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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 Musk Ox Arctic Fox

Arctic Hare Reindeer Birds

Antarctica

Penguins Seals Seabirds

Krill Whales The word Arctic comes from the Greek word arktikós, ‘near the bear, northern’. A constellation of a great bear can be seen in the northern sky. Arctic There are eight countries within the Arctic region: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States (Alaska), Canada, Denmark (Greenland), and Iceland.

The name Antarctica comes from the Greek words antí arktikós, meaning ‘opposite to the Arctic’ or opposite to the north. Antarctica Antarctica is governed collectively by 54 nations under the Antarctic Treaty.

Do People Live There?

Antarctica

Antarctica has no permanent human population. There are over 60 research stations, where staff reside seasonally or annually. Arctic

Yes. Humans have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years. Today there are more than two million people living north of 60°N, many in modern settlements.

Which is larger in size?

The Arctic and Antarctica have many things in common, and one is their size. The polar regions cover the ends of the Earth like caps, and the Arctic is just slightly larger than Antarctica. However, the largest ice sheets vary greatly in size.

Antarctica

5.4 million square miles (14 million km²) Arctic

Best Time to Visit

Fortunately for Arctic and Antarctic travelers, we steer clear of the polar regions in winter. When we visit in summer, the weather in the Arctic and Antarctica is quite pleasant! Antarctica

October – April Arctic

May – September

“Traveling with Aurora Expeditions is an incredible opportunity for people to learn about these extraordinary marine habitats in situ and, as a result, become ambassadors for protecting them. Immerse yourself in the ocean and be connected to the places that you go. And don’t go just to absorb – go to give back and share what you’ve learned elsewhere, connect with the locals, and open people’s minds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to embrace the world and see it with new eyes”.

— Dr. Sylvia Earle

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