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The Polar Regions

Antarctica

Experiencing Antarctica is nothing short of surreal and awe-inspiring. The vast, icy expanse stretches endlessly, a pristine wilderness where time seems to stand still. The air is crisp and pure, biting at your skin with a reminder of nature’s raw power. Amidst this stark beauty, you’ll encounter an astonishing array of wildlife: penguins waddling gracefully, seals basking on ice floes, and whales breaching the surface of the frigid waters. The silence is profound, broken only by the occasional creaking of shifting ice or the distant call of a bird. The landscape, with its towering glaciers and jagged peaks, is a testament to Earth’s ancient history and geological wonders. Standing there, on the southernmost continent, you can’t help but feel humbled by the sheer magnitude of nature and the resilience of life in such extreme conditions.

 

The Arctic

The Arctic, a polar counterpart to its southern sibling, offers an entirely distinct yet equally captivating experience. Here, amidst the Arctic Circle, the landscape is a blend of icy tundras, rugged mountains, and crystalline fjords that create an enchanting, otherworldly panorama. Experiencing the Arctic is like stepping into a realm of perpetual twilight, where the sun barely dips below the horizon during summer, casting a surreal, golden glow over the vast expanses of snow and ice. In this ethereal silence, one encounters resilient species like polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer, each adapted perfectly to the harsh Arctic conditions. The crackling of glaciers and the occasional howl of a distant wolf punctuate the stillness, creating a symphony of nature’s own composition. Sailing through Arctic waters, with the possibility of witnessing the mesmerising dance of the Northern Lights overhead, is an experience that defies description, leaving you in awe of the Earth’s polar extremes and the mysteries they hold.

Where to Book

  • Polar bear in the ice of Svalbard

  • Humpback whales in the waters of Ilulissat

  • Walrus on the floating ice of Svalbard

  • Glaciers at Fjord Disco Bay, West Greenland

  • Cambridge Bay, Nunavut in the springtime

  • Houses of Kulusuk village, Greenland

  • Beeremberg Volcano on Jan Mayen Island

  • Aurora lights over Hamnoy, Lofoten

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 4℃
  • 4℃
  • 4℃
  • 1℃
  • 0℃
  • -2℃
  • -3℃
  • -3℃
  • -1℃
  • 1℃
  • 2℃
  • 3℃
  • 10
  • 10
  • 9
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 10
  • 9
  • 11
  • 12
  • 10

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


Cruise Plus provides tailor-made cruise and stay packages, incorporating the world’s most popular cruise lines, the best airlines, hotels, attractions and touring companies for a truly bespoke touch. Unveil the ultimate in cruise and stay adventures for you and your customers by choosing Cruise Plus. All complemented by industry-leading expertise, service and agent reward schemes.

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Explore has over 40 years’ experience in creating expert-led small group tours that are all about getting under the skin of your destination: making friends, treading lightly, and being mindful of local communities. The company offers everything from classic cultural holidays and wildlife safaris to walking and cycling trips, family adventures and even polar expeditions.

Visit website for more info

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