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Of all the raw and remote parts of the world, none can compare to the polar regions. From Patagonia and Antarctica to the mystical Arctic Circle, these far-flung destinations offer unparalleled adventure, and a chance to witness nature at its most wild and untouched.
Getting to these inhospitable corners of the world isn’t quick or easy – but the charm of the polar regions lies in their distance, desolate beauty, and unforgiving climate. If you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, few other landscapes offer such pristine panoramas and one-of-a-kind experiences.
To shine a light on the joys of exploring the polar regions, we’ve partnered with Atlas Ocean Voyages*, a yacht-style expedition company. Curated for spirited explorers with an unbridled lust for life, and led by seasoned guides, their expeditions take you to the furthest corners of the globe – those only accessible to polar-class vessels.
Voyages are intimate, with experiences larger than life, producing memories you can cherish for years to come. If you’re drawn to the polar regions, an expedition with Atlas Ocean Voyages can be everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more.
Here are 10 reasons why a polar expedition should be on your bucket list.
1. The sense of wilderness
Whether you head to the Arctic in the north or Antarctica in the south, the polar regions retain an air of the unknown. There are snow-swathed mountains here that haven’t even been named, let alone climbed. These regions are the world’s last frontiers, the coldest, most remote and unforgiving places on Earth. If you’d like to feel as though you’ve stepped into another world, you’ll be going to the right place.
Home to alien-like ice formations, jagged peaks, and vast, gleaming glaciers, the scenery is otherworldly; you won’t be able to tear your eyes away. Aside from the few ships that glide silently over the water, much of these areas are entirely untouched by humans. Exploring these pristine wildernesses can help put things in perspective, and allow you to feel humbled by the power and scale of nature.
2. Whale watching
If you’re interested in whale watching, few destinations can offer more than the Antarctic. This frozen wilderness is home to all kinds of whales, including minke, humpbacks, sperm, orcas, strap-toothed, and blue whales – the largest animal on the planet. Often, you can spot these huge mammals swimming across the chilly waters from the comfort of your cabin; you don’t even need to be on deck to see them.
Only three whale species live in the Arctic year-round: belugas, narwhals, and bowheads. However, humpbacks, minke, and fin whales migrate here every summer, so depending on when you travel, you might spot several different species. After a few days at sea, you’ll become an expert at spotting these gentle creatures…just keep an eye out for the misty sprays breaking through the ocean’s surface.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages 6-Night Arctic Expedition - Roundtrip from Longyearbyen*
Norway | 6 nights
3. Icebergs and glaciers
You might’ve been lucky enough to have seen icebergs before – but we guarantee you won’t have seen any like the ones you’ll find in the polar regions. The Arctic and Antarctic are home to the world’s biggest bergs, and you’ll cruise past blue-hued icebergs 10 times the size of the one that sank the Titanic. No two icebergs are the same, and the differences in size, shape, and, even colour, can be startling.
Then there are the glaciers, which are more than 30 storeys high, and as you sail past these enormous frozen masses, you may feel as though you’ve wandered onto another planet. The world’s most active glaciers are found in the Arctic and Antarctic, too, and you can watch in awe as huge chunks of ice come crashing off, thundering into the frigid waters below.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages 7 -Night Antarctica Expedition - Roundtrip from King George Island*
Antarctica | 7 nights | Accommodation & Transfers Included
Free private charter jet service and escorted sightseeing safaris and more.
Intimate Yachting Adventures Curated For Spirited Explorers
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers intimate, all-inclusive yacht-style journeys designed for those who seek adventure without sacrificing comfort.
With fewer than 200 guests on board, bring destinations to life, while gourmet dining, attentive service, and a relaxed atmosphere ensure a rewarding experience. Whether venturing to Antarctica, the Arctic, or beyond, Atlas delivers immersive travel with a spirit of discovery.
