Overall, photography in the Arctic can be an unforgettable experience, but it requires preparation and respect for the environment. With the right equipment, clothing, and mindset, you can capture stunning images of this unique and beautiful part of the world.
Photography in the Arctic has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the late 19th century when explorers first ventured into the region. The Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen was one of the first photographers to capture images of the Arctic landscape, using a handheld camera to document his expeditions in the 1890s. In the early 20th century, photographers such as Herbert Ponting and Frank Hurley captured stunning images of the polar landscape during the early Antarctic expeditions.
In the mid-20th century, the Arctic became a popular destination for photographers and filmmakers, who were drawn to the region’s rugged beauty and unique wildlife. Legendary photographers such as Ansel Adams, Galen Rowell, and Art Wolfe captured stunning images of the Arctic landscape, inspiring a new generation of photographers to explore the region.
In recent years, advances in technology have made it easier for photographers to capture stunning images in the Arctic, with drones and digital cameras allowing for new perspectives on the region. Despite these advances, however, photography in the Arctic remains a challenging and rewarding experience that requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and a deep respect for the environment.
You will need a camera that is capable of functioning in cold temperatures, with batteries that can withstand the cold. Additionally, you may want to consider a tripod, polarizing filters, and lenses that can capture wide landscapes and close-up wildlife shots. We list all of the recommended gear for your photography trip further down on this page!
The Arctic is a cold place, so dress warmly in layers to keep yourself comfortable while taking photographs. Also, wear waterproof clothing and footwear to protect yourself from melting snow and ice.
The Arctic experiences extended periods of darkness in winter, so you may need to adjust your camera settings and use artificial lighting. During summer, the sun may never set, so be ready to take advantage of the unique lighting opportunities.
When taking photographs in the Arctic, it’s important to respect the environment and the animals that live there. Do not disturb wildlife, and do not leave any trash or debris behind.
The Arctic is a remote and challenging environment, so it’s essential to plan your trip carefully. Research the weather conditions, the best time to visit, and the specific locations you want to photograph. It may also be helpful to have a backup plan in case weather conditions or other factors prevent you from reaching your destination.
To capture unique and compelling images, try experimenting with different angles and compositions. Get low to the ground or climb high to get a different perspective on the landscape or wildlife. Look for patterns, textures, and interesting details to include in your shots.
Wildlife photography in the Arctic can be challenging, as many animals are elusive and difficult to spot. Be patient, observe quietly, and wait for the right moment to capture your shot.
In the harsh conditions of the Arctic, equipment failure can be a real risk. Make sure to bring backup equipment, including extra batteries, memory cards, and other essential gear, in case something goes wrong.
Overall, photography in the Arctic can be an unforgettable experience, but it requires preparation and respect for the environment. With the right equipment, clothing, and mindset, you can capture stunning images of this unique and beautiful part of the world.
A high-quality camera is the most important piece of equipment for capturing stunning images in the Arctic. Look for a camera that is capable of handling cold temperatures and is weather-sealed to protect it from moisture and dust. A mirrorless or DSLR camera with a full-frame sensor is ideal for capturing high-quality images in low light conditions.
You’ll want to bring a variety of lenses to capture different types of shots, including wide-angle lenses for landscape shots and telephoto lenses for wildlife photography. A mid-range zoom lens, such as a 24-70mm or 24-105mm, is versatile and can be used for a wide range of shots.
A sturdy tripod is essential for keeping your camera steady and capturing sharp images, in particular if you like to take creative photos. Look for a lightweight, compact tripod that is easy to carry around on your excursions.
A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and increase contrast in your images, which is especially important when photographing in the bright sunlight and reflections off the snow and ice.
In the cold temperatures, batteries drain faster than usual. It’s essential to bring extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss any shots.
In the cold temperatures, batteries drain faster than usual. It’s essential to bring extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss any shots.
You’ll also need to bring appropriate clothing and accessories to keep yourself warm and dry, including waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, and a warm coat.
Remember to pack your equipment carefully, and be mindful of weight restrictions on your flight and cruise. With the right equipment and preparation, you’ll be able to capture stunning images of the Arctic landscape and wildlife on your cruise.
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
Cross-country skiing in Antarctica or the Arctic provides travelers an opportunity to experience spectacular frozen landscapes. Travelling quickly and quietly across the snow, you can explore deeper into the wilderness than you’d be able to reach on foot. Ski tours also take advantage of the long daylight hours which provide ample visibility. Our guests can navigate the terrain with confidence led by our extremely knowledgeable and experienced guides. Have questions? Contact us today!
