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Antarctica vs Arctic: Which Expedition Is Right for You?

At Wildfoot Travel, three decades of guiding travellers to the world’s great wilderness destinations has taught us that this is usually the first real fork in the road for anyone dreaming of a polar expedition: Antarctica or the Arctic?

They get lumped together constantly, because both are cold, both are white, both involve a small ship and a Zodiac. In reality, they are close to opposites: different hemispheres, different seasons, different wildlife, different governance, and a genuinely different feeling underfoot.

Here is our honest, unfiltered, head-to-head guide to the two poles, starting with the short version, then the detail behind every line of it.

Antarctica vs Arctic: At a Glance

	Antarctica	The Arctic
What it is	A continent surrounded by ocean, owned by no nation	A frozen ocean ringed by 8 nations’ territory
Season	Late October – March (Southern summer)	May – September (Northern summer)
Summer temperatures	−5°C to +5°C, usually hovering around zero	0°C to +10°C
Typical cost, 10–12 days	~£6,500–£14,000pp (from ~£5,000; £20,000+ luxury)	~£5,000–£10,000pp (from ~£3,500; £15,000+ luxury)
Headline wildlife	Penguins, seals, and whales – no land mammals	Polar bears, walrus, muskox, narwhal, and whales
Getting there	2 days’ travel; Drake Passage crossing or fly-the-Drake	Direct/short flights to Arctic gateway towns; no ocean crossing
Time at sea	1.5–2 days’ open-ocean crossing each way to reach the Peninsula	Sheltered fjord and coastal sailing from the moment you embark
People & culture	None – scientists only, no Indigenous population	Inuit, Sami, and Nenets communities and living culture
Landscape signature	Tabular icebergs, absolute white, no vegetation	Tundra, wildflowers, fjords, and drift ice

The Fundamental Difference: A Continent vs. An Ocean

It sounds like a technicality, but it shapes everything else about the trip: Antarctica is a continent surrounded by ocean; the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents.

Antarctica

As a single landmass of roughly 14 million square kilometres, bigger than the United States and Mexico combined, governed by no nation. Buried beneath it is an ice sheet averaging over 2 kilometres thick and exceeding 4 kilometres at its deepest, holding around 70% of the world’s fresh water.

The Antarctic Treaty, signed by 12 countries in 1959 and now with more than 50 parties, reserves the continent for peaceful, scientific use.

There is no permanent population, only researchers rotating through more than 70 stations run by around 30 countries, numbers that swell to roughly 4,000–5,000 people in the southern summer and shrink to around 1,000 hardy winterers once the sun sets for the season.

Arctic

The Arctic is not a continent at all, but a frozen ocean ringed by the territory of eight nations, Canada, Greenland (Denmark), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Iceland, and the United States (Alaska).

Because it’s land-fringed rather than landlocked, it has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples including the Inuit, Sami, and Nenets, and much of the ground beneath your feet on an Arctic hike is permafrost, soil that has stayed frozen for at least two consecutive years, in places for millennia.

Wildlife: Penguins vs Polar Bears

This is usually the deciding factor for our clients, and it’s a genuine either/or — the two poles do not share their headline species.

Antarctica

In Antarctica, the stage belongs to penguins: chinstrap, gentoo, Adélie, king, macaroni, and the elusive emperor. Leopard, crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals haul out on the ice alongside them.

For king penguins, South Georgia is unmatched: Saint Andrews Bay holds the largest king penguin colony in the world, with estimates ranging from around 150,000 breeding pairs upward — one of the great wildlife spectacles anywhere on the planet.

There are no native land mammals of any kind. Whales are a genuine highlight rather than a footnote — humpback, minke, orca, and fin whales are all commonly encountered, with February and March the peak of the season.

Arctic

The polar bear is the animal most people come to The Arctic for — the region’s apex predator and the largest carnivore on land. Around it sits something Antarctica simply doesn’t have: true land mammals, including muskox, reindeer and caribou, and Arctic fox.

In the north, Svalbard offers the best opportunity in the European Arctic to see a bear in its true habitat, out on the sea ice — though sightings are never guaranteed there. For near-certain sightings, Churchill in Manitoba remains the more dependable choice, with bears gathering on shore each autumn.

Offshore and along the ice edge, walrus — marine mammals, despite the hauled-out beaches they’re famous for — gather in their hundreds. The whale list is longer and more varied too, with humpback, beluga, bowhead, fin, minke, and orca all commonly spotted.

*See Polar Bears in the wild in the Arctic*

Where you sail matters as much as when. The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands are the reliable stage for Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, while the emperor penguin, the largest and most elusive of the Antarctic penguins, breeds almost entirely on fast ice in the Weddell and Ross Seas, with Snow Hill Island the most consistently visited colony, usually reached only on specialist helicopter- or icebreaker-assisted voyages.

Walrus haul-outs are a spectacle in their own right, around Svalbard and Greenland, hundreds of Atlantic walrus can crowd a single beach, while narwhal and beluga follow the retreating sea ice edge in the high Canadian Arctic and along Greenland’s coast.

For me, Greenland is all about scale. There’s something about the icebergs there — in my mind, they felt even larger than Antarctica’s. Set against the colourful tundra and red rock of Røde Ø in ScorPeople often ask me what’s been the highlight, out of all the incredible places I’ve been lucky enough to experience. There are strong contenders.

The first time I saw a polar bear and her cubs, on our very last landing in Scoresbysund, East Greenland, is right up there. So is paddling out in Svalbard towards what looked like two black rocks in the ocean, only to realise they were humpback whales sleeping – “logging,” as it’s known – and we were so close we could feel the mist from their blowholes. – James Turner, Wildfoot Travel

But if a specific animal is the reason you’re going, the choice largely makes itself: penguins mean Antarctica, polar bears mean the Arctic.

Season and Timing: Two Opposite Summers

Because the poles sit in opposite hemispheres, their travel seasons are mirror images of each other.

Antarctica

Runs late October to March

October and November bring pristine snow, dramatic sea ice, and penguin courtship displays.

December and January offer the mildest weather, the most active wildlife, and penguin chicks on the Peninsula,at peak pricing.

February and March are the height of whale season.

Arctic

Runs May to September

May and June open the Svalbard season as birdlife returns.

June to August is the peak, under 24-hour midnight sun

August and September bring the Northwest Passage’s brief navigable window, and the first Northern Lights of the season as the sun begins to set again.

Wildfoot recommendation: if your calendar only allows for a European or North American summer holiday, the Arctic is the natural fit. If you’re free in the northern winter, Antarctica is where the season is actually open.

Getting There: Accessibility and the Journey Itself

Antarctica

Most expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina (via Buenos Aires) or Punta Arenas, Chile. Traditional itineraries cross the 800km Drake Passage — typically a 1.5 to 2-day sea crossing each way — while ‘fly-the-Drake’ charter flights to King George Island skip it entirely.

Whichever route you choose, reaching the ship takes around two full days of travel from the northern hemisphere.

Arctic

Considerably closer for European and North American travellers. Gateway towns like Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Tromsø, Reykjavik, and Kangerlussuaq are reachable on direct or short connecting flights, often four to nine hours from London or New York.

*Nuuk, the capital and largest city of Greenland.*

There is no equivalent open-ocean crossing — embarkation is usually straightforward, and you are into sheltered fjord and coastal sailing almost immediately.

Our Antarctica route options page breaks down itinerary lengths and starting points, and our Antarctica vessels guide covers the ships.

On the other pole, see our Arctic route options for how Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage connect into a single itinerary.

What It Costs

Both poles cover a wide range — the ship, cabin category, itinerary length, and season all move the number by thousands of pounds.

