• 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

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf - Aurora Australis
Up to $5100 OFF

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf - Aurora Australis

21 Mar - 5 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: OTL32-25

This voyage explores a number of historically significant Antarctic areas, such as the very rarely visited Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island. We focus on places discovered by Adrien De Gerlache on his Belgian Antarctic Expedition...

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale watching
Up to $3950 OFF

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale watching

23 Mar - 3 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: PLA32-25

This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

Atlantic Odyssey
Up to $6200 OFF

Atlantic Odyssey

23 Mar - 15 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: HDS31-25

The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.

Atlantic Odyssey to Cape Verde
Up to $1380 OFF

Atlantic Odyssey to Cape Verde

23 Mar - 25 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: HDS31C25

  • EN

During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).

St. Helena to Cape Verde

15 Apr - 25 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: HDS32-25

Can be booked in combination only Cape Verde Ascension Island St. Helena
  • EN

During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).

Loading