In order to partake in this Antarctica skiing activity we require previous cross country skiing experience. Ski outings last a few hours, so it is imperative to be in good physical shape. Some ships that offer this activity involve strenuous uphill routes. This may require bringing your own ski equipment for specific conditions- contact us for more information as this depends on your specific trip. Skiing in Antarctica or the Arctic adds an additional cost to your trip (amount depending on the ship). Making reservations in advance are required and subject to availability at the time requested. Ski gear will be provided by your instructors and guides, so no need to bring your own skis!
Interested in a cross country skiing excursion? Make sure that your polar cruise booking either includes this activity or has it as an optional add-on. This activity is physically demanding so we recommend that guests prepare for moderately difficult physical activity before booking! If you have any questions or booking inquiries please contact our team!
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Explore Antarctica or the Arctic through one of the best and most traditional methods – on foot! Most trips offer a walk or hiking in Antarctica, often with snowshoes offered, of varying difficulty. You can choose between an easy stroll or strenuous hiking tours to see the spectacular sights. Hiking or snowshoeing participation is optional. Your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion. Snowshoeing and Hiking in Antarctica allows guests the opportunity to stretch their legs and explore!
The best time to hike and snowshoe in Antarctica is during the summer months, from November to March. During this time, the weather is milder and the days are longer, with up to 24 hours of daylight. This gives you plenty of time to explore the continent and enjoy the stunning scenery.
November and December: These are the best months for hiking and snowshoeing, as the weather is mildest and the snow is still relatively soft.
January and February: These are the warmest months in Antarctica, but the snow can be more icy and difficult to walk on.
March: This is the last month of the summer season, and the weather can start to cool down and become more unpredictable.
It is important to note that even during the summer months, the weather in Antarctica can be unpredictable. It is important to be prepared for all types of weather conditions, and to dress appropriately.
The polar regions harbor specific dangers including wildlife, glaciers and difficult weather conditions, so passengers must follow guide instructions for walks and excursions. Our professional guides will offer both safety and advisement on all outings. On your hike or snowshoe excursion you may choose to explore around the landing area, or you can join a guided tour with an expert guide! Do not worry if you choose to simply explore on your own around the disembarkation site, there will be crew members around to help with anything you need and to keep an eye out for anything wildlife or spectacular sights to see! Gear will be provided onboard before disembarking onto Zodiacs.
There are many discoveries that cannot be accessed by foot, so a snowshoe adventure can provide an experience like no other. Typically, snowshoeing is only available early in the season, and space is limited.
Most trips offer a walk or hike (often with snowshoes) of various difficulty, so you can choose between an easy stroll or strenuous hike to see the spectacular sights. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion. The Polar Regions can be hostile with specific dangers including wildlife, glaciers and difficult weather conditions, so passengers are never allowed to go on individual walks or excursions.
Interested in a hiking or snowshoeing excursion? Make sure that your Antarctica or Arctic cruise booking either includes this activity or has it as an optional add-on. This activity is generally included in more itineraries but it is recommended to check before you book! If you have any questions or booking inquiries please contact our team!
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
Antarctica mountaineering is an adventurous activity that involves climbing and exploring the peaks and glaciers of Antarctica. It is an extreme form of mountaineering expeditions that requires specialized skills and equipment, as well as a high level of physical fitness and experience in cold weather conditions. All training and equipment will be provided by your mountaineering instructors. Inquire with our team about a cruise itinerary that includes mountaineering on your next Antarctic vacation!
If you can handle a four-hour trek across rugged terrain, consider a polar trip featuring mountaineering tours. All equipment, guides, and instructions are provided. Mountaineering hikes take you into glaciated areas which can possibly expose you to crevasses. These areas require a little more caution than non-glaciated regions. As you reach more vertical climbs you’ll switch out your snowshoes for crampons (spikey boot additions). Guests rope up with their crew members for their protection around the glacial crevasses. This activity offers some of the best views available on the Antarctic Peninsula. If you have any concerns or questions about fitness requirements/ limitations, please contact our team for more information!
Most mountain climbing expeditions are done during the Antarctic summer months, from November to February, when the weather is more stable and the days are longer. However, you should always be prepared for unpredictable climate and rapidly changing conditions in Antarctica.
If you are interested in this challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure option, make sure to book a Antarctic cruise with polar mountaineering either included or as an optional activity! Rates may vary with availability, and dates may vary with weather conditions. For more information please inquire with our team!
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
Kayaking in Antarctica is a unique and exhilarating experience that offers a rare opportunity to explore this remote and pristine wilderness. Paddling through ice-filled waters surrounded by towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks is an unforgettable experience!