As a rule of thumb, the Arctic has the lower entry point, largely because it’s quicker to reach and doesn’t require the Drake Passage’s extra sailing days.

Per person	Antarctica 10–12 days	Arctic (Svalbard) 8–12 days
Entry level	From ~£5,000–£6,500	From ~£3,500–£5,000
Mid-range	~£6,500–£14,000	~£5,000–£10,000
Luxury	£20,000–£40,000+	£12,000–£20,000+

Figures are indicative per-person, twin-share fare ranges for 2026/27 season sailings, excluding international flights and gratuities unless stated. Prices vary by operator, ship, and date — get in touch for a quote against your specific dates.

People and Culture

If a sense of human history and living culture matters to your trip, this is a real point of difference.

Antarctica

Antarctica has never had permanent residents. There is no Indigenous population and never has been. Its human story is one of exploration rather than habitation — Shackleton, Amundsen, Scott — and the only people there today are rotating scientists at research stations.

Arctic

The Arctic has been lived in for thousands of years. Inuit, Sami, and Greenlandic communities have made their home here across generations, and voyages routinely include community visits, museums, and cultural performances. It is a living culture, not simply a historical one.

Cold, Scale, and Landscape

Both regions get described in extremes, but the reality of a summer expedition is far more comfortable than the headline statistics suggest. Around the Antarctic Peninsula in season, temperatures tend to hover between −5°C and +5°C — usually close to zero. Arctic summer temperatures typically run from 0°C to as much as +10°C. You will want good layers, not survival gear.

Where Antarctica genuinely does win on scale is its ice. Tabular icebergs — flat-topped, sometimes the size of small countries — are unlike anything the Arctic produces, and the continent is entirely blanketed by an ice sheet, with no vegetation to soften it.

Stunning landscapes in Antarctica — *The stunning landscapes of Antarctica*

The Arctic, by contrast, is greener in summer. Tundra, wildflowers, and moss appear as the snow retreats, and its fjords, drift ice, and calving glaciers offer a softer, more varied landscape. Arctic sea ice is thinner and far more seasonal, shrinking to a fraction of its winter extent by September — which is precisely why the Arctic cruising season is so tightly bound to those summer months.

Both share dramatic tidewater glaciers and near-24-hour summer daylight. But where Antarctica feels otherworldly and absolute, the Arctic feels wild but inhabited.

Which Pole Suits You

Beyond the headline facts, here’s how we tend to advise different types of traveller.

First-time polar travellers

For UK clients especially, we often suggest starting in the Arctic. A classic Svalbard voyage is easily reached, unmistakably polar from the moment you land, and a superb way to dip a toe into expedition travel — and it sets you up beautifully for Antarctica later.

That said, if you only ever take one polar trip, Antarctica with the Falklands and South Georgia is the one that will live far beyond any expectation, for the sheer concentration of wildlife and dramatic ice alone.

If I had to pick just one moment above all of them, it would be the first time I landed at Gold Harbour, South Georgia. A stunning panorama of jagged mountains under blue skies, a beautiful sandy beach framed by lush green tussock grass – and then, carpeting every inch of it, tens of thousands of king penguins and hundreds of elephant seals as far as the eye could see. It’s the only time in my life I’ve physically frozen in awe at the sheer magnificence of nature. My brain simply couldn’t compute the spectacle in front of me. It took several minutes before I realised I didn’t need to stand rooted to the spot – I could actually walk along the beach and find my own place to take it all in. It remains the most magical moment of my life, and I still get goosebumps thinking about it – James Turner, Wildfoot Travel

Families with older children

The Arctic’s shorter flights, gentler seas, and cultural stops tend to suit families better, especially with children under 12, who most Antarctic operators don’t accept aboard. Always check age policies directly, as they vary by ship.

Photographers

Both are exceptional, but for sheer scale and light, Antarctica’s icebergs and 24-hour December daylight are hard to beat. For a single, dramatic subject, the Arctic’s polar bears on sea ice are the more coveted shot — at the cost of a much lower hit rate.

Solo travellers

Both regions are well set up for solo travellers, with most expedition ships offering solo cabins or roommate matching. The Arctic’s shorter itineraries and lower entry point make it the easier region to try first if budget is the main consideration.

Anyone prone to seasickness

This one has a clear answer: the Arctic. Most Arctic itineraries sail sheltered coastal and fjord waters, while an Antarctic trip almost always means the Drake Passage — two open-ocean crossings, unless you choose (and pay more for) a fly-the-Drake itinerary.

The Master Checklist: Matching the Pole to Your Ambitions

Before you commit to a hemisphere, run your choice through these five filters:

Name your must-see animal

If it’s penguins, only Antarctica will do. If it’s a polar bear, only the Arctic offers a chance, and even there, a sighting is never guaranteed.

Check your calendar

Antarctica’s season runs late October to March; the Arctic’s runs May to September. Your available travel dates may decide this for you before anything else does.

Be honest about time and budget

Antarctica asks for a longer journey, more days at sea, and a higher entry point. The Arctic is quicker and more accessible to reach from Europe and North America.

Consider your sea legs

The Drake Passage is a genuine one-and-a-half to two-day ocean crossing each way, while most Arctic itineraries sail in comparatively sheltered coastal and fjord waters.

Decide what else you want from the trip

If Indigenous culture and a lived-in landscape matter to you, the Arctic delivers something Antarctica structurally cannot. If you want scale, silence, and the sense of standing on an untouched continent, that belongs to Antarctica alone.

Really, every day out in the Arctic or Antarctica is special in its own way – the excitement of not knowing what the day holds, the sense that Mother Nature is unveiling a script unique to that exact moment, the unexpected encounters with local Inuit communities that always leave a warm place in my heartesby Sund, the contrast is magnetic for photographers; the ice seems to pop right off the landscape – James Turner, Wildfoot Travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Antarctica or the Arctic colder?

Antarctica, though not in a way most travellers experience. Expedition season around the Peninsula sees temperatures hovering between −5°C and +5°C, usually close to zero, while Arctic summers run from 0°C to around +10°C. Both are comfortable with good layers.

How do the costs compare?

The Arctic generally has the lower entry point. A typical 8–12 day Svalbard voyage starts below an equivalent Antarctic Peninsula sailing, largely because it’s quicker to reach and doesn’t require the extra sea days of the Drake Passage. Both regions offer everything from simple expedition ships to genuine six-star vessels.

Can you see penguins and polar bears on the same trip?

No — not in the wild. Penguins are exclusively Southern Hemisphere and polar bears are exclusively Arctic; their ranges never overlap. Seeing both means booking two separate expeditions, one to each pole.

*Unforgettable wildlife encounters in Antarctica*

Which is easier to get to?

The Arctic. Gateway towns like Longyearbyen, Tromsø, and Reykjavik are a direct or single-connection flight from most of Europe and North America. Antarctica requires flying to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas at the southern tip of South America, plus a Drake Passage crossing or charter flight to reach the ship itself.

Is the sea crossing to Antarctica rough?

It can be. The Drake Passage has a reputation for a reason, though modern stabilised ships and X-BOW® hull designs have made the crossing considerably more comfortable than it once was. ‘Fly-the-Drake’ itineraries avoid it entirely for an added cost.

Which is better for a first-time polar traveller?

If you’re planning to visit both poles eventually — and we’d highly recommend it — start with the Arctic. Svalbard is the quintessential Arctic experience, easily accessible from the UK, and sets you up beautifully for an Antarctic expedition in future.

If you’ll only ever make one trip, Antarctica with the Falklands and South Georgia just about wins it.

