Polar Exploration Basics
Adventure to these parts of the world isn’t for the faint hearted. These are the coldest, windiest, driest and iciest places on Earth. But it’s also one of the last true, unspoiled wilderness areas with huge concentrations of wildlife, spectacular mountains and glaciers. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the opportunity to view polar bears, penguins and whales in the wild.
Cruises, expedition ships, trekking, snow shoeing, dog sledding, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning, diving and kayaking are all ways of exploring the polar regions.
Polar Exploration - Beginners
You don’t need to be an expert musher (dog sledder) or hardcore adventurer to travel here. Activities exist to cater for all ages and abilities. Sit on a cruise ship for the easiest of passages right into the ice fields or be a little adventurous with an expedition trip that might include some optional ice trekking or kayaking amongst the icebergs.
If you would like to try dog sledding, most of the tour companies will offer training before you set out, provide maps and equipment. If you wish to trek there are plenty of opportunities to be both self-guided and safe out on the trail. Or you can join a walk with a ranger in any of the national parks or tourist spots.
Polar Exploration - Advanced
Advanced options might not necessarily mean they are physically harder but simply more adventurous. If you have time to actually get to the North or South Poles, rather than skirting the islands and sea passages, you can become part of a select few that make it every year. Or perhaps the sound of an Arctic trek with icy river crossings, snow camping and lots of wildlife appeals in Scandinavia. Or you may want to visit the Inuit communities of Alaska or Siberia. Many of the Expedition cruises allow you to undertake activities. Apart from the usual kayaking those with particular fortitude could dive around icebergs or do some ice hiking.