Antarctica & the Arctic Nature & Wildlife Tours & Trip...

Antarctica & the Arctic Nature & Wildlife Tours & Trips

269 Antarctica & the Arctic trips. Tours from 111 tour companies. 222 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

194 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Nature & Wildlife
High Arctic Explorer - Greenland to Canada (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Ottawa, Toronto

Highlights

  • On board the Ocean Endeavour, your adventures will be guided by a team of experts, with in-depth workshops and presentations to enrich your understanding of this complex corner of the world.
  • Prepare for a day to remember in Greenland’s Ilulissat, where colourful rows of houses are dwarfed by an awe-inspiring icefjord of towering icebergs.
  • Experience the culture of Canada’s Inuit people in the stunning Arctic community of Mittimatalik, where you’ll watch a traditional performance including drum dancing, throat singing and storytelling.
  • Spent four incredible days exploring the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in search of narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales.
  • Discover Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island, learn about the landscape’s unique topography and the Inuit people and their ancestors who once lived here.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Experience thousands of pairs of Emperor penguins—including chicks—in their natural habitat
  • View other iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as whales, seals and seabirds
  • Cross the famous Drake Passage on your way to explore the Snow Hill Emperor colony
  • Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Travel on a small expedition vessel
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins, and witness icebergs in a thousand different shades of blue.
  • Experience almost endless daylight in high summer once you are inside the Antarctic Circle. Then, push further south than most Antarctic expeditions venture, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. Explore the water by kayak, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with onboard yoga and massages or take a refreshing polar plunge.
  • While most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every eight passengers for a greater personal touch.
  • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages between them. They’re experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs and legendary islands.
  • Towering icebergs, blue glaciers, rugged islands, white mountains, abundant and curious wildlife – the western side of Antarctica is a lifechanging destination in itself.
  • Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – your expedition crew will curate your adventure to ensure you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
  • You might have the chance to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.
  • Zodiac excursions open up exploration opportunities on both sides of the peninsula, from the Danger Islands to Paradise Harbour and the shores of the South Shetland Islands. We aim for two excursions on each expedition day to maximise your time on the Peninsula.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

  • With your expert expedition team by your side, spend time on the deck of your ship – the Ocean Explorer – and look out for Arctic wildlife like polar bears, seabirds, whales, muskoxen and seals.
  • Look up as much as you can – there’s a high possibility of spotting the Northern Lights in Northeast Greenland! This incredible natural sight is sure to be a memory you hold forever.
  • Cruise on Zodiac boats for daily onshore landings to small villages, where you can hike the tundra, visit Inuit communities and explore the breathtaking scenery.
  • Soak in the striking landscapes of Kong Oscar Fjord, the autumn colours of the Bay of Flowers and the vast icebergs on the Bear Islands.
  • Take all the opportunities to relax and recharge while at sea, with Ocean Explorer’s many luxurious amenities – grab a drink in the bar, dine in the restaurant, catch a movie at the theatre-style auditorium or get a wellness hit at the sauna and spa.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Antarctica Express - Fly and Cruise - M/V Ocean Nova
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Punta Arenas, Shetland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • A short, action-packed trip - gain an insight into Antarctica and its ice-filled bays and glaciers
  • Fly from Antarctica in just two hours - maximising your time on the White Continent
  • Incredible wildlife - see penguins, seals and sea birds up-close on land and from your Zodiac
  • Explore Antarctica - in 24-hour daylight; great for taking photographs in differing lights
  • Travel - in the company of like-minded people

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Fabulous walking, great group, good guide"

Trip dates & details
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Antarctica In Depth - Expedition
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Shetland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • An abundance of wildlife - discover the amazing wildlife of Antarctica and its variety of seabirds
  • Polar exploration - learn about Antarctica's pioneer explorers
  • Incredible scenery - witness the raw beauty of the White Continent
  • Enjoy a variety of whales - sail with orca, minke and humpback whales
  • See large penguin colonies - Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Fabulous walking, great group, good guide"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Punta Arenas

Highlights

  • Skip the Drake Passage and fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island
  • Explore the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula
  • Incredible wildlife including seabirds, penguins, seals and whales
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33’ S
  • Travel on a small expedition vessel
Show more

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
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194 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Nature & Wildlife

Antarctica & the Arctic Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
222  Reviews
See all Antarctica & the Arctic tour reviews
Excellent
66
Great
9
Average
3
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Exodus and Quark had the perfect recipe for the adventure of a lifetime. Helpful and efficient pre-trip planning. The Vavilov, a great vessel for th...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

What can I say?! The most amazing trip, far exceeding the expectations that I had held for a lifetime! Each experience seemed to surpass the last , and I hold...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

An unforgetable trip, can't begin to really describe the Antarctic, it has to be seen to be believed.  The Minke whale who decided to investigate 3 of the 5 Zo...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Our trip to the Antarctic Peninsula was simply 'mind-blowing' Any description of Antarctica is always full of 'expletives'. Quite honestly where do you start? ...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Wonderful trip.  Well worth the effort despite some stressful moments in the beginning.  Antarctica is a very special place.  Cannot be compared to ...

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Antarctica & the Arctic Tour Selection Trips

  • In most cases, the best way to explore the polar regions is by small, expedition-style cruise ships.
  • While any trip to the polar regions is adventurous by nature, you don't have to rough it. Some ships come with five-star amenities, while some land-tour operators offer luxury tent camping. 
  • While there are few, if any, "cheap" trips to the polar regions - especially Antarctica - look for value adds such as included airfare, helicopter flights into the interior, and gratuities for the crew.
  • Prices do vary considerably by length of trip, cabin, ship amenities, month of travel, and other factors.
  • Cruise ships that carry more than 500 passengers are not allowed to make landings on Antarctica, so to set foot on the continent itself, you need to take a smaller vessel.
  • The shortest - and most popular - sea crossing to Antarctica goes from Ushuaia, Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula, via the often (but not always) tumultuous Drake's Passage.
  • The Drake's Passage crossing may take from 24 to 48 hours, and seasickness is common - though waters in Antarctica itself are generally calmer.
  • While most Antarctica tours go by ship, you can also fly in and/or out via the South Shetland Islands to shorten your trip and/or avoid Drakes Passage.
  • Polar tours can be as short as a few days or as long as three weeks or more. Figure at least 10 to 12 days to complete a typical tour by ship.
  • Some polar tours - primarily those that fly into the interior - offer adventurous options such as camping, skiing, mountaineering, and trekking.

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