Talk to Us

There is no wrong answer between Antarctica and the Arctic — only the trip that matches what you actually want to see, when you’re free to travel, and how you want to feel when you get there.

We have sailed both. We know the ships, the seasons, and the small details — which crossing suits a nervous sailor, which month gives you cubs or chicks, which itinerary is worth the extra cost — that make the difference between a good trip and the trip of a lifetime.

Get in touch with the Wildfoot Travel team to help you choose your polar adventure, or start browsing our Antarctica cruises and Arctic cruises for yourself.

Svalbard vs. Greenland: Two Arctic Expedition Experiences

Ask most people to picture the Arctic and they’ll describe something close to Svalbard: pack ice, a polar bear, mountains rising straight out of a frozen sea. Ask them again after they’ve been to Greenland and they’ll describe something entirely different; an iceberg the size of a cathedral drifting past a village of red and yellow houses.

At Wildfoot Travel, three decades of guiding travellers to the world’s great wilderness destinations has taught us that Svalbard and Greenland get grouped under the same three-word heading far more often than they deserve to be.

Both sit well inside the Arctic Circle. Both deliver ice, wildlife and midnight sun. But we’ve come to think of them less as alternatives and more as two different chapters of the same story, and there’s a good case for reading them in order.

Here’s how they actually differ, and which one we’d send you to first.

Svalbard: The Quintessential Arctic

Svalbard is the Arctic doing exactly what you hoped it would.

You land at Longyearbyen, a three-hour flight from Oslo, which is part of the appeal and the transition is immediate. This is a working Arctic town at 78° north, ringed by glaciers, where the road out of the settlement ends at a polar bear warning sign and everything beyond it is wilderness. There is no gradual approach. You are simply there.

What follows is one of the richest concentrations of wildlife in the European Arctic. Polar bears are the headline, and Svalbard offers the best chance anywhere of seeing one in its true element, out on the pack ice, though nobody who knows the region will promise you a sighting.

Around 300 bears live on the archipelago year-round, part of a wider Barents Sea population of roughly 3,000 that ranges north onto the sea ice and east into Russian territory.

Around them is a supporting cast that few destinations can match: walrus hauled out in their hundreds, Arctic fox working the base of the bird cliffs, and a reindeer subspecies found nowhere else on the planet, stockier and shorter-legged than its mainland cousins. In the fjords, beluga, humpback, minke and fin whales feed through the summer, with blue and bowhead whales turning up on rare and memorable occasions.

The landscape holds its own against any of it. This is classic High Arctic scenery, ice-capped peaks dropping into black water, glacier fronts calving into fjords. On a full circumnavigation you push north to the pack ice at 80°, which is about as far as most travellers will ever get toward the pole.

And then there’s the human layer, which surprises people. Svalbard has no Indigenous population and never has, but it has an extraordinary history of people trying, and often failing, to make something of it. Pyramiden sits abandoned since the Cold War, a Soviet mining town frozen mid-sentence.

Somewhere on the ice north of here, S. A. Andrée launched a hydrogen balloon in 1897 in an attempt to reach the North Pole; the expedition’s fate wasn’t known for thirty-three years. And beneath the permafrost outside Longyearbyen, the Global Seed Vault holds the backup copy of the world’s crops. It’s a place that has always attracted people with slightly outsized ideas.

Greenland: The Scale of Things

Greenland is not a bigger version of Svalbard. It’s a different proposition altogether.

Start with the obvious: this is the world’s largest island, roughly 80% of it buried beneath an ice sheet up to three kilometres thick. The Northeast Greenland National Park alone is the largest national park on earth. Scale isn’t a feature of a Greenland trip, it’s the entire subject.

That scale shows up most dramatically in the ice. At Ilulissat, the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the fastest and most productive in the Northern Hemisphere, calves icebergs into Disko Bay at a rate that has made the icefjord a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the east coast, Scoresby Sund opens into the largest fjord system in the world, where the red rock of Røde Ø rises above water crowded with ice.

For me, Greenland is all about scale. There’s something about the icebergs there — in my mind, they felt even larger than Antarctica’s. Set against the colourful tundra and red rock of Røde Ø in Scoresby Sund, the contrast is magnetic for photographers; the ice seems to pop right off the landscape – James Turner, Wildfoot Travel

The second thing Greenland has that Svalbard doesn’t is people, and not as a historical curiosity, but as a living culture.

Around 56,000 people live here, the great majority Greenlandic Inuit, whose ancestors have occupied this coast for thousands of years. Voyages call at settlements strung along the shoreline, painted in reds and blues and yellows against the rock.

There’s Norse history layered underneath it too: Erik the Red’s farming colonies date to around 985 CE, and their ruins are still standing in the south.

*Northern Lights over the fjord in Greenland*

What Greenland asks of you in return is a lower wildlife expectation. Polar bears are here, but they’re concentrated in the remote north and northeast and far less reliably seen than in Svalbard. You’ll find muskox, Arctic hare and Arctic fox ashore, and humpback, fin and minke whales offshore, with bowhead an occasional bonus. But the animals aren’t the organising principle of the trip. The landscape and the culture are, and they’re big enough to fill it.

Which brings us to the thing most people miss about Greenland’s scale, which isn’t the icebergs at all.

Scale in Greenland isn’t only about the giants — the bergs, the glaciers, the mountains. It’s just as much about getting down on your knees. In autumn the tundra turns to crimson, gold and rust, dark berries threaded through it, a carpet running as far as the eye can see. And what you’re crouching beside is a forest. These plants grow so slowly that an Arctic willow stem thickens by around a tenth of a millimetre a year — less than the width of a human hair. The dwarf birch colouring the ground around your boots can be more than a century old. That, for me, is the real scale of Greenland.” – James Turner, Wildfoot Travel

So Which One First?

If you’re likely to make more than one polar journey in your life, and most people who make one end up making two, we’d send you to Svalbard first.

The reasoning is practical as much as romantic. Svalbard is the easiest of the two to reach from the UK, the season is well defined, and the sheer breadth of what you’ll see, from bears and walrus to that endemic reindeer, makes it feel unmistakably polar from day one. It is the quintessential Arctic experience, and it sets you up beautifully for everything that follows, including Antarctica, whenever you get there.

Greenland rewards a traveller who already has a frame of reference. Once you’ve stood on a Svalbard deck watching pack ice, the sheer scale of Scoresby Sund lands differently. And if you have the time, you don’t strictly have to choose, there are itineraries that combine Spitsbergen and East Greenland in a single voyage, some of them under sail, timed for the returning Northern Lights in late summer.

When to Go

Svalbard’s cruise season runs May to August. May and June catch the pack ice still retreating, which can mean strong early-season bear encounters. June to August is the peak, under 24-hour daylight. From September the archipelago largely closes to vessel-based exploration and shifts to a land-based winter offering husky sledging and snowmobile expeditions, with the polar night running roughly November to January.

Greenland’s ship season runs June to September. June to August is the peak, with midnight sun and whales working Disko Bay. By late August and into September the sky darkens enough for the first Northern Lights of the season. Greenland also offers a completely separate winter trip: February to April, land-based around Ilulissat, built around dogsledding and aurora.

Summer temperatures in both sit comfortably between 0°C and +10°C. Good layers, not survival gear.

Getting There

Svalbard is the simpler journey by some margin: a direct or one-stop flight via Oslo or Tromsø into Longyearbyen, around three hours from Oslo, and a single straightforward embarkation point.

Greenland is more fragmented, though improving quickly. Most routings go via Reykjavik or Copenhagen, then a further connection to Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq, or seasonally direct to Ilulissat.

