Polar Regions

In the Wake of the Polar Explorers

Polar expedition sailing aboard traditional tall ships offers authentic adventures to both Antarctica and the Arctic. These multi-week high-latitude voyages to Earth’s polar regions combine hands-on expedition sailing with dramatic ice-filled landscapes, 24-hour daylight, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. No sailing experience is required—you’ll help sail past glaciers, through iceberg-filled waters, and across legendary passages while learning the basics of high-latitude sailing from experienced polar crews. Choose Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia expeditions in the southern summer, or Arctic voyages to Greenland and Iceland during northern summer months.

If reading the exploits of Shackleton or Captain Scott has given you a thirst for adventure, you won’t get a more authentic experience than polar sailing on a tall ship. The whole expedition is a team effort of professional and guest crew. Spending more time on deck, helping sail the ship and being a key part of the team are all fantastic experiences. Top this off with the vast icy landscapes and unbeatable wildlife spotting opportunities and you have the voyage of a lifetime.

What Makes Polar Sailing Special

Ice Watch & Navigation

Standing ice watch on a tall ship’s open deck connects you to polar explorers of the past. You’ll help identify different ice types, observe safe navigation through pack ice, understand glacier calving patterns, and experience the concentrated focus required for high-latitude sailing. While modern gear and heated cabins far surpass historical expeditions, the thrill of sailing near towering icebergs and blue-edged glaciers remains timeless.

The Lands & Seas of the Midnight Sun

24-Hour Polar Daylight

High latitude sailing means 24-hour daylight for long periods of the summer. Choosing a Polar voyage means weeks of life-giving, wonderful light. It makes you feel more energetic and allows continual opportunities for spotting wildlife and watching the spectacular landscape.

Polar summer means continuous daylight—the sun never sets. Sail at midnight under full sun, spot whales at 3am, and experience the surreal energy of weeks without darkness. The constant light enables continuous wildlife viewing and gives expeditions an otherworldly quality. Dark sleeping quarters below deck ensure proper rest despite endless daylight above.

While needing your sunglasses at 1am might take some getting used to, you’ll soon be in the swing of it. Dark accommodation spaces below deck also mean that when it’s time to sleep, your body can switch off easily.

Cold Weather Preparation

Polar expeditions require proper cold-weather gear. Our cold water clothing guide helps you prepare with the right layers, waterproofs, and essentials for polar conditions. Being properly equipped ensures you can fully enjoy time on deck in challenging environments.

The Aurora – Northern & Southern Lights

Early and late season polar voyages offer spectacular aurora displays. Head north for Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), south for Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). Watch dancing curtains of green and purple light as Earth’s magnetic field directs solar particles toward the poles. Even without aurora, unpolluted polar skies offer stunning stargazing from the ship’s deck. While this might be a slightly less romantic explanation than reflections off the armour of Valkyries, as the Vikings believed, the sight still ranks as the pinnacle of sky-watching.

Even on nights when there’s no aurora, the sight of the stars from the deck of a ship sailing beneath unpolluted skies is second to none.

Wildlife Encounters

Polar regions host Earth’s most spectacular wildlife. Whales own these oceans—humpbacks, orcas, fin whales in Antarctic waters, minke and sperm whales in the Arctic. Albatross rule southern skies while Arctic seabirds nest in massive colonies. Seals and penguins dominate Antarctic ice; Arctic shores host seals, walrus, and occasionally polar bears. These are true wilderness areas where wildlife still reigns.

No Experience Required

While polar sailing is physically and mentally demanding, no previous sailing experience is needed. You’ll learn the basics of sail handling and watch-keeping while helping the professional crew. What’s required: good physical fitness, adaptability to expedition conditions, and genuine enthusiasm for polar adventure.

Polar Expedition Vessels

Our polar expedition vessels are ice-strengthened tall ships purpose-built for high-latitude sailing. With decades of Arctic and Antarctic experience, these traditional sailing ships have proven themselves in Earth’s most demanding sailing environments. Small crew numbers ensure intimate, expedition-focused voyages rather than cruise-ship tourism.

Our professional crews bring years of polar sailing experience. You’ll learn the basics of high-latitude sailing, polar wildlife identification, and expedition life from sailors who know these waters intimately.

Find and book your Polar voyage well in advance to give you time to organise yourself.

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Polar Expedition Sailing: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need sailing experience for polar expeditions?

No sailing experience is required for our polar expeditions. You’ll be part of the working crew and learn the basics of sail handling, watch-keeping, and high-latitude sailing from our experienced professional crews. What matters most is good physical fitness, enthusiasm for expedition-style adventure, and adaptability to challenging conditions.

Antarctica or Arctic – which polar region should I choose?

Choose Antarctica (November-March) for the ultimate polar challenge—the Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Georgia’s wildlife. These are remote, ambitious expeditions to Earth’s seventh continent. Choose the Arctic (June-September) for Greenland fjords, Iceland’s landscapes, and more accessible polar adventure. Arctic voyages are easier to reach from Europe and North America, offering excellent value for high-latitude sailing. Both regions feature 24-hour daylight, dramatic glaciers, and spectacular wildlife.

What physical fitness level is required for polar sailing?

Good general fitness is required for polar expeditions. You’ll need to be comfortable with stairs and ladders, able to move around a working deck in cold weather, and capable of standing watch in challenging conditions. Polar sailing is physically and mentally demanding—not because of technical skill requirements, but due to the environment and expedition nature of these voyages. If you have specific concerns, contact us to discuss your situation.

How far in advance should I book a polar expedition?

Book polar expeditions 12-18 months in advance. These voyages have limited berths, complex logistics, and require significant personal planning. Early booking ensures you secure your place and have adequate time to prepare, arrange travel to departure points (Puerto Williams, Port Stanley, Iceland, Greenland), and organize proper cold-weather gear.

Why do polar expeditions cost more than other sailing holidays?

Polar expeditions reflect the true cost of high-latitude sailing—ice-strengthened vessels, experienced polar crews, remote locations, longer voyage durations, complex logistics, and the challenge of reaching Earth’s most extreme environments. Antarctica expeditions are particularly remote, requiring Southern Ocean crossings. Arctic expeditions to Greenland and Iceland offer more accessible polar adventure with better value due to easier access from northern hemisphere departure points.