WELCOME TO THE POLES
Nothing compares to the rugged beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Antarctica: Experience the awe-inspiring, frozen expanse of the Southern Ocean from October to April. This untouched wilderness, protected by the Antarctic Treaty, is a haven for unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Ideal for explorers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts, Antarctic shores offer an unparalleled adventure. Most cruises set sail from Ushuaia, with some departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Arctic: Known as the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun,’ this region offers encounters with polar bears, Viking history, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. From June to early September, the Arctic summer allows for expedition cruises, primarily departing from Longyearbyen, Norway, offering a gateway to this incredible environment.
Nature’s Last Great Wilderness>>
POLAR JOURNEY INSPIRATION
Our travel network specialises in tailormade holidays. Below you’ll find some examples, with price guide, using destinations and camps/lodges which we think work well together. There are many combinations possible so this is just to give you some initial ideas.
When you are ready to explore options more fully, please do complete an enquiry form – we can then put you in touch directly with the relevant specialist partner team. In discussion with you, they will tailor an itinerary based around your interests and your budget.
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Svalbard during the summer’s endless daylight. This intimate tour, with just 12 guests and 2 expert guides, offers a unique opportunity to witness calving glaciers, abundant wildlife, and historic sites. You’ll embark on your journey from Spitsbergen Island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, exploring flexible itineraries based on weather and sea ice conditions.
Wildlife Encounters: Marvel at walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, whales, prolific birdlife, and the majestic polar bears in their natural habitat.
Prepare for an adventure like no other in the heart of the Arctic wilderness!
Day 1: Longyearbyen
Your expedition begins in the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen. In the afternoon, embark on the M/V Freya, a 45m vessel perfect for Arctic exploration. After a briefing from the expedition leader and Captain, set sail through Adventfjord, bidding farewell to civilization for the next 9 days. Enjoy whale watching as you navigate through Isfjord.
Days 2-3: Prins Karls Foreland & Sea Ice
Prins Karls Foreland, an uninhabited island with stunning scenery off the west coast of Spitsbergen, will come into view this morning. Disembark via Zodiac and keep an eye out for walruses. In the afternoon, enjoy a wilderness hike with chances to see Svalbard reindeer. Depending on sea and ice conditions, sail to the edge of the sea ice extending to the North Pole, searching for wildlife including polar bears that hunt on the ice.
Days 4-7: Exploring the North-West Coast
Under the guidance of the expedition leader, explore the north-west coast. Over the next three days, cruise around the coast with regular shore landings and various activities to experience the natural and historical sites, including glaciers.
Days 8-9: Lilliehook Fjord & Kongsfjorden
Turn south to explore the area in and around Kongsfjorden. Expect majestic glaciers and some of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords and scenery from the decks. Encounter one of Svalbard’s most breathtaking sites, the Lilliehook glacier, one of the largest calving glacier fronts. Spend time witnessing nature’s beauty in its rawest form with an option for a wilderness hike to a neighbouring fjord.
Day 10: End of Arrangements
In the morning, arrive back at the port of Longyearbyen where you disembark, marking the end of your expedition.
Price Guide
Per person sharing: from £8,729 (based on twin share cabin on board Freya May ’25)
- This itinerary is available May to August.
- This trip starts and ends in Longyearbyen.
Includes
- Please request full programme for details.
International Flights Our partners can book international flights for you as required.
Embark on a remarkable 19-day journey showcasing the best of Antarctica, beginning and ending in Ushuaia, at the ‘End of the World.’
This cruise takes you to iconic wildlife hotspots and historical locations while offering majestic ocean views including vast icebergs, snow-clad mountains and glaciers. Explore dramatic islands, extinct volcanoes, windswept beaches, and the edge of the Weddell Sea icepack. If you undertake only one Antarctic cruise, the ‘FSG’ (Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula) should be it.
Day 1-2: Ushuaia – Set Sail
Begin your journey in Ushuaia, embarking on the M/V Hondius, a top-rated Polar Class 6 vessel. Sail through the Beagle Channel, keeping an eye out for albatrosses and petrels.
Day 3-4: The Falkland Islands
Explore the remote Falkland Islands, including Carcass and Saunders Islands. Encounter diverse birdlife, such as Magellanic penguins and black-browed albatrosses, and visit Port Stanley.
Day 5-6: At Sea
Cross the Antarctic Convergence, attracting a multitude of seabirds due to the nutrient-rich waters.
Day 7-10: South Georgia
Discover South Georgia’s stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, including tens of millions of breeding penguins and seals. Visit sites like Prion Island, Fortuna Bay, and Grytviken.
Day 11: Southward
Navigate through sea ice, spotting south polar skuas and snow petrels.