Nuuk’s international airport opened in November 2024 and Qaqortoq’s in April 2026, with Ilulissat’s own international airport due later in 2026, all of which is steadily shortening the journey. East and Northeast Greenland, including Scoresby Sund and the National Park, remain reachable only by expedition ship.

Our Arctic route options page sets out how these connect, and the Northeast Greenland voyage gives a sense of the wilder side.

What It Costs

Both destinations span a wide range depending on ship, cabin and season. Svalbard generally has the lower entry point, largely a function of the shorter, simpler journey; Greenland’s longer itineraries and more complex routing push its typical range higher.

Per person	Svalbard, 8–12 days	Greenland, 8–15 days
Entry level	From ~£3,500–£5,000	From ~£5,000–£6,500
Mid-range	~£5,000–£10,000	~£6,500–£13,000
Luxury	£12,000–£20,000+	£14,000–£24,000+

Svalbard and Greenland: At a Glance

Everything above, in one place.

	Svalbard	Greenland
In a phrase	A mecca for wildlife and classic Arctic landscapes	Landscape heaven, and a living Inuit culture
What it is	Norwegian Arctic archipelago, no Indigenous population	World’s largest island; autonomous Danish territory and Inuit homeland
Population	~2,900, mostly international residents	~56,000, majority Greenlandic Inuit
Season	May–August by ship; winter land-based options	June–September by ship; separate Feb–April land season
Wildlife	Polar bears, walrus, Arctic fox, endemic reindeer, whales	Muskox, Arctic hare and fox, whales; polar bears a remote bonus
Headline sight	Pack ice at 80° north, polar bear and walrus encounters	Ilulissat Icefjord in the west; the giant fjords of Scoresby Sund in the east
Getting there	One direct or short flight via Oslo or Tromsø	Via Reykjavik or Copenhagen, then a Greenlandic connection
Culture	Polar history — whaling, mining, ill-fated expeditions	Living Inuit communities, colourful settlements, Norse ruins
Typical cost	~£5,000–£10,000pp (from ~£3,500)	~£6,500–£13,000pp (from ~£5,000)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Svalbard or Greenland better for seeing polar bears? Svalbard, clearly. Around 300 bears live on the archipelago year-round, part of a wider Barents Sea population of roughly 3,000, and itineraries are built specifically around searching the ice edge. Greenland’s bears are concentrated in the remote north and northeast and are far less reliably encountered. Worth noting that neither offers guaranteed sightings — for that, Churchill in Manitoba is the more dependable destination, though it’s a very different style of trip.

Which should I visit first? Svalbard, if you’re likely to travel to the Arctic more than once. It’s the more accessible journey from the UK, the most complete introduction to Arctic wildlife, and an excellent foundation for both Greenland and a future Antarctic expedition.

Can you visit both on one trip? Yes — there are itineraries combining Spitsbergen and East Greenland in a single voyage, typically in August and September, some of them under sail and timed for the returning Northern Lights. It makes for a longer trip, but it’s the most efficient way to see both.

Which has better Northern Lights? Neither during the main summer season, when both sit under 24-hour daylight. Greenland has the edge outside it: a dedicated winter trip to Ilulissat between February and April combines dogsledding with genuine aurora viewing. Late-season voyages to either destination in September can also catch the first displays.

Is Svalbard part of Norway? Yes, though governed under the distinct 1920 Svalbard Treaty, now honoured by 49 signatory nations, which restricts the islands to non-military use and grants visa-free access to citizens of treaty countries.

How cold does it get? Far less than people expect. Summer temperatures in both destinations typically run between 0°C and +10°C. You’ll want proper layers and a good waterproof, not expedition survival kit.

Talk to Us

There’s no wrong answer between Svalbard and Greenland. There’s only the question of which one you’re ready for, and in what order.

We’ve sailed both, and we know the details that don’t show up in a brochure — which month gives you the best chance at the ice edge, which itinerary gets you into the icefjord in the right light, which extra connection is worth making and which isn’t.

Get in touch with the Wildfoot Travel team, or start browsing our Svalbard tours and Arctic cruises.

Best Places to See Polar Bears in the Wild

At Wildfoot Travel, three decades of guiding travellers to the world’s great wilderness destinations has taught us that seeing a polar bear safely, ethically, and in a setting that does the animal justice, comes down to one decision made long before you board a plane: where, and how, you choose to look for it.

There is no single ‘best’ place to see a polar bear. The Arctic is enormous, the bears are scattered unevenly across roughly four million square kilometres of sea ice and coastline, and the destination that delivers a near-guaranteed sighting from a heated vehicle is a completely different trip to the one that delivers a hard-won, ship-deck glimpse across drifting pack ice. Both are extraordinary. They are not the same holiday.

Our specialists have stood in the Tundra Buggies of Churchill and sailed the fjords of Svalbard and the channels of the Northwest Passage. Here is our honest, unfiltered guide to the world’s genuine polar bear hotspots — and how to choose between them.

Why Method Matters: Guaranteed Sightings vs. The Thrill of the Hunt

Across the circumpolar Arctic there are an estimated 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears, split by the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group into 19 separately managed subpopulations.

But bears are not spread evenly across that range, and only one destination on earth offers anything close to a predictable, season-long sighting record: Churchill, Manitoba.

Everywhere else — Svalbard, and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago’s Nunavut and Northwest Passage region, Greenland — you are looking for bears on the bears’ terms, with a real chance of coming home with only a handful of sightings, or none at all.

This is the single most important expectation-setting conversation we have with clients, and it shapes everything else about the trip.

NEAR-GUARANTEED SIGHTINGS
- Churchill, Manitoba
- Bears gather predictably in a known seasonal window
HIGH-PROBABILITY, NOT GUARANTEED
- Svalbard · Nunavut & the Northwest Passage · Greenland
- Sightings depend on ice conditions, timing, luck, and the skill of the expedition team

1. Churchill, Manitoba: The Sure Thing

Nicknamed the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World,’ this small Hudson Bay town sits directly in the path of the Western Hudson Bay subpopulation.

Every autumn, as strong anti-clockwise winds push sea ice to form first along Churchill’s stretch of coastline, hundreds of bears gather on the shore to wait for the bay to freeze so they can return to hunting seals.

Sightings in the peak window are so reliable that specialist groups routinely log 40 or more individual bears across a two-day visit.

Our Churchill Polar Bear Adventure is built entirely around this peak gathering.

2. Svalbard, the Northwest Passage & Greenland: Wilder, Not Guaranteed

Svalbard, Norway

This High Arctic archipelago, roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is home to the Barents Sea subpopulation of around 2,500 to 3,000 bears, which live here year-round rather than migrating seasonally.

The best viewing runs from May to August, scanning the retreating pack ice from the deck or a Zodiac. Regulations introduced in 2025 set minimum polar bear viewing distances of 500 metres from March to June and 300 metres from July onwards, within Svalbard’s territorial waters, so a long telephoto lens and a pair of binoculars are essential. Further out in the pack ice, where much of the best viewing happens, these limits don’t apply.

Nunavut & the Northwest Passage, Canada

Canada’s high Arctic territory offers a genuinely wild alternative, and the richest wildlife is concentrated around Tallurutiup Imanga — known in English as Lancaster Sound — the wide marine gateway at the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage.

Protected as one of Canada’s largest National Marine Conservation Areas, it functions as a genuine wildlife migratory highway: an estimated 6,500 narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales pass through each year, and the retreating ice edge along its margins is prime polar bear hunting ground.

Access is by expedition ship only, and only once the passage has cleared of winter ice — in practice, that means late August into September, sailing past Baffin Island and Devon Island and through the historic waterways of the Northwest Passage itself. Sightings here are real but unpredictable — this is a destination for travellers who value wilderness authenticity over statistical odds.

