South Pole Trips
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Geography:
North Pole: The geographical North Pole is located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean at 90 degrees north latitude, where all lines of longitude converge.
South Pole: The southernmost point on Earth, located at 90 degrees south latitude on the continent of Antarctica.
Wildlife:
North Pole Region: The immediate area surrounding the geographic North Pole is a harsh and icy environment, and wildlife lives much further south. Your expedition may visit Arctic habitats en-route, which are home to polar bears, walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes, musk oxen, arctic hares, narwhals, beluga whales, and various bird species.
South Pole: Most Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and birds, live close to the coastline and Antarctic Peninsula and rarely wander inland. Due to its harsh environment, there is no wildlife specifically at the geographic South Pole, though your expedition itinerary may include excursions to view wildlife in addition to your travel to the South Pole.
Accessibility:
North Pole: Expeditions may be more accessible for those in the northern hemisphere. North Pole cruises often embark in areas in Scandinavia, such as Norway’s Svalbard, before navigating further north.
South Pole: A trip to the South Pole typically begins by flying to Antarctica from Ushuaia, Argentina, Punta Arenas, Chile, or South Africa across the Southern Ocean.
Climate/Weather:
North Pole: Colder months rarely below -7°C (20°F).
South Pole: Holds the record for the coldest temperature (-89°C or -128°F). Summer temperatures average 20-50°F (-7 to 10°C). Experiences stronger winds.
Sea Ice:
North Pole: Sea ice is semi-enclosed by land and can sustain for up to 10 years, averaging 2-3 meters in thickness.
South Pole: Sea ice extends north each winter and recedes in the summer, averaging 1-2 meters in thickness.
Travel Season:
North Pole: North Pole expeditions typically take place during the summer months (June-August) when icebreakers can more easily navigate the sea ice.
South Pole: Classic Antarctica expeditions run from November through March, however South Pole tours and expeditions are unique and offered on few departures within this timeframe.
Activities:
North Pole: Hiking, exploring villages, museums, dog-sledding (on wheels), and potentially seeing the Northern Lights.
South Pole: A South Pole tour can include visiting penguin rookeries, Zodiac rides around icebergs, walking near penguin colonies, and specialized itineraries may offer skiing and overnight camping on ice.
Trip Length:
North Pole expeditions require more time to navigate by ship through sea ice, with itineraries ranging as long as 20 days.
South Pole trips include flights to the Antarctic mainland and typically range 8-12 days in length.
South Pole trips are a rare opportunity to reach one of the world’s last frontiers. Along the way, you’ll cross the Antarctic Polar Circle and traverse icy landscapes where temperatures can plunge on average below -56°F (-49.3°C). Travelers can reach the Pole via chartered flights from Union Glacier that land at the Amundsen-Scott Research Station.
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed and the South Pole is more notorious for its stunning scenery rather than its animal kingdom, during your trip to the South Pole you may find emperor penguins near the Weddell Sea here in November.
With expert guides and carefully planned South Pole vacation packages and adventures, you can visit and stand in a place where few have ever set foot. A South Pole trip is a rare opportunity to reach one of the most remote places on Earth.
Yes, but access is highly restricted. Trips to the South Pole require careful planning.
The Pole is located on a high-altitude ice plateau, over 700 miles from the Antarctic coast, with extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather. Only guided South Pole trips air allow travelers to reach this remote location. They depart from Union Glacier Camp and take travelers directly there in a matter of hours.
The trip to the South Pole culminates at the very heart of Antarctica. Visitors can stand at the Geographic South Pole and visit the Amundsen-Scott Research Station. With any of the South Pole tours and vacation packages available through Adventure Life partners, you can experience one of the world’s most extreme environments under expert guidance.
Most South Pole tours and vacation packages start in Punta Arenas, Chile. Travelers first board a flight to Union Glacier Camp. From there, they take a fly-in expedition which lasts around a week in duration.
Each trip to the South Pole is guided by experts who navigate extreme conditions. Due to Antarctica’s isolation, every trip requires detailed preparation, safety planning, and support from established research camps.A trip to the South Pole is a significant investment, but the return is even higher when you get to experience this untouched part of the world that only a handful of explorers ever see. Pricing depends on factors like expedition length, route, and logistics.
Fly-in tours are the most expensive but require less physical effort. Meanwhile, overland expeditions are longer and more physically demanding.
Costs cover guides, flights, safety equipment, meals, and accommodations. Some South Pole tours and vacation packages include additional experiences like ice field trekking or extended visits to research stations.A limited number of guided South Pole trips are available (weather permitting). Travelers can make these expeditions via air from Union Glacier Camp. While there are no ships to Antarctica for reaching the South Pole, logistics hubs like Union Glacier Camp support various expedition styles to ensure safe passage across the ice.
The duration of a typical trip to the South Pole varies. Fly-in trips last about a week, which includes acclimating to the environment at Union Glacier. Overland ski expeditions can take four to six weeks.
Flexibility is required when planning a trip to the South Pole since weather delays and travel pace impact schedules.
