Sunrises vs. sunsets, coffee vs. tea, Wonder Woman vs. Superman...
The world is full of endless comparisons and contrasts. However, few things highlight the polarities of our planet as distinctly as its magnetic poles – the Arctic in the north and Antarctica in the south.
While there are many similarities between these two regions, and they might seem identical at first glance, Earth's icy extremities are vastly different in their physical makeup. They also offer unique travel and tourism experiences. Deciding which destination to visit can be a challenging puzzle, sometimes even deterring potential travelers.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
If you're debating whether your next polar adventure should be to the Arctic or Antarctica, keep reading. The insights you gain might help you choose between a trip that ends in disappointment or one that ignites a lifelong passion for polar exploration.
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The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny
Although the Arctic hareâs stern expression might make it seem like the least amused member of a serious tribunal, this polar animal is actually one of the most charming creatures on the planet â especially when Easter Sunday comes around.
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Gough Island: Seabird Capital of the South Atlantic
Gough Island is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, uninhabited except for a small party of meteorologists and (sometimes) biologists.
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The South Georgia Seven: Hikes, Fjords, Whales, & Penguins
Few places encapsulate such a staggeringly rich assortment of sub-Antarctic scenery, wildlife, and outing opportunities as South Georgia.
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A Diving Dream Fulfilled
Last January, Mark Hatter achieved a dream heâd been training for over two years. Booking his berth aboard the m/v Ortelius and making the long flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, he and two of his friends sailed down the famous Drake Passage, bound for Earthâs southernmost continent. But their Antarctica trip was not just about shoreline walks and photographing penguins.
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Deep Sea Dwellers: 10 Facts about The Antarctic Giant Isopod
On average, the Giant Antarctic Isopod grows to 9cm (3.5in.) in length. This may not seem very large, but factors including low light levels, freezing cold water, and a lack of oxygen prevent these isopods from growing very large. Other species of isopods, including the Giant Isopod, have been known to grow up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length!
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Guidelines for visitors to Antarctica
Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone dedicated to peace and science. In 1991, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties adopted the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, designating the Antarctic as a natural reserve.
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Svalbard’s 12 Most Iconic Animals
Each of our Arctic regions offers its own distinct and unforgettable features: Greenland boasts mountainous shorelines and record-setting fjords, Northern Norway is renowned for the aurora borealis and historic masted schooners, and Svalbard (especially Spitsbergen) is where you're most likely to encounter a variety of Arctic wildlife.
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Around Spitsbergen vs. North Spitsbergen
Svalbard, particularly Spitsbergen, was the first polar expedition cruise destination. It's no surprise that there are numerous trip programs available in this region. Among the most unique are the Around Spitsbergen and North Spitsbergen cruises.
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Day and night in Antarctica
At the Concordia station, a French-Italian research facility situated 3,233 meters above sea level at Dome C on the Antarctic Plateau, European Space Agency (ESA) scientists are investigating the effects of extended space missions. The station is more isolated than the International Space Station, with the nearest humans located 600 kilometers away.
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The ozone layer in Antarctica
An ozone molecule is composed of three oxygen atoms rather than the usual two. It exists in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Ozone molecules are created through the interaction of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun with oxygen molecules: When an O2 molecule is split, the two free oxygen atoms bond with other O2 molecules to form O3 molecules.
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15 Toothy Facts About the Atlantic Walrus
The walrus is one of the most recognizable animals on the planet, and for good reason. Try sneaking into a cinema with those tusks!
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Penguins, Petrels, and Prions: Top Antarctica Bird Tour Spots
If anyone tells you Antarctica is for the birds, theyâre right.
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Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks
The Arctic locations we visit arenât merely made up of phenomenal landscapes, exotic wildlife, and more adventure than a Hardy Boys novel.
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Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic
If they knew their way home, why not follow them? Equipped with GPS and compass, we approached the cliffs by zodiac. First, we heard the noise from the colony â the distinct calls of guillemots, kittiwakes, and Glaucous gulls. Then the cliffs gradually emerged from the mist.
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Penguins, Albatrosses, Petrels: The Winged Wildlife of South Georgia
South Georgiaâs location south of the Antarctic Convergence gives the island a more Antarctic-like climate compared to other regions at the same latitude. The climate here is marked by cold, cloudy, wet, and windy conditions with highly variable weather.
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Narwhals: the Aquatic Unicorns of the Arctic
Though narwhals are among the rarest whale species encountered during our Arctic expeditions, a journey to the Arctic regions of Greenland and Svalbard always holds the potential for spotting these elusive creatures.
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Peaks, Fjords, and Auroras: 14 East Greenland Attractions
There really arenât enough superlatives for East Greenland.
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Path of Polar Heroes: Hiking Shackleton’s Historic Route
âWe had seen God in his splendors, heard the text that Nature renders.â ~Ernest Shackleton
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The Evolving Shipboard Eco-traveler
Feeling stuck in the monotony of everyday life? Looking for a change of scenery? Look no further! Most of us spend our lives on solid ground, despite our bodies being composed of 71.5% water. You'd think we'd have a natural inclination to be in or on the water! So why not try something different? Consider an Arctic holiday adventure on the same waters that famous explorers once navigated!
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The Impact of Small vs. Large Cruise Ships
The generalization that larger ships impact the environment more than smaller ships seems like such a no-brainer that if someone said it to you, youâd be easily forgiven for thinking you were being tricked.