Greenland

Greenland holds a healthy population, but its bears live largely in the remote north and northeast, far from any port. Our Northeast Greenland expedition cruises along the coast do occasionally encounter them, but for a trip built specifically around polar bears, Greenland is best treated as a bonus destination rather than the main event.

polar bear encounter on an arctic wildlife cruise

De-Coding the Destinations

Understanding a little of the science behind the sightings helps set honest expectations — and explains why some destinations are far more predictable than others.

The Numbers Behind the Bears

The IUCN lists the polar bear as Vulnerable, citing sea ice loss from climate change as the single greatest threat to the species. Of the 19 recognised subpopulations, roughly four are known to be declining, four are considered stable, two appear to be increasing, and the remaining nine are too data-poor for a confident trend assessment.

The Western Hudson Bay subpopulation — the group that gathers each autumn around Churchill, and the most intensively studied bear population on the planet, has fallen by close to 50% since long-term monitoring began in the late 1970s, driven by a shorter ice season and the physical stress it places on bears during the long ice-free summer.

It remains, paradoxically, one of the best places on earth to see one: fewer bears, but a highly predictable gathering point.

When to Go: A Destination-by-Destination Snapshot

Churchill, Manitoba: Peak gathering mid-October to late November; a smaller, quieter mother-and-cub season in February–March around Wapusk National Park.
Svalbard: May to August, under 24-hour midnight sun.
Nunavut / Northwest Passage: Late August to September, ship-based only, timed to the seasonal retreat of the ice through Lancaster Sound.
Greenland: July to September, as part of a broader coastal expedition cruise.

Choosing Your Encounter: Buggy or Ship

Beyond location, how you view the bears shapes the experience just as much as where you go. Broadly, there are two viewing platforms — and each suits a different kind of traveller.

The Tundra Buggy Experience

Purpose-built, bear-proofed vehicles with elevated, tank-like chassis carry small groups across the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, bringing you within close, safe range of bears on the open tundra.

It feels closer to a safari than an expedition: less physically demanding, highly photogenic, and well suited to travellers who want maximum sightings with minimum exertion. Some operators now run remote lodges-on-wheels, allowing multi-day stays right in the heart of bear territory.

Nothing quite prepares you for the light out there, the sun low on the horizon for hours, turning the tundra amber and pink. My advice: get yourself out onto the open-air viewing deck at the back rather than staying seated inside, you’ll hear the tundra as much as see it, and you’re ready the moment something moves. Then someone spots a shape in the distance, just a silhouette at first, and the whole buggy goes quiet, watching it slowly resolve into a polar bear ambling past your window. It’s a moment guests talk about for years. And it’s not just the bears. Churchill itself is a town genuinely built around living alongside the world’s largest land predator, right down to the unlocked cars in case someone needs to escape one on the street. Spending time there gives you a real sense of sharing this landscape, not just visiting it. – Sheena Ogley

The Small-Ship Expedition

In Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, and Greenland, bears are viewed from the deck of an ice-class expedition ship or from a Zodiac, scanning drifting pack ice and remote coastlines.

This is a wilder, more patient style of wildlife watching — sightings can arrive after hours of scanning, at genuine distance, and always on the bear’s schedule. It suits travellers drawn to the broader Arctic ecosystem — walrus, seabirds, whales, dramatic glacial scenery — as much as the bears themselves.

Working the ice edge hour after hour, scanning white on white for a shape that shouldn’t be there, is a rhythm all of its own. My advice is to stay out on the bridge yourself rather than wait for the announcement, because under the midnight sun the daylight stretches on for hours, so there’s no rush, only patience, and out here patience is always rewarded. Long before you spot anything, the sea ice itself pulls you in, carved into geometric sculptures against navy water. The captain eases the ship right up alongside the floes, almost like a giant rib boat, until you’re close enough to feel part of the ice rather than just passing through it. Then someone calls ‘bear!’ and the whole ship comes alive. Everyone finds their own spot on the bow, plenty of room to watch in your own time, as that distant smudge slowly sharpens into an actual polar bear picking its way across the floe. The ship becomes your basecamp for it all, a proper safari, just swapping the jeep for a boat to reach ice no vehicle could ever touch. – James Turner

The Master Checklist: Matching the Destination to Your Ambitions

Before you commit to a destination, run your choice through these four filters:

Decide how you feel about risk: If you need to see bears — not just have a chance of seeing bears — Churchill is the only genuine guarantee. Everywhere else is a wilder bet with a different kind of reward.
Consider your physical comfort: Tundra Buggies and expedition ships are accessible to most fitness levels, though a Northwest Passage voyage means several consecutive days at sea reaching the region.
Match the season to your priority: Snow-dusted photography backdrops, mother-and-cub dens, or the drama of the autumn gathering each demand a different month — get the timing wrong and you get the wrong trip.
Think beyond the bears: A Svalbard or Northwest Passage voyage bundles in walrus, whales, and seabird colonies; a dedicated Churchill trip is built almost entirely around one animal, done exceptionally well.

Talk to Us

The question of where to see polar bears rarely has a single right answer. It is a balance between how badly you need a guaranteed sighting, how much cold and physical effort you are prepared to embrace, and what kind of Arctic story you want to come home with.

We have stood in the buggies and sailed the ice edge of the operators we recommend. We know which seasons are best to visit, and the small details — a lens length, a boot choice, a departure date — that make the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one.

Get in touch with the Wildfoot Travel team, or browse our full range of Arctic cruises, to find the right polar bear destination for you.

The Russian High Arctic

The High Russian Arctic is one of the least traveled and most remote regions in the Northern Hemisphere. The breathtaking ice-capped mountains, the fascinating history of the early explorers and one of the highest densities of wildlife in the world build the framework for an unforgettable expedition.

In 2020, two brand new itineraries to the Russian Arctic will offer adventurers andwildlife enthusiasts a unique and once in a life time opportunity to explore parts of the world on which very few have stepped foot.

The two expeditions will put you in the footsteps of past polar explorers on the quest to find the Northeast Passage, while visiting some of the most breathtaking locations the Arctic has to offer.

Novaya Zemlya

One of the most memorable places to visit in Novaya Zemlya is Inostrantesva Bay. Its landscapes are partially covered by moss and lichen but also by glaciers and icebergs. Polar bears are not a rare visitor of this breathtaking bay.

Oransky Island, a smaller island situated in the northwest of Novaya Zemlya, is the home to many different species of wildlife such as whales, walruses, many different types of seabird and more polar bears.

The first explorers to come to Novaya Zemlya arrived in Cape Spory Navlok in the late 1500s on an expedition led by Dutch explorer Willem Barents. It was his 3rd and last attempt to find the Northeast Passage. Barents died after being forced to spend the winter in Cape Spry Navlok, trapped by the sea ice. The ruins of their hut are still there today.

Frank Josef Land

Sites to explore in Franz Josef Land can include Bell Island and Cape Flo a on Northbrook Island where many expeditions passed through in the 19th and 20th century. Some of the huts and building that were constructed during these times now lay in ruins but can still be visited.

Cape Norway’s flora makes it worth a visit and specially interesting for botanists while the somewhat challenging to access Cape Tegetthof on Hall Island with its tall cliffs is home to a larger number and variety of sea birds. The island itself provides great hiking opportunities unless polar bears are encountered.

Walrus haul-outs and hundreds of pinnipeds can be encountered on Stolichy and Appolovnov Island, which can be overseen from a safe distance on a zodiac cruise.

