Arctic There are eight countries within the Arctic region:
The word Arctic comes from the Greek word
Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States
arktikós, ‘near the bear, northern’. A constellation of
(Alaska), Canada, Denmark (Greenland), and Iceland.
a great bear can be seen in the northern sky.
The Differences Between the Arctic and Antarctic Regions The two polar regions are incredible in their own ways, but also hugely different. Each has its own vistas, wildlife, and special sites to visit, so expeditions to each of these regions are unique in their own right.
Polar bear enjoying the sunset © A. Hernandez
What animals can you expect to see? While both polar regions are full of snow and ice, the animals that live there are unique. Antarctica is famous for its penguins, and in fact there are eight species of penguins that live on the continent and its surrounding subantarctic islands. Whereas the Arctic is where you would travel to find polar bears, with their thick white coat and a layer of fat keeping them warm and camouflaged in the Arctic environment. Here are some of the animals you might encounter on your trips with Aurora Expeditions.
Arctic
Polar Bears
Arctic Hare
Whales
Musk Ox
Reindeer
words antí arktikós, meaning ‘opposite to the
Antarctica
Arctic Fox
Penguins
Birds
Krill
Seals
Seals
Whales
54 nations under the Antarctic Treaty.
Arctic’ or opposite to the north.
Seabirds
Do People Live There?
Which is larger in size?
Best Time to Visit
Antarctica
The Arctic and Antarctica have many
Fortunately for Arctic and Antarctic
Antarctica has no permanent human
things in common, and one is their size.
travelers, we steer clear of the polar regions
population. There are over 60 research
The polar regions cover the ends of the
in winter. When we visit in summer, the
stations, where staff reside seasonally
Earth like caps, and the Arctic is just slightly
weather in the Arctic and Antarctica is
or annually.
larger than Antarctica.
quite pleasant!
Arctic
However, the largest ice sheets vary greatly
Antarctica
Yes. Humans have lived in the Arctic for
in size.
October – April
thousands of years. Today there
Antarctica
Arctic
are more than two million people
5.4 million square miles (14 million km²)
May – September
living north of 60°N, many in
Arctic
modern settlements. 116 | Aurora Expeditions 2022–2023
Antarctica Antarctica is governed collectively by
The name Antarctica comes from the Greek
0.66 million square miles (1.71 million km²) 117 | Aurora Expeditions 2022–2023