Day 12-13: Cruising South-West
Head towards the South Orkney archipelago, visiting Orcadas Base or Shingle Cove, with chances to see fin whales and Antarctic petrels.
Day 14-16: Antarctica
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, and potential stops like Elephant Island and Brown Bluff. Witness diverse wildlife, including penguins and seals.
Day 17-19: Return to Ushuaia
Cross the Drake Passage, spotting seabirds, and disembark in Ushuaia.
Price Guide
Per person sharing: from £10,705 (based on Hondius)
- This itinerary is available November – February.
- This trip starts and ends in Ushuaia.
Includes
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
International Flights Our partners can book international flights for you as required.
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. This adventure begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina, the gateway to the White Continent. Cruise aboard a Ponant mega-yacht, guided by experienced naturalists who will introduce you to the region’s unique wildlife, history, and geopolitics. This expedition promises breathtaking landscapes, from towering glaciers and vast icebergs to snow-clad mountains and volcanic beaches.
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Meet and greet in Buenos Aires. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before dinner and an overnight stay at a local hotel.
Day 2: Ushuaia
Fly to Ushuaia, known as the “End of the World.” Spend the day exploring this fascinating town.
Day 3-4: Drake Passage
Sail through the Drake Passage, watching for albatrosses, petrels, and other seabirds. Attend lectures and familiarize yourself with the ship.
Day 5-9: Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula with daily Zodiac outings and landings. Witness a variety of wildlife, including penguins, whales, and seals.
Day 10-11: Drake Passage
Return through the Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for marine fauna and seabirds.
Day 12: Ushuaia
Disembark in Ushuaia and fly back to Buenos Aires, concluding your Antarctic adventure.
Price Guide
Per person sharing: from £11,258
- This itinerary is available November to March.
- This trip starts and ends in Buenos Aires.
Includes
- accommodation in stateroom,
- the full meal plan,
- the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
- free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
- access to all the common areas
International Flights Our partners can book international flights for you as required.
POLAR GUIDE
You’ll find a short guide to the Polar Regions below.
To start planning a trip to the Polar Regions please contact us via the Enquiry Form, by email on info@realworldconservation.org.uk or on 01692 218189.
Antarctica, the frozen continent, offers a unique wilderness teeming with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Accessible by a two-day sail from Ushuaia, cruises run from late October to March, offering daily landings and various activities.
The Arctic is a vast and diverse region encompassing parts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and the United States (Alaska). It’s known for its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and extreme conditions.
General Overview
Svalbard Archipelago: Located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is renowned for its rugged terrain, glaciers, and abundant wildlife.
Greenland: The world’s largest island, known for its vast ice sheet, deep fjords, and remote Inuit communities.
Canadian Arctic: Includes the Northwest Passage, Baffin Island, and the northern territories, offering stunning fjords, indigenous culture, and rich wildlife.
Iceland: Known for its geothermal activity, waterfalls, and as a gateway to the Arctic.
Detailed Highlights of Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Longyearbyen: The northernmost town in the world, Longyearbyen is the starting point for many Arctic expeditions. It offers a mix of modern amenities and Arctic adventure, with museums, shops, and restaurants. It’s also a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Prins Karls Foreland & Sea Ice: This uninhabited island off the west coast of Spitsbergen features stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including walruses and reindeer. The area is also ideal for exploring the edge of the sea ice, where polar bears hunt.
North-West Coast: Known for its rugged beauty, this area includes numerous glaciers, fjords, and historical sites. Regular shore landings offer opportunities to hike and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Lilliehook Fjord & Kongsfjorden: These fjords are renowned for their majestic glaciers and scenic beauty. Lilliehook Fjord is home to one of Svalbard’s largest calving glacier fronts, while Kongsfjorden offers a mix of stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, including seals and seabirds.
Wildlife of the Arctic
Birds:
- Puffins: Iconic seabirds often seen on coastal cliffs.
- Snowy Owls: Predators of the Arctic tundra.
- Arctic Terns: Known for their extensive migrations.
Marine Mammals:
- Polar Bears: Found on sea ice, they are the apex predators of the Arctic.
- Narwhals: Known for their long, spiral tusks.
- Beluga Whales: Social whales often seen in pods.
- Bowhead Whales: Large whales known for breaking through ice.
- Walruses: Recognizable by their tusks and whiskers, often found on ice floes.
Terrestrial Mammals:
- Arctic Foxes: Adaptable predators of the tundra.
- Caribou (Reindeer): Migratory herds found across the Arctic.
- Musk Oxen: Resilient animals with thick coats, surviving in harsh conditions.
This guide offers a glimpse into the pristine environments and incredible wildlife encounters available on an Arctic expedition.