Tiskhaya Bukta’s Rubuinis Rocks sea cliffs are home to are kittiwakes and dovekies.

Severnaya Zemlya

Russia’s largest ice cap, the Academy of Science Glacier on Severnay Zemlya, is located on the northern end of the straight. An ivory gull colony can be visited on Trovonay Island, and polar bears are frequently sighted.

Check out our trips to The Russian High Arctic

Jewels Of The Russian High Arctic 16-days

Russias High Arctic Archipelagos 22-days

Arctic Complete – (27th July – 18th August 2017)

Celia Hills enjoyed a Wildfoot Travel trip to the Arctic recently. Responding to our call for ‘Traveller’s Tales’, Celia sent in this summary of her trip along with some excellent photos.
Now that we’ve set the scene, we’ll hand you over to Celia……..

“The trip began with everyone meeting at Longyearbyen airport in Svalbard and going on a coach tour of the town before boarding the Polar Pioneer for the start of the adventure into the Arctic.

Arctic Exploration Cruise Vessel The Polar Pioneer — The Polar Pioneer, a Finnish-built expedition cruise ship operated by the Australian cruise company Aurora Expeditions

The first exciting thing was to be briefed on safety & to do a lifeboat drill as we were leaving harbour. Trying to get into one of two small lifeboats with all 53 passengers & some crew was a challenge with huge lifejackets & little space. As there is permanent daylight at these latitudes at this time of year there was much to see already.

Huge numbers of sea birds to be seen included Fulmars, Glaucous Gulls, Little Auks, Puffins, Black Guillemots, Brunnichs Guillemots, Kittiwakes Eider Ducks & Arctic terns. As the trip progressed the numbers of some of these verged on the staggering with huge seabird cliffs bulging with adults & chicks. Less often seen were the Arctic Skuas & Great Skuas. Geese were also abundant with Pink Footed geese & Barnacle Geese the most common.

Only two days into the trip & the first of 12 polar bears was sighted. This trip was outstanding for bears with the best left to last with a sighting of a mother & cub. One encounter with a male bear on a hunting mission was deemed to be worthy of a “Frozen Planet” sequence by the guides as it had the bear stalk & attack three bearded seals over a 3 hour period.

a polar bear hunting on the arctic shoreline — Only two days into our trip & the first of twelve polar bears was sighted.

Another highlight of this trip were the glaciers & icebergs for sheer beauty of colours, size & shapes & glaciers calving when viewed from a zodiac is amazing with the sound & then mini tsunami.

History is also a strong feature of this trip with various ancient camps, huts and burial grounds of the ancient explorers & trappers.

Walrus were also a highlight with some amazing sounds & smells in the pushing & shoving of a group of young males, while an encounter from the zodiac of a group of females & young was enchanting.

Walrus were also a highlight with amazing sounds & smells.

Tiny Arctic Foxes were a delight & some almost tame in their tolerance of close humans. One catching an unfortunate Kittiwake chick that was pushed from its nest showed nature in the raw.

A pod of over 20 Beluga whales was another of many highlights with them cruising around the zodiacs.

Crossing the Greenland Sea from Svalbard to Greenland was mostly uneventful with birds & fog being the order of the days.

Greenland has certainly got the wow factor with glorious scenery & magnificent rock formations & colours. Scoresbysund being the most amazing place. The addition of Musk Ox in Greenland added to the wildlife total.

Apart from Longyearbyen in Svalbard the only other occupied area visited on this trip was Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the only inhabited area of east Greenland & home to 350 people.

For me one of the best experiences was on the last landing in Greenland where there were a pair of Gyr Falcons, a bird I had never seen.

To summarise this trip is difficult because there were so many highs – Polar Bear, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Musk Ox & the thousands of birds – but what made I was the staff & crew of the Polar Pioneer being so friendly & knowledgeable.

Celia Hills.”

See more of Celia’s photos in this photo gallery

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”15″ gal_title=”Celia Hills Arctic Cruise Gallery”]

Check out all our Arctic cruises here

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Polar Cruise Vessel The Spirit Of Enderby

Jewel of the Russian Far East

Mike Unwin, travel and nature writer based in Brighton UK. Voted UK Travel Writer of the Year by the British Guild of Travel Writers. — Mike Unwin, travel and nature writer

Mike Unwin is a freelance travel and nature writer based in Brighton UK. He writes regularly for the Telegraph, Independent, BBC Wildlife and numerous other publications, and is the author of more than 30 books for both adults and children. In 2013 Mike was voted UK Travel Writer of the Year by the British Guild of Travel Writers.

Here Mike gives us a brief account of his experience on an expedition cruise aboard the Spirit Of Enderby with Wildfoot Travel.

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Snowmobiling on Spitsbergen in the dark of an Arctic January

Arctic cruises to Svalbard and the Norwegian archipelago’s largest island of Spitsbergen have always been in high demand here at WILDFOOT, and the story of our travel advisor’s latest trip to the region helps to demonstrate precisely why. Brace yourself for her retelling of the first two days of yet another incredible journey.

Spitsbergen 2017

When I was told that I would be travelling to Svalbard in January my first thought was ‘you can travel to Svalbard in January?!’ With the capital, Longyearbyen, having a latitude of 78.22 degrees north, during the winter months the archipelago is in the grip of the polar night, when the sun never comes near the horizon, let alone crossing it! ‘What activities could you possibly do in the dark?’ I thought. I was about to find out…

Find out more about our holidays and tours in Svalbard

Day 1: Arrival

Our flight into Longyearbyen, the main town on Svalbard’s main island of Spitsbergen, arrived in the early hours of the morning so of course it wasn’t at all strange that it was dark! There to meet us at the luggage carousel was the first of what turned out to be many stuffed polar bears in Longyearbyen.

Day 1 Polar bear at Longyearbyen airport

Stepping out of the airport the temperature was decidedly fresh but not as bitterly cold as I was expecting – perhaps because the air is so dry? Checking into our accommodation, the Coal Miner’s Cabins, my main concern was: would it be warm enough? I needn’t have worried; it was toasty!

Day 2: Snowmobiling

Following a hearty and delicious breakfast we set out on the first of our activities: snowmobiling. With the outside temperature -21 centigrade, and an approximate distance of 140kms to be covered, it was definitely a case of ‘in at the deep end’…

Once fully kitted up for the cold we had a brief introduction to snowmobile handling and then were off! Riding a snowmobile is pretty easy actually – like riding an automatic scooter but more stable – there aren’t any gears and you don’t really even need to use the brakes, just ease off the gas if you want to slow down. Our snake of snowmobiles twisted off into the darkness of the Advent Valley, a line of light in the black of the polar night. In late January, in fact there is a little light in the sky; for around an hour and a half at midday the sky turns from black to a beautiful dark blue, with just enough light to hint at the shapes of the magnificent snow covered mountains lining both sides of the valley. I can’t deny that the whole experience left me a tad chilly (multiple layers, balaclava and heated handlebars notwithstanding) however it was utterly magic to experience the wildness of such a pristine and deep-frozen landscape.

Find out more about or Arctic Expedition Cruises here

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The Arctic wildlife – it’s not to be missed!

One of the most-loved aspects of our Arctic holidays is the wide range of wildlife that one can see. Arctic wildlife is quite simply some of the most varied, stunning and entertaining on the planet!

What’s on offer?

Whether you are one for a cruise or you prefer to keep yourself on land, there’s plenty of wildlife to see either way.

Dependent on location, a variety of bears can often be spotted during our expeditions. brown bears are spotted in Russia, Canada, and Alaska while polar bears roam in Canada and Svalbard, among other locations.

If you prefer to keep your feet dry, various other species including arctic foxes, musk ox, reindeer and lemmings are often spotted.

