• 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.

Related cruises

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Up to $300 OFF

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

PLA06-24 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.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

4 Jul - 13 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

5100 USD

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Watch for wildlife in iconic Arctic terrain

RVR09-24 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.

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 Jul - 18 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

OTL06-24 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.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

10 Jul - 19 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

7700 USD

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

HDS07-24 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.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

12 Jul - 21 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

12300 USD

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
$1000 travel credit | code ARCTIC2024

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Full Spitsbergen Circumnavigation

PLA07-24 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.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

13 Jul - 22 Jul, 2024

Berths start from:

5400 USD

Loading