• Home
  • Blog
  • Arctic vs. Antarctica: A Traveler’s Guide [Infographic]

Arctic vs. Antarctica: A Traveler’s Guide [Infographic]

by Oceanwide Expeditions Blog

Sunrises vs. sunsets, coffee vs. tea, Wonder Woman vs. Superman. The world contains a virtually limitless supply of things to compare, contrast, juxtapose, differentiate. But few things so perfectly express the polarities of our planet as its literal magnetic poles – or more generally, the Arctic (north) vs. Antarctica (south).

Regions: Antarctica, Arctic

Arctic vs. Antarctica, the eternal dilemma

Sunrises vs. sunsets, coffee vs. tea, Wonder Woman vs. Superman...

The world contains a virtually limitless supply of things to compare, contrast, juxtapose, differentiate. But few things so perfectly express the polarities of our planet as its literal magnetic poles – or more generally, the Arctic (north) vs. Antarctica (south). 

Admittedly, there are numerous similarities between these two regions, and at first glance they’re easily confused for one another. Even so, Earth’s icy bookends are not only vastly different in physical composition, they’re also highly distinct in terms of the travel-tourism opportunities they offer. Knowing which place to visit, then, can be a mind-boggling conundrum. In fact, it’s sometimes enough to turn off potential polar travelers altogether.

But it doesn’t have to be.

If you’re currently wringing your hands about whether your first (or next) polar voyage should be Arctic or Antarctic, keep reading. What you learn might mean the difference between a trip that ends in a disappointed fizzle or an incurable case of pure polar fever.

0 photo1 photo 2 photo

Related cruises

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice
Up to $3800 OFF

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice

16 Jun - 23 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: HDS03-25

This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful...

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer - Summer Solstice

18 Jun - 28 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: RVR07-25

  • EN

The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic whaling remains, glaciers, a variety of Arctic birds including the Little Auk, and polar bears.

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special
Up to $2400 OFF

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special

19 Jun - 26 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: OTL04-25

Last berths Svalbard

This expedition focuses on the pack ice of north Spitsbergen and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife.

North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores
Up to $3100 OFF

North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores

26 Jun - 3 Jul, 2025

Tripcode: OTL05-25

The North Spitsbergen Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy this Arctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, and learn to take perfect pictures of the polar flora and fauna.

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Up to $2200 OFF

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

30 Jun - 9 Jul, 2025

Tripcode: HDS05-25

  • EN

Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

Loading