The various cruises that we have on offer allow for one of the most-desired experiences on the planet. Whale-watching is an absolute joy in the Arctic, with various species of whale simply begging to be spotted in the waters. Humpback, grey, sperm and even beluga and narwhal whales could all be identified by you in what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

A speciality of ours is bird watching cruises. In the Russian Far East coastal region, over 200 species of bird can potentially be spotted. Regardless of which region you visit, though, plenty of birds are spottable and all are unique to the arctic environment. Different, rare species of gulls, such as ivory and Sabine’s, and other Arctic birds can often be seen.

Whichever holiday you decide to embark on, you are safe in the knowledge that our guides will be there to help every step of the way, besides providing more information on the wildlife that you can see.

Cruise the Arctic in style

As well as our standard ships, we also offer the option of our luxury cruise ships, for that little bit extra. If you choose to indulge in one of our luxury cruises, you get to experience the adventure of the arctic, without any compromise on comfort.

With several different ships on offer, you’ll be in safe hands all the way, no matter which one you choose. For more information about this or any other aspect of our Arctic holidays, simply call our friendly experts right here at WILDFOOT.

Wildlife Holidays in The Arctic – Everything You Need to Know

WILDFOOT is a world-class provider of Arctic cruises. We have a comprehensive range of itineraries to fantastic Arctic holiday destinations and we’re proud of our reputation for providing unique and adventurous wildlife experiences. As a company with more than twenty-five years of experience, our dedicated team of specialists supply the knowledge and passion that will help you create a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime trip to your choice of iconic Arctic holiday destinations to explore in the most exciting and fulfilling way possible.

Polar Bear Photo taken by Brian Clasper — Polar Bear Photo: Brian Clasper

It’s important to remember that this spectacular part of the world is like nowhere else on the planet you’ll ever have seen before. The wildlife, landscape and people are both unique and fascinating, and for those who take the time to learn a little more about the region before heading off on an adventure, it will be all the more rewarding.

Taking time to prepare for your trip is crucial if your experience is to be a success, and there’s probably more to think about than most other places – but the payoff is well worth it! Our team of experts at Wildfoot have come together and collated some of the most valuable advice we can offer if you’re thinking of heading to this extraordinary part of the world with us.

The Best Time to Travel

Of course, everyone is different – not just in terms of their physical abilities but also when it comes to their favourite season for travelling. But, broadly speaking, unless you are looking for a particularly tough challenge, it’s probably best to head to Arctic holiday destinations between the months of June and September.

The temperatures at this time are milder (between about 3–7 degrees Celsius) and the wildlife tends to be more active. (If you travel outside this part of the year, the weather can be extreme and visibility tends to be limited.) During the “high summer” period, the days are long and the weather is comfortable enough for your experience to be memorable for the right reasons.

During the summer months, temperatures are usually above freezing – indeed, even double-figure temperatures are not out of the question. However, there is a wind chill factor that you’ll need to cater for especially if you join the zodiac landing excursions. Most of the vessels provide each passenger with their own polar parka jacket along with rubber boots for the beach landings. You’ll be wading through a few inches of water and there’s often some sea spray or snow flurries that make it a good idea to pack waterproof trousers.

Another important aspect is that the ships are able to travel further north during these months, enabling you to visit other Arctic holiday destinations – like the incredible Spitsbergen region, or perhaps even up to the North Pole.

Spotlight on the Spitsbergen Region

As the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago in Norway (and laying claim to the world’s northernmost permanent human population), Spitsbergen is home to an intriguing craggy landscape of mountains, fjords, glaciers and frozen tundra. With over half of its land under ice all year round, it may at first glance look inhospitable, but the 37,673 square kilometres is home to around 2,500 people (mostly in the administrative settlement Longyearbyen, and various other settlements around the coastline), and an array of wildlife. During winter the Northern Lights are frequently visible, while in contrast, in the summer there are 24 hours of sunlight – aka the “midnight sun”.

The Wildlife of Spitsbergen

Along with the iconic polar bears, which are seen all over Spitsbergen (including sometimes close to human settlements), you’ll also have the chance to see the three other terrestrial species of the island (Arctic foxes, the endemic Svalbard reindeer and southern vole), a host of marine mammals (including dolphins, walruses, seals and whales), and a plethora of bird life.

The other animals you may encounter are dogs (usually huskies), which are used for one of the most fun and exciting activities on offer – dog-sledding. (Wildfoot even offers a dedicated dog-sledding expedition!)

The Landscape

With six National Parks, much of the island is classified protected – which means wonderful opportunities to view wildlife in its natural habitat. The dramatic terrain is nothing short of breathtaking, with rugged, towering snow-capped peaks, unique flora, other-worldly glaciers, huge ice-fields, and dramatic fjords dotted with massive icebergs. Spitsbergen is often referred to as one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet – and only when you experience it for yourself, will you truly understand why.

Find out more about our holidays and tours in Svalbard

How Do We Get You to the North Pole?

The North Pole is one of the ultimate Arctic holiday destinations, and to set foot on its frozen expanse is a bucket-list item for many intrepid adventurers. Only the privileged few ever get to see and experience this awe-inspiring place, and here at Wildfoot, we’re proud to be able to help you discover just how incredible it really is. There’s not a lot that can compare to the feeling of standing at the actual North Pole, in front of the legendary “90-degree” sign, surrounded by nothing but a frozen white landscape. It’s truly unforgettable.

The Vessels

Your expedition to the northernmost point of the planet with Wildfoot will take place on special ice-breaker ships – including the magnificent Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury ice-breaker – that cut effortlessly through the ice floes on the way to the geographical point of the North Pole. Along the way, from the vessel you’ll be able to take in the abundance of terrestrial and marine wildlife and the vast, spectacular landscapes of the Arctic region.

Le Commandant Charcot heralds a new class of Polar vessels in the Arctic and is the world’s first hybrid-electric exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas. Aside from its mighty capabilities to safely traverse the ice floes in complete safety and with the least disruption to the environment, the luxury aboard this vessel is unprecedented. Complementing the 135 stunningly appointed suites and staterooms (with private balconies or terraces), other features include a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, bar, observation lounge and even a butler service and private Jacuzzi in premium rooms.

Mike, one of our team members has put together this great webinar on this vessel so if you want to know more feel free to check it out.

The length of the journey itself will depend on conditions and can take up to a week – but one thing’s for certain, you won’t be bored!

The Experience

The North Pole consists of a collection of massive ice floes floating in the Arctic Ocean (up to three metres thick) – there’s no actual land mass. And beneath that ice is an ocean more than 4,000 metres deep…

Unfortunately, due to the climate crisis, scientists predict that as soon as about 30 years there’ll be no sea ice in the Arctic during the summer months – as it is warming at two times the rate as the rest of the planet. This means rising sea levels and the potential for huge global climate ramifications.

In winter the North Pole is enveloped in 24 hours of darkness, while in summer it’s the opposite, with 24 hours of perpetual sunlight. In contrast to the rest of the Arctic region, there is no terrestrial fauna or flora here, although there’s an abundance of migratory birds to be spotted overhead and plenty of marine life that exists below the ice – but that’s not so easily seen!

Some of our Wildfoot expeditions include a helicopter sightseeing ride, a memorable experience that offers a true birds-eye view on this incredible location, and you’ll also have the opportunity to see the Franz Josef Land archipelago.

Photography Holidays

You should consider investing in a good camera in order to get high-quality shots while exploring the Arctic. Carrying a spare battery with you is a very good idea and will help you to avoid being caught short when you’re most in the mood to start snapping away.

