Antarctica
Penguin colonies, towering icebergs and whales, crossing the Drake Passage from Ushuaia or flying over it from Chile.
- Best months
- November to March
- Typical length
- 10 to 14 nights
- Best for
- Once-in-a-lifetime trips
Expedition & polar
Penguins at arm’s length, polar bears on the ice and naturalists who make every landing a lesson.
By the Global Escapes travel team · Updated
- Typical length
- 7 to 21 nights
- Best time
- Antarctica November to March; Arctic June to August
- Ship size
- Small expedition ships, often 100 to 200 guests
- The pace
- Zodiac landings and outings, led by naturalists
- Usually included
- Expedition team, landings and a parka on many ships
- Great for
- Curious travelers and wildlife lovers
Why expedition travel changes people
These are the trips travelers talk about for the rest of their lives.
Expedition ships are small and built for remote places, with ice-strengthened hulls, fleets of Zodiacs and a team of scientists, photographers and guides who lead every outing.
Despite the wild setting, the best expedition ships are genuinely comfortable, with suites, excellent food and lecture lounges. Spend the day in a parka, and the evening with a glass of wine.
Where to go
From the poles to the equator, these are the places expedition ships do best.
The Arctic & Svalbard
Polar bears, walrus and the midnight sun in Norway’s Svalbard islands.
- Best months
- June to August
- Typical length
- 7 to 12 nights
- Best for
- Wildlife photographers
Greenland & Iceland
Fjords, icebergs and small Inuit villages along Greenland’s remote coast.
- Best months
- July to September
- Typical length
- 10 to 14 nights
- Best for
- Second polar trips
The Galápagos
Sea lions, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies that don’t mind you at all.
- Best months
- Year-round
- Typical length
- 4 to 7 nights
- Best for
- Families, wildlife
The Amazon
Pink river dolphins, birds and flooded forest in Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, explored by skiff.
- Best months
- Year-round
- Typical length
- 3 to 7 nights
- Best for
- Nature lovers
Indonesia
Komodo dragons, coral reefs and remote islands aboard a small expedition yacht.
- Best months
- Varies by island, most of the year
- Typical length
- 7 nights
- Best for
- Snorkelers, divers
When to go
Polar seasons are short. Here’s when each region is open and at its best.
DestinationJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
AntarcticaJan: BestFeb: BestMar: GoodApr: No sailingsMay: No sailingsJun: No sailingsJul: No sailingsAug: No sailingsSep: No sailingsOct: No sailingsNov: GoodDec: Best
Arctic & SvalbardJan: No sailingsFeb: No sailingsMar: No sailingsApr: No sailingsMay: No sailingsJun: BestJul: BestAug: BestSep: No sailingsOct: No sailingsNov: No sailingsDec: No sailings
GreenlandJan: No sailingsFeb: No sailingsMar: No sailingsApr: No sailingsMay: No sailingsJun: No sailingsJul: BestAug: BestSep: GoodOct: No sailingsNov: No sailingsDec: No sailings
GalápagosJan: BestFeb: BestMar: BestApr: BestMay: BestJun: GoodJul: GoodAug: GoodSep: GoodOct: GoodNov: BestDec: Best
AmazonJan: BestFeb: BestMar: BestApr: BestMay: BestJun: BestJul: BestAug: BestSep: BestOct: BestNov: BestDec: Best
IndonesiaJan: GoodFeb: GoodMar: GoodApr: BestMay: BestJun: BestJul: BestAug: BestSep: BestOct: BestNov: GoodDec: Good
Best Good No sailings
Antarctica
Late November brings fresh snow and courtship, December and January penguin chicks and long days, and February and March the best whale watching.
The Arctic
June to August is the season, with the midnight sun and the best chance of polar bears around Svalbard.
Galápagos
Warm, calm seas from December to May. Cooler water from June to November brings even more marine life.
Planning ahead
Polar seasons are short and ships are small, so the best suites often book 12 to 18 months out.
Find your ship
Two of our preferred lines specialize in expedition travel, each in its own way.
Silversea Expeditions
Luxury expedition ships with butler service, from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galápagos.
Aqua Expeditions
Small, design-forward ships and yachts in the Amazon, the Galápagos and Indonesia, with very few guests.
Fly over the Drake
Some Antarctica voyages fly from Chile straight to the ice, skipping two days at sea each way.
A day on expedition
- Early
A wake-up call
Often from the expedition leader, with news of whales off the bow.
- Morning
Zodiac landing
Walk among penguins or cruise past icebergs with a naturalist.
- Midday
Lunch and a lecture
Learn about what you just saw, from glaciers to seabirds.
- Afternoon
Second outing
Kayaking, a hike or another Zodiac cruise, weather permitting.
- Evening
Recap and dinner
The team reviews the day and previews tomorrow.
Usually included
- Expedition team and naturalist guides
- Zodiac landings and cruises
- A parka to keep, and boots on loan on many ships
- Lectures and photography talks
- Meals, and drinks on luxury ships
Often extra
- Flights to and from the ship
- Kayaking or camping on some voyages
- Hotel nights before and after
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Gratuities on some lines
You might also like
Prefer warmer water?
Snorkeling, kayaking and hiking trips in places like Belize, Costa Rica and Croatia, with comfortable lodges at the end of each day.
Explore active tripsGood to know
The small things that make a big difference.
Insurance is essential
Many polar voyages require travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. We’ll make sure yours fits.
Choose your crossing
The Drake Passage takes about two days each way and can be calm or rough. Fly-cruise options skip it.
Layer up
Thermal base layers, a fleece and waterproof pants under your parka keep you comfortable on deck and ashore.
Stay flexible
Weather and ice decide each day’s plan. The expedition team always has a backup.
Book early
Small ships and short seasons mean the best suites go well over a year ahead.
Respect the wild
Boots and gear are cleaned before landings to protect wildlife, and guides keep everyone at a safe distance.
Questions we hear a lot
Is the Drake Passage really that rough?
It can be, but it’s often moderate, and modern ships are stabilized. If you’re worried, a fly-cruise option skips the crossing.
Will we see polar bears?
Svalbard offers the best odds in summer, but sightings are never guaranteed. Expedition teams do everything they can to find them.
How fit do we need to be?
You’ll need to step in and out of a Zodiac with help from the crew and walk on uneven ground. Most outings are easy to moderate.
Can children go on expedition cruises?
The Galápagos is wonderful for families. Polar voyages often set minimum ages, so ask us before you book.
When is the best time for Antarctica?
The season runs from November to March. Each month offers something different, from pristine snow to penguin chicks to whales.
Let’s plan your expedition
Tell us which corner of the world is calling. An advisor will take it from there.