4. Zodiac sightseeing safaris
One of the highlights of an Atlas Ocean Voyages polar expedition is the Zodiac sightseeing safari. Zodiacs are small, inflatable boats that allow you to effortlessly zip around the awe-inspiring landscape. Admiring glaciers and icebergs from your yacht is one thing…but from a Zodiac, these vast, glistening walls of ice become close enough to touch. You might even hear the hissing and popping of the ice as you glide past.
The best polar expeditions involve plenty of land excursions, too, and you’ll use a Zodiac to get to shore. Even straightforward journeys to land are an adventure in this environment and, as you zoom across the water and into shallow bays, you can often spot whales, seals, penguins, and all manner of sea birds. You might be surprised to see just how close these curious creatures come when you’re in a Zodiac…
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Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Expedition - Exploring the Last Continent*
Argentina & Antarctica | 14 nights | Accommodation & Transfers Included
Free private charter jet service and escorted sightseeing safaris and more.
5. See the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is on many an adventurer’s bucket list…and their unpredictability and elusiveness only add to their appeal. But, on a polar expedition to the Arctic, you’ll have an excellent chance of catching them. Watching these ethereal lights dance across the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and just another example of how small and humbled nature can make you feel.
In the Arctic, nights are long and dark throughout autumn, winter, and spring – and because there’s no light pollution, conditions for spotting the aurora borealis are ideal. On a polar voyage, you may witness this spectacular light show from the deck of your ship. No two displays are the same, and you might see lights in many patterns and colours; green is most common, but pink, red, and blue can occur, too.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages 12-Night Arctic Expedition - Oslo to Longyearbyen*
Norway & Denmark | 12 nights
6. Spot a polar bear
On an Arctic expedition, few sights are more rewarding than spotting a polar bear ambling across the tundra. As one of the world’s most iconic and rarest predators, many of us are fascinated by these majestic animals – but, sadly, rising temperatures have caused much of the Arctic’s sea ice to melt. Polar bears need sea ice to survive and, on an Atlas voyage , you’ll learn about how we can better protect our planet.
These beautiful bears can be spotted on shore excursions or on a Zodiac safari. While elusive, polar bears can be dangerous, so your expert guides will ensure sightings are safe for you while minimising disturbance or stress for these not-so-gentle giants. You may spot a lone bear, a mother with her cubs, or young males playfighting. Keep an eye out for reindeer, arctic foxes, and walruses, too.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages Arctic Expedition - Wilds of the High Arctic*
Norway | 11 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
Intimate Yachting Adventures Curated For Spirited Explorers
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers intimate, all-inclusive yacht-style journeys designed for those who seek adventure without sacrificing comfort.
With fewer than 200 guests on board, bring destinations to life, while gourmet dining, attentive service, and a relaxed atmosphere ensure a rewarding experience. Whether venturing to Antarctica, the Arctic, or beyond, Atlas delivers immersive travel with a spirit of discovery.
7. The culture
Culture may not be the main draw of a polar expedition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy plenty of unique cultural activities on your voyage. Each Atlas Ocean Voyages polar expedition includes a cultural immersion to enhance your experience and deepen your understanding of your destination. Antarctica may be uninhabited, but Patagonia, on South America’s southern tip, is bursting with colour and culture.
In Punta Arena, tuck into Chilean cuisine during a local dining experience, then enjoy a traditional song and dance performance. In the Arctic, discover life in Longyearbyen, a remote town on the edge of the wilderness, where you can sample reindeer canapés and coal mine beer. Or, in Tromsø, you can immerse yourself in Norwegian culture as you dive into the musical traditions of Scandinavia’s native Sami people.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages 10-Night Antarctica Expedition - Roundtrip from Ushuaia*
Argentina & Antarctica | 10 nights | Accommodation & Transfers Included
Free private charter jet service and escorted sightseeing safaris and more.
