Authentic and Deeply Engaging Voyages

Because at Polar Latitudes, we don’t offer cruises. We offer authentic and deeply engaging Antarctic voyages. There’s a reason Antarctica is, and always has been, our one and only destination. It’s like no other place on earth, something you can’t fully appreciate without immersing yourself in the continent itself. So while we take great pride in our beautiful and comfortable on board experience, the amenity we’re most proud of delivering better than anyone isn’t the one on our ship, but off it.

Two Off-Ship Excursions per Day With an Experienced and Supportive Expedition Team

When you voyage with us, you’ll enjoy a more personalized small ship experience with an emphasis on getting you up close and personal with Antarctica, in a spirit of shared exploration, improvisation, and discovery. Our twice-daily excursions into the wildlife-rich waters and onto the continent itself will typically have you in full explorer mode for six hours a day. Our expedition team, with an average of 14 years experience, is among the most knowledgeable and skilled in seeking out the best that Antarctica has to offer, important attributes in a part of the world that is always evolving, always offering new challenges and opportunities, often minute-by-minute. Even onboard, our programs, presentations, and acclaimed guests will fuel your inner explorer and serve to increase your sense of wonder, while furthering your appreciation of all things Antarctica.

The Most Experienced Crew on Land, Water, and Ice

World class marine biologists, environmental scientists, ornithologists, and modern day explorers are all part of our expedition team – highly experienced, synced to your needs and interests, and with safety always top of mind. More than a team, though, this is a tight knit family. Most of us voyage together year after year, all share a deep love for Antarctica, and all take immense pleasure in making your trip one you’ll never forget.

Polar Latitudes is one of the few operators that require all operational staff to be certified as crew under the International Maritime Organization’s STCW standards. Furthermore, we are the first polar operator to adopt the Polar Tourism Guides Association (PTGA)  guide qualification framework , a world first in training and certifying polar guides in the skills and experience required for our unique industry. Read more about why you should consider choosing PTGA accredited guides  here.

Reducing Emissions by 20%, and Shooting for the Moon

Recently, we consolidated our Antarctica voyages to one ship, the Seaventure, which meets the highest emissions standards set by the International Maritime Organization, reducing our CO2 impact by 20% per passenger. Looking into the future, we’re engaged with a team of experts in energy innovation, green technology, propulsion and design, committed to producing a “supergreen” ship – that will reduce carbon emissions by 40% initially and ultimately, almost completely. While admittedly a highly ambitious, long-term endeavor, Polar Latitudes is in it for the long haul.

Recycling, and Working With Others Who Do

We provide a state-of-the-art expedition jacket to every passenger onboard. Seeing an opportunity, we engaged Polar outfitter Shackleton London, and our jackets will soon be 100% recycled, an industry first. Even the plastic packaging has been eliminated.

Saying No to Harmful Plastic

We all know about the harmful impact of plastic on wildlife and the environment. Over the past three years, we’ve cut our onboard use of plastic in half, with a goal of zero unrecycled plastic by 2025.

Being Good Neighbors

Our “Local First” initiative prioritizes local suppliers and supply chain resources – emphasizing those that demonstrate sustainable practices – to minimize carbon impact and support the communities that serve us so well. Supporting local initiatives like the South Georgia Heritage Trust is another way we’re there for our “neighborhood” friends.

Acting Locally, While Partnering Globally

Teaming up with global organizations like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and UK Antarctic Heritage Trust has dual benefits: delivering critical assistance to climate and conservation research, while also enriching our onboard  Citizen Science  program, a program we pioneered. Citizen Science gives our passengers the chance to better understand changes taking place in the Antarctic environment, and to play a tangible role in shaping a positive future.

Pitching In Wherever We Can

All in all, we’ve offered fund-raising and logistical support to more than a dozen organizations focused on conservation, environmental education and community support.  Scroll down  to see some of the organizations we are currently supporting with links to learn more or support them yourselves.