When it comes to a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure, few places on Earth compare to the Polar Regions. Both the Arctic and Antarctic offer vast, untouched wilderness, extraordinary wildlife and a sense of isolation that’s almost impossible to experience anywhere else. At first glance, these icy regions might seem alike but in reality, each offer a unique and different experience from the other. We’re breaking down the key differences so if you’re planning just one polar journey (for now!), you’ll know which one is perfect for you.

While the Arctic and Antarctic might seem like mirror images of each other, the similarities in their wildlife largely stop at whales, seals and a variety of seabirds. The Arctic is the exclusive the home of the polar bear and other unique Arctic wildlife including walruses, puffins, reindeer and Arctic foxes - none of which live in Antarctica. The diversity of wildlife in the Arctic is made possible by the blend of ice, land and seasonal vegetation, something Antarctica as the coldest and most isolated place on Earth simply doesn’t have. On our In the Realm of the Polar Bear and Ice expedition, you'll have the chance to go in search of these species, exploring remote Arctic landscapes where such extraordinary wildlife sightings are possible.

Only in Antarctica and the surrounding regions, you will find penguins in huge colonies against awe-inspiring icy backdrops, with the most iconic resident being the Emperor penguin. Huge blue icebergs float in the waters, seabirds dive for food and whales breach the surface. With almost no permanent human presence (apart from scientists and explorers), animals in Antarctica show no fear providing a close-up intimate experience for visitors. Our Antarctica Classic Expedition offers incredible opportunities to see penguins, whales and other Antarctic wildlife in their natural habitat.

If wildlife tops your adventure list, both poles offer unforgettable encounters each in their own equally breathtaking way. We recommend to choose the Arctic for polar bears and a broader range of land mammals and Antarctica for penguins, whales and marine wildlife.

The first impression of the Polar Regions is that both the Arctic and Antarctic offer snow and ice yet when you dive deeper, the landscapes are strikingly different. The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land, which creates a far more diverse landscape. Here, you’ll find drifting icebergs and pack ice, alongside rugged coastlines, dramatic fjords and even bursts of vegetation in the summer months. The countries within the Arctic circle are Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Iceland and the US (Alaska). Therefore, depending on where you go in the Arctic, the scenery will vary. You can see the endless, white expanse of Svalbard on our Svalbard Hike and Sail expedition or you can trek through the remote fjords and isolated villages in East Greenland on our Icefjords and Remote Villages walking holiday.

In contrast, Antarctica is a massive, high-altitude continent of ice, covered almost entirely by a thick ice sheet. It’s a place of extremes from towering glaciers, jagged peaks and huge floating icebergs. The silence is surreal, broken only by the crack of ice or the distant call of a seabird. On our Antarctica - Multi-active Expedition, the ship becomes a mobile base camp, allowing you to explore this dramatic environment through a range of activities beyond the typical shore landings. From kayaking through ice-filled waters and snowshoeing to mountaineering on Antarctic slopes, this expedition showcases the continent's vast and untouched landscapes. Both regions are breathtaking in their own right, offering scenery that few people will ever witness.

The Arctic is significantly more accessible for travellers from the UK, making it a popular choice for those seeking a polar adventure without venturing as far as Antarctica. With gateway cities like Oslo, Reykjavik and Longyearbyen offering regular flights, the Arctic can often be reached within a day of travel. 

Antarctica, on the other hand, is a far more remote and challenging destination to access. Most UK travellers begin their journey with a long-haul flight to South America, before continuing to the port city of Ushuaia - the world’s southernmost city. From there, expedition cruises cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite the distance, the reward is true isolation, raw beauty and the feeling of being at the very edge of the world.

Your choice depends on the kind of adventure you want to embrace; whether it’s the varied, accessible Arctic or the remote, pristine Antarctic, both promise an unforgettable polar experience.

Both the Arctic and Antarctic truly represent the pinnacle of adventure travel, each offering a window into some of the most extraordinary and untouched wilderness on Earth. Whether you’re drawn to the Arctic’s diverse wildlife, rugged coastlines and accessible expeditions or the Antarctic’s vast icy landscapes, approachable penguins and silence, you’re guaranteed an experience unlike any other. Ultimately, both polar regions are definitely worth a visit and whichever one you choose first will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. To learn more about what is included in KE's Polar Adventures click here.