If you’re an avid photographer (or a novice looking to learn) you might like to go one step further and take up the opportunity to enlist in a dedicated photography workshop while on your trip with Wildfoot. Many of our expeditions offer this as an optional activity (usually at no extra cost) and anyone who’s keen to expand their skills is very much encouraged to join in.

These workshops are an extremely worthwhile experience, as they are led by experienced professional photographers, who are also experts in wildlife and polar photography – an important factor, as the environment and conditions present some very unique challenges.

Many of our expeditions offer these workshops, so if you’re interested make sure you speak with your Wildfoot consultant about it.

Checklist of Essentials

There are some things that we believe are essential to ensuring you’re safe, comfortable and warm during your trip to any of our Arctic holiday destinations. Bear in mind these are all just recommendations, but because we know the region like the back of our hands, we do know what we’re talking about.

In terms of baggage you should try to stick to one suitcase, hold-all or backpack plus a small daypack for excursions and activities.

Clothing, Footwear, Toiletries

Layers are the best option so we recommend bringing a range of clothing that can be utilised on its own or as a layer.

Along with pyjamas, undergarments and optional swimsuits, bring both long and short sleeved shirts, long pants and shorts (zip-off pants are highly practical), a rain jacket, sun hat, jacket, windbreaker and sweaters. Depending on the class of cruise you book you might also want to pack some smart casual attire for dinners. Multiple pairs of comfortable, breathable socks are essential, along with a couple of pairs of footwear, which should include closed-toe waterproof walking shoes and sports shoes, sandals or flip/flops (depending on the time of year).

In terms of toiletries make sure that along with your regular requirements (and any prescription medicines) you add some sunscreen, anti-histamines, plasters, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and moist towelettes.

Incidentals

You will definitely need some good quality sunglasses due to the sheer brightness of this environment, with high-factor sun cream an absolute must on account of the UV light and clear air. Binoculars (for better wildlife spotting) and pen knives can prove to be worth their weight in gold, too. You should also consider bringing a small umbrella, notebook and pens, playing cards or games, purification tablets, water filter and small gifts for guides or local children.

Leave at Home

We highly recommend you leave any valuables and jewellery at home. You won’t have any need for them!

Of course, you’re welcome to get in touch with our expert team at any point if you have any queries about what to take and how to stay comfortable during your adventure. We are more than happy to use our knowledge and experience to benefit you, and are passionate about helping you make your trip a success.

If you want more advice on preparing your luggage have a look at our video:

Ready to Go? Let’s Go!

Talk to us today if you’re keen to secure a booking and prepare yourself for a trip quite unlike any that you will have embarked on before – or will ever embark on again. We can’t wait to take you on your adventure of a lifetime to our range of Arctic holiday destinations where you will discover the unique wildlife and truly extraordinary landscapes for yourself.

Pick up the phone or send us an email whenever you’re ready and we’ll be waiting to help you plan every last detail of your trip.

Some of Our Favourite Trips

There’s so much to see, do and explore in the Arctic and below are some of our favourite itineraries – all designed by people who’ve been there themselves! That’s the Wildfoot difference.

Alaska’s Northern Passages and Glacier Bay

This fantastic cruise takes you on an 8-day trip that’s packed to the brim with adventure and has a focus on magnificent glaciers. Aboard the Safari Explorer or Safari Endeavour, the journey delivers a huge array of highlights including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay National Park, the Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers, hiking through Tongass National Forest, and sailing around Chichagof Island, Sergius Narrows and Baranof Island.

With a range of excursions and activities available, you’ll be kept busy with kayaking, hiking, paddleboarding and skiffing, and you’ll see wildlife including whales, bears, otters, seals, porpoises and so much more!

Greenland Odyssey

Be dazzled and awed by the vast, icy beauty of Greenland (the world’s largest island) on this fabulous 17-day odyssey. Before boarding the vessel Sylvia Earle in Iceland for your adventure, you’ll explore the highlights of Reykjavik then head off for the adventure of a lifetime, discovering the wildlife and majestic scenery of Greenland’s east, south and west coasts.

As well as taking in the scenery of the fjords and mountains, including the stunning beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, you’ll visit Viking ruins and local communities, encounter wildlife like reindeer, Musk Ox and Arctic fox, and cruise icy waterways in a Zodiac.

Spitsbergen Snowmobile Safari

Wilderness snowmobiling, spectacular scenery, remote lodge accommodation and as much fun as you can handle! This 5-day safari takes you into the frozen wilderness and allows you to enjoy the unique experience of exploring the landscape up close and personal in a way most people never target to see it.

Staying in the wonderful Spitsbergen Expedition Lodge, as your base, the location puts you between the valleys of Adventdalen and Eskerdalen, delivering views towards Skolten, the highest mountain on Nordenskiöld Land, and Drønnbre-massif. You may also explore the mountain massif between the Adventfjorden and Sassenfjorden fjords, or other routes north to Pyramiden, Fredheim, around the east coast of Spitsbergen or to the glaciers of Tuna and Von Postbreen. What an adventure!

Guided Iceland Winter Tour

Discover the fire and ice of inimitable Iceland in winter on this 8-day small group tour that takes in the majesty and intrigue of the country with an experienced local guide. Travelling in a comfortable, specially-modified 4WD off-road vehicle you’ll explore the extraordinary landscape and geological wonders at a relaxed pace, and stay in quality tourist class hotels.
On this fabulous itinerary you’ll discover the diversity of Iceland through its waterfalls, beaches, hot springs, glaciers and national parks. You’ll visit Vatnajökull National Park to see the Glacier Lagoon, travel deep into incredible blue ice caves to marvel at their icy beauty, and enjoy multiple opportunities to go on the hunt for the famous Northern Lights.

Follow in impressive footsteps on our Arctic excursions

The polar regions will always be irrevocably associated with many of civilisation’s greatest explorers, and while we by no means expect you to repeat their feats on your own excursions in the Arctic here at WILDFOOT, your visit will nonetheless almost certainly give you a taste for the spirit of exploration that inspired these greats. For evidence of that, one only needs to look to the vast range of exciting Arctic activities that we make possible.

Even the most conservative of our itineraries will take you to places that you have never before experienced, but some of our travellers wish to especially capitalise on that, through one of our more adventurous packages. With our sailings offering an average of three shore landings per day while in the Arctic and not ‘at sea’, there is opportunity to indulge in all manner of optional activities. Even those who remain on board can be thrilled by our comprehensive education programme, delivered by our leading Arctic experts.

But let’s imagine that you would rather hop off the ship every now and then – in which case, your excursions in the Arctic really will be like none other that you have ever experienced. It’s enthralling enough to witness the compelling polar wildlife at close quarters, from walrus and polar bears to whales and seals. But what about indulging your physical side by going hiking, skiing, climbing or dogsledding in the remarkable Spitsbergen, or discovering the Arctic’s magical underwater world, scuba diving and snorkelling with one of our seasoned Arctic Dive Masters by your side?

If you would like a more intimate experience of Arctic waters but fear that donning the snorkel and flippers may be a little too extreme for you, never fear – on some of our expedition voyages, you also have the option of kayaking. Just imagine drifting through majestic, isolated icebergs or just stopping in the middle of the water, miles from land, revelling in the solitude of one of the most remote spots on Earth. Many others choose shore excursions in the Arctic that give them an entirely different, but no less spectacular view of the region’s icescapes, land and wildlife.

There really is no experience quite like one of our famed excursions in the Arctic, and whether you take advantage of every possible excursion before you or instead concentrate on just the one or two that most excite you, with the intimate assistance of our guides, you can rest assured of a trip to be remembered for a lifetime.