Antarctica and South Georgia are truly the best frontiers for kayaking. Paddling in these pristine, icy, wilderness areas will excite even the most seasoned adventurer. It is a rare opportunity as few have experienced these magical regions by kayak. We will paddle amid icebergs, through brash ice, along pristine beaches and narrow channels. Silently, we can maneuver into places Zodiacs may not go. Kayaks are truly the best way to see marine life.
We will do our best to provide you with the opportunity to kayak cruises at two or more locations in and around the landing sites we visit on your voyage. We cannot guarantee specific locations. Kayaking opportunities depend on expedition logistics. This includes weather and ice conditions – which are variable and uncontrollable.
We will have (a) experienced kayak team on the vessel who will lead the trips and will safely guide you in the kayaks. The safety Zodiacs will keep a safe but unobtrusive distance. Your expedition guides select paddling sites for their protected waters, wildlife and scenic values. All excursions are, of course, weather dependent and your safety is our first priority.
Most times we will be paddling near the Zodiac landing and shore excursion site. At all times we will travel at a safe distance from ice shelves and icebergs. Kayaks will also keep a respectful distance away from wildlife. Crews will conduct all operations in accordance to IAATO guidelines. We will also follow any recommendations from the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. It is important to understand and follow the guides’ instructions on safe distances. Kayaks may be embarked from shore or from a Zodiac. This depends on sea and wind conditions.
Make sure to book your Antarctica cruise with sea kayaking either included or as an optional activity. If you would like help with this please contact our team! Rates vary based on your itinerary, cruise operator, and availability! Please inquires with our team for more information or with any questions!
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
Experience a camping on Antarctica trip that few others have had – a night under the deep silence of the Antarctic sky! Your overnight adventure on a pristine ice shelf of Antarctica will be tranquil and peaceful, with only by the call of a penguin or the sound of cracking icebergs in the distance. To camp on Antarctica is to experience this region as closely and as in-depth as any Antarctic explorer The location, weather, and number of passengers will dictate how many nights you might spend sleeping on the ice. Therefore, please ask a Polar Holidays Travel Adviser about the different options.
After a full day of exciting excursions followed by a delicious dinner onboard the ship, jump back in the Zodiacs
and head ashore for a night of camping in Antarctica! After helping to set up camp, enjoy the sounds of the
waves and brash ice on the beach, the creaking of the glaciers, maybe even the blow of a passing whale. Warm
and cozy in your sleeping bag under the midnight sun, you will be breathing the cleanest air in the most
beautiful place on the planet. Glimpse the same Antarctica as experienced by the early explorers, while
knowing that in the morning you’ll enjoy a hot shower and a hearty breakfast back on board your warm ship.
Anyone age 12 or over, with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to rough-it for a night can camping on Antarctica. Sleeping on the
snow in this polar region is the ultimate outdoor experience! Our seasoned expedition team will select a campsite that is snow-covered and away from any breeding wildlife. We provide all necessary gear to ensure your comfort during your night ashore – including expedition-weight sleeping bags, four-season tents, a few bivy bags and insulated sleeping pads.
We will do our best to provide you with the opportunity to camp once overnight at a snow-covered site chosen
by our experienced team, away from wildlife and protected or vulnerable areas. Like your expedition, your
camping experience will take place in one of the roughest and toughest environments in the most remote part
of the world. Despite our experience in organizing camping programs, we cannot guarantee any particular
location because our ability to do so very much depends on the weather and ice conditions, which can be
changeable, and over which we have no control. Although rare, it may be impossible to camp during a
voyage if conditions are not safe. Should the camping program be cancelled for weather or safety
reasons, we will refund all camping fees. If not enough people choose to participate in the camping program,
we reserve the right to cancel the camping program prior to your expedition and advise you accordingly.
We take a limited number of campers, so sign up now if you haven’t already! If the camping program is already
full and you wish to camp, we’re happy to waitlist you – please notify your agent immediately. Upon
embarkation, all confirmed and waitlisted campers will be briefed on the expected conditions and procedures
for the camping. Depending on if any spaces open up prior to the camping taking place, our expedition team will clear
passengers from the waitlist, based on the date waitlisted (as well as gender, number of people in party, etc.). If upon
embarkation camping spaces are still available, an onboard waitlist will be collected, and a lottery process will
determine any additions to the camping program. Any additions to the Antarctica camping program onboard will field
partners as one entry, and singles will pair up in one tent with the same gender. Anyone added to the
camping program after embarkation must pay the camping fee prior to participation in the camping.
Because we have limited space on which to pitch tents, we cannot confirm single occupancy of a tent while
camping. To reserve your ability to camp on Antarctica please contact us today!
