As adventures go, a journey to the polar areas is a giant one! However which frozen frontier must you decide?
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 dwelling to some wonderful wildlife, there’s lots 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 best one for you…
When to go
Observe: Selecting between the Arctic and Antarctica will rely closely on what time of yr you’re capable of journey.
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The Arctic: Cruising season is decided 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 time is the proper time to go to the Arctic (and Spitsbergen specifically), with most departures leaving between June and August. If it’s the Northern Lights you’re after, then August to September is an efficient guess.
Picture captured by Andrew Turner
Antarctica: Issues aren’t fairly as lower and dried on the subject of Antarctica, and your determination might be impacted by what you’re hoping to see.
Antarctic summer time (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 engaging penguin courtship shows.
Full summer time (mid-December to January) is the warmest time of yr 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 occasions (across the Christmas interval).
Late summer time (February to March) is nice for whale watching and the ice permits for exploration additional south alongside the peninsula. You may as well spot grownup penguins feeding their younger, a few of which might be beginning to develop feathery coats.
Expertise one of the best of Antarctica on our 11-day Wildlife Explorer Expedition
Getting there
Observe: There’s no disputing a polar journey might be slightly pricier than your common vacation, so don’t neglect to consider flight prices.
The Arctic: For these dwelling in Europe, the Arctic is unquestionably the extra inexpensive choice 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 tougher (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.
Learn extra: All of your Antarctica questions, answered
Climate
Observe: A phrase of warning… when you’re not a fan of the chilly, perhaps rethink a visit to the polar areas.
The Arctic: All through the summer time months temperatures sit at round 4-6°C (39-43°F). Lots hotter than you’d sometimes discover at comparable latitudes in Canada or Russia presently.
Antarctica: Even throughout the summer time, the climate in Antarctica could be changeable. However at its greatest, you’d get pleasure from lengthy sunny days with heady temperatures of about 2°C (35°F).
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Wildlife
Observe: Severe 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. Other than 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 would possibly discover Arctic foxes and hares, Svalbard reindeer and an abundance of birdlife, together with puffins.
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Antarctica: Penguins have the actual pull on the subject of 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 more likely 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.
Terrain
Observe: It’s going to be icy!
The Arctic: Snow and ice are year-round fixtures within the Arctic, and the realm 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 components 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 vegetation present in Antarctica: Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort.
If it’s turquoise-hued glaciers you’re in search of, Antarctica can’t be overwhelmed. Nevertheless, when summer time involves the Arctic the calving of glacial ice makes for fairly spectacular viewing.
Learn extra: What to pack in your polar journey
Native tradition
Observe: If it’s cultural experiences you’re after, the Arctic might be the best alternative.
Picture captured by Mikey Sadowski
The Arctic: Made up of components of Canada, Greenland, Russia, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland – the Arctic Circle is dwelling to round 4 million folks. The area’s indigenous inhabitants have lived right here for hundreds of years and are available from completely different populations equivalent to Inuit, Sami and Nenets. It’s doable to satisfy these Arctic inhabitants and be taught the life abilities which have stored them right here for hundreds of years, from reindeer herding to foraging.
Whaling station on Deception Island, Antarctica
Antarctica: The punishing Antarctic local weather implies that the continent has by no means had any everlasting residents. Nevertheless, there could be anyplace as much as 4,000 folks dwelling right here briefly at any given time – particularly scientists utilizing the realm for key analysis. Having stated that, a visit to an deserted whaling station can present some attention-grabbing insights into what life might have been like right here.
Actions
Observe: Keep in mind that the majority polar actions should be booked upfront.
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The Arctic: Other than exploring the unbelievable open air, you can too attempt your hand at sea kayaking, using a snowmobile, snowshoeing, climbing, husky sledging and extra.
Picture captured by Liam Neal
Antarctica: Kayaking can be widespread in Antarctica! You may as well 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 seems like. Be part of the queue as you line as much as launch your self into the freezing water – it’s an actual bucket checklist tick!
Learn extra: What it’s actually prefer 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.
