Polar Latitudes Expeditions

Story

Polar Latitudes Expeditions specializes exclusively in polar exploration, bringing more than a decade of dedicated experience in Antarctica and the Arctic. The company unites two respected expedition operators—Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions—combining more than four decades of award-winning expedition expertise into one exceptional polar travel experience. Founded on a shared passion for Earth's most remote regions, Polar Latitudes Expeditions continues the legacy of explorers Søren Rasmussen, John McKeon, and Shanchen Ting, whose vision centers on creating meaningful, immersive, and unforgettable journeys. Every voyage takes place aboard small expedition ships that encourage close interaction with expert expedition teams, fellow travelers, and the extraordinary polar environment. Owner involvement, knowledgeable staff, and carefully planned itineraries ensure every journey continually evolves to deliver exceptional experiences. Citizen Science projects, twice-daily landings and Zodiac excursions, chef-curated dining, and industry-leading passenger-to-staff ratios allow you to experience the polar regions in greater depth. With a wide selection of ships, itineraries, and onboard experiences, Polar Latitudes Expeditions helps you discover Antarctica and the Arctic while promoting community engagement and reducing environmental impact through responsible operations.

Mission

Polar Latitudes Expeditions inspires you to experience Antarctica and the Arctic through expertly guided small-ship expeditions that combine exploration, education, scientific discovery, and meaningful adventure. Every voyage offers personalized service, immersive shore excursions, Citizen Science opportunities, and exceptional expedition leadership, allowing you to connect deeply with the world's most remote environments. Through responsible travel, community engagement, and environmentally conscious operations, Polar Latitudes Expeditions helps protect the polar regions for future generations.

Vision

Polar Latitudes Expeditions envisions a future where every polar journey inspires greater appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of Earth's most extraordinary wilderness. By combining expedition expertise, innovative experiences, scientific participation, exceptional service, and sustainable practices, Polar Latitudes Expeditions continues to help you explore the Arctic and Antarctica in ways that exceed expectations while preserving these remarkable regions for generations to come.

Polar Latitudes Expeditions prioritizes creating a positive impact while limiting negative environmental and social effects. As the company continues to grow, so does its responsibility to the communities that support every voyage and the environments that make polar exploration possible. When you travel with Polar Latitudes Expeditions, you support programs designed to protect the planet, strengthen local communities, and promote responsible exploration.

Reducing Emissions

Explore aboard a modern fleet of four polar-engineered vessels designed for fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact. Collectively, the fleet maintains one of the lowest per-passenger carbon footprints among polar cruise companies. The Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, for example, produce up to 60% fewer carbon emissions than other ships in the same class.

Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

Support sustainable travel through the Green Initiative Program, which emphasizes environmental responsibility throughout every voyage. Polar Latitudes Expeditions nearly eliminates onboard plastic, uses biodegradable products in bathrooms and laundry facilities, prioritizes multi-use products, installs recycling stations, and provides you with a reusable water bottle. Expedition jackets are made with 50% recycled materials. Through the Local First initiative, the company prioritizes responsible local suppliers and supply chains, reducing carbon impact while supporting the communities that make each expedition possible.

Building Relationships and Being Good Neighbors

Visit Arctic communities with respect and responsibility. Before every visit, Polar Latitudes Expeditions gains the consent of the Indigenous communities involved to help ensure tourism has a positive impact on local life. Rather than relying on destination management companies, the company works directly with local providers for guided walks and community experiences, allowing local residents to benefit directly while giving you a more authentic cultural experience.

Lending Support to Critical NGOs

Contribute to important conservation efforts through partnerships with environmental organizations. Polar Latitudes Expeditions provides ongoing logistical support to organizations such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Oceanites, strengthening environmental and wildlife research while enhancing the Citizen Science program onboard. The company also supports local organizations, including La Fundación El Rinconcito del Fin del Mundo de Ayuda y Contención, through fundraising initiatives and donations of clothing and equipment.

Inspiring Environmentalism in Local Communities

Help encourage the next generation of environmental stewards. In Ushuaia, Argentina, Polar Latitudes Expeditions offers education and scholarship programs that give local high school and university students opportunities to learn about careers in the cruise industry, participate in environmental research challenges, attend onboard science lectures, and earn internships.

How You Can Get Onboard

Take an active role in conservation through the Citizen Science program. You are encouraged to attend onboard presentations led by experts in environmental science, wildlife conservation, and the history of Antarctica. You can also support the conservation organizations partnered with Polar Latitudes Expeditions or contribute to environmental initiatives within your own community, helping care for the planet long after your expedition ends.