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
Bring your camera and learn tips from the pros! Polar Holidays cruises include a photography activity. This experience provides a dedicated photography coach who will be at your disposal. Watch our experts in action and receive instruction to perfect your shots with workshops and seminars. Photos let you share your incredible Polar Holidays adventure with your friends and family, why not give it a try!
Capturing the beauty of Antarctica requires careful preparation, as the harsh weather conditions and remote location can make photography challenging. To get the best results, it is essential to have the right equipment and gear to withstand the elements and to protect your equipment from the harsh conditions. A good-quality camera, lenses, and tripod, as well as a sturdy, weather-resistant bag, are essential for capturing the best images in Antarctica. You can learn more about recommended camera for Antarctica photography in our blog post here!
It is also important to be aware of the unique lighting conditions in Antarctica, which can change rapidly and dramatically. The low angle of the sun, combined with the reflection of the snow and ice, can create challenging lighting conditions for photographers. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to have a good understanding of light and to be prepared to adjust your settings accordingly.
One of the most memorable aspects of photography in Antarctica is the opportunity to capture the stunning wildlife that calls this remote region home. From penguins and seals to whales and sea birds, Antarctica is teeming with diverse and fascinating wildlife that is unique to this part of the world. To get the best shots of the wildlife, it is important to approach the animals slowly and quietly, and to be patient and observant. Read more about wildlife you may see on your Antarctic cruise in our blog post here!
Additionally, it is also important to keep in mind that Antarctica is a wilderness area and it’s necessary to respect the environment, as well as the regulations set by the Antarctic Treaty System. This means avoiding littering or leaving any trace of human activity and respecting the wildlife and their habitats. When it comes to wildlife photography, it is important to remember not to get too close or disturb the animals, as this could impact their natural behavior and even put their survival at risk.
Another aspect to consider is the weather in Antarctica. The weather can be very unpredictable and can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for various conditions, such as high winds, snow, and rain. This means having the appropriate clothing, as well as extra batteries, memory cards, and other essential equipment, as the harsh weather can impact their performance. It is important to have a good understanding of your camera and its features before embarking on an Antarctic photography adventure. This includes understanding how to control exposure, white balance, and ISO settings, as well as how to focus in low light conditions and how to handle lens fogging. Luckily, when aboard the ship, you will be able to use your on-board photography experts as a resource to answer all of your questions!
It is important to note that while photography in Antarctica is a unique and rewarding experience, it can also be logistically challenging, as the harsh conditions can make it difficult to maintain your equipment. However, with careful planning and preparation, it is possible to overcome these challenges and capture stunning images that truly capture the essence of this incredible place.
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
As if visiting Antarctica were not other worldly enough, there is a whole other world for you to explore under the water’s surface. Sign up for Antarctica scuba diving to adventure into a seascape like no other. The Antarctic waters team with krill, meaning quite a lot of marine life visit the area.
If you are interested in polar diving while on your cruise, make sure that your booking includes scuba diving excursions! Our cruises to Antarctic operators will provide guests with in-depth training and instruction, as well as high-quality gear. Therefore, there is no need to worry about packing your own gear or finding training prior to your cruise. That being said, having prior experience is always helpful. If you would like help with booking or have any questions, please contact our team!
Aiming for 1 or 2 dives per day, depending on weather and ice conditions, you will dive under shallow ice, down along walls, from the beach, or from a Zodiac boat! You’ll reach a maximum depth of 60 feet. Polar diving is like no other dive, the combination of water, sunlight, and ice formations creates an ever-shifting spectacle of colors.
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
Paddleboarding in Antarctica is a unique and adventurous experience that offers a different perspective on this remote and stunning landscape. Stand-Up Paddleboarding allows you to get up close and personal with the stunning glaciers, ice formations, and wildlife that make Antarctica one of the most unique and beautiful destinations in the world.
Make sure to check that the cruise departure you book includes Antarctica stand-up paddleboarding as either an optional or included activity. This paddleboarding activity requires cruise operators to provide guests with special gear and instruction, so interested parties need to be accounted for ahead of time. Prices vary depending on your specific cruise booking based on the operator, time of year, and availability. Please inquire about booking or with any questions!
Paddleboarding in Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique perspective on this remote and stunning landscape. Enjoy the cool waters around the Antarctic Peninsula while you’re warm in your insulated wetsuit! Guests may be able to spot seals, whales, and even penguins from their boards. Guests who choose to paddleboard on their Antarctic cruise will be guided by well-trained instructors who have many years of experience navigating around the icy region.
Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!
