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Penguins or polar bears? Choosing between the Arctic and Antarctica
By Pauline Duffin, Travelwise polar expedition specialist
When you dream of visiting the polar regions, you probably imagine...
…pristine white landscapes, close-up wildlife encounters and the thrill of stepping where few have ever ventured. But one of the first questions I always ask is this: Do you want to see penguins or polar bears? Because that one answer determines everything.
Beyond the wildlife, the Arctic and Antarctica are two completely different experiences – in landscape, culture, travel style and time of year. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right polar expedition for you.
Pauline Duffin
Pauline specialises in designing highly-personalised adventures, guided by her decades of travel expertise. With a focus on India, South East Asia and South America and a deep love of African safaris, she's renowned for her finely-tuned ability to create experiences that reflect your unique interests.
Antarctica: the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
The Antarctic travel season runs from late October to mid-March – our winter. Around 98% of the continent is covered in ice, and there are only certain areas expedition ships can explore. Most travellers head to the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing across the infamous Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and beyond.
I personally loved the drama of the Drake. It’s not for the faint-hearted, (the waves can tower up to the sixth deck!) but with modern icebreakers and expert captains, it’s all part of the thrill. You can also skip the crossing and fly directly to King George Island from Chile, which shortens the trip to around six days.
Once you arrive, it’s otherworldly.
Icebergs the size of buildings float past in shades of white and blue you didn’t know existed. You’ll explore silent bays by zodiac, often surrounded by curious penguins – though not King Penguins unless you include South Georgia, which I highly recommend. You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, as zodiac boarding happens in all weather, from snow to sideways rain to glorious sunshine, all in one afternoon.
The Arctic: endless variety and cultural immersion.
The Arctic season begins in May and runs until September. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic isn’t a single destination – it spans multiple countries and cultures, making it a region you can return to again and again.
I often recommend Spitsbergen, Iceland, Greenland or the High Canadian Arctic. You could even explore the remote Jan Mayen or Faroe Islands. What makes the Arctic unique is the presence of people: indigenous communities living in these vast, wild landscapes, offering a fascinating layer of cultural insight to the journey.
And then there are the polar bears.
These magnificent creatures are only found in the Arctic regions. One of the best places to see these incredible creatures is Churchill, Manitoba in Canada. Each October and November, as the sea ice begins to form, polar bears gather along the coast, waiting for their chance to hunt seals. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle and remarkably accessible too – with some tours departing from the UK, avoiding complex flight routes.
So, which one is right for you?
If you want silence, icebergs, penguins and a sense of raw, untouched wilderness, Antarctica might be the dream. If you’re drawn to variety, returning travellers often fall for the Arctic – with its mix of wildlife, culture and changing terrain.
Either way, I’ll help you find the right route, ship and season to make your polar journey extraordinary.
