent. From the water you can expect to see whales breaching, penguins leaping and leopard seals dozing on ice floes. You’ll paddle through brash ice and witness the massive carving of glaciers from a safe distance.</p> <p>Photographers can snap the krill-rich water teeming with life, attracting whales and seals that forage along the ice floe edge. Another fantastic photo opportunity is capturing the colonies of penguins that dwell in almost uncountable numbers.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Aurora Borealis over Northern Norway | <i>Jurriaan Hodzelmans</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3215655" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/North-Norway_-Aurora-borealis-3215655-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Polar-Regions/European-Arctic/North-Norway_-Aurora-borealis-3215655-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <h2><strong>So, the Arctic or Antarctica - which one is for you?</strong></h2> <p>Whether you are into polar bears or penguins, culture or remote wilderness, you won’t be disappointed. One thing common to all our voyages is interactivity with the environments. These are not just cruises, they are opportunities to get off the boat to get truly amongst it all.</p> <p>For more information, take a look at the guide on <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/destinations/polar/choosing-your-antarctic-expedition/">Choosing your Antarctic Expedition</a>, or <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/destinations/polar/antarctica-cruise-when-to-go/">Antarctic Cruise – When Should You Go?</a>.  <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/community/traveller/traveller-stories-an-incredible-antarctic-cruise/">Get a firsthand account from traveller Dale Jacobsen </a>who cruised the 32 day Ross Sea Explorer with Australian mountaineer and Polar expert, Greg Mortimer.</p> 2275