8. Test your limits
Polar expeditions are popular with people searching for adventure – and if you’re looking to test your limits, there are all kinds of exhilarating activities to try. If you’re feeling brave, why not take the Polar Plunge, and leap from your yacht into the icy waters of the Arctic or Antarctica? It’s freezing, but safe (you’re attached to a rope), and the adrenaline rush you’ll experience afterwards is unforgettable.
Or, why not try sea kayaking? The scale of the frozen seascape is even more impressive in a kayak, and paddling past towering icebergs can give you a new perspective on your surroundings. There are all kinds of exciting shore excursions that allow you to channel your inner explorer, too, from glacier hiking to camping overnight in Antarctica.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages 9-Night Arctic Expedition - Tromso to Longyearbyen*
Norway | 9 nights
9. Birdwatching
If you’re a keen twitcher, the Arctic and Antarctic are some of the best places in the world to birdwatch. The Arctic is home to some of the world’s largest seabird cliffs and, as you kayak by, you can spot many species, from guillemots and puffins to fulmars. If you don’t fancy kayaking, you can get up close in your Zodiac and watch the birds feed their chicks or dive into the icy waters to catch fish.
The Antarctic peninsula is also home to all kinds of birds – but the main draw is the penguins. These cute-yet-surprisingly-clumsy birds are a joy to watch, and you can spot them from the deck of your ship as you cruise, or take a Zodiac to shore to get closer. Antarctica is uninhabited, so the penguins haven’t learned to fear humans, and they may come right up to you, slipping and sliding adorably on the ice.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Expedition - King George Island*
Chile, Antarctica & UK | 11 nights | Accommodation & Transfers Included
Free private charter jet service and escorted sightseeing safaris and more.
Intimate Yachting Adventures Curated For Spirited Explorers
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers intimate, all-inclusive yacht-style journeys designed for those who seek adventure without sacrificing comfort.
With fewer than 200 guests on board, bring destinations to life, while gourmet dining, attentive service, and a relaxed atmosphere ensure a rewarding experience. Whether venturing to Antarctica, the Arctic, or beyond, Atlas delivers immersive travel with a spirit of discovery.
10. The luxury
And, finally, there’s the sense of luxury. While you can brave the elements and feel like an intrepid explorer off the ship, aboard your yacht, it’s all about style and comfort. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ yachts are sleek, elegant, and refined, and, with fewer than 180 guests in the Polar regions, the onboard ambiance is relaxed. Plus, the spacious design allows you to appreciate the views and get closer to marine life without disruption – and, crucially, with so few guests Atlas is able to provide up to two landings a day.
After a day exploring, you can enjoy the Après Expedition tradition, and chat with fellow guests over cocktails and canapés. No corners are cut in terms of cuisine, either; you might be at the ends of the earth, but you’ll enjoy gourmet dining every day. And, with a fitness studio and gym on board, as well as a pool, hot tub, and sun deck, you can prioritise health and wellness just as much as adventure.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages 16-Night Antarctica Expedition - Ushuaia To Buenos Aires*
Argentina & Antarctica | 16 nights | Accommodation & Transfers Included
Free private charter jet service and escorted sightseeing safaris and more.
Final thoughts…
If you’re looking to discover another side to our wonderful world, few places can compare to the polar regions. Despite the harsh, unforgiving environment of the Arctic and Antarctic, a rare and delicate ecosystem flourishes here, and there are all kinds of unique wildlife encounters and nature experiences to be had.
And, because these remote regions are accessible almost exclusively by ship, you can still savour a very rare sense of peace and stillness.
Atlas Ocean Voyages* provide superior, inclusive, yachting expeditions that take you to some of the world’s most beautiful bucket list destinations. Their polar-class vessels can travel to the furthest corners of the globe, and, because you’ll be travelling with naturalists, mountaineers, biologists, and conservationists, you can be assured that your voyage will be just as educational as it is inspirational.
Are you interested in a polar expedition? Are there any experiences above that you find particularly interesting? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences in the comments below.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
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