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Polar

Gentoo penguin standing in the snow in Antarctica on a polar independent travel package
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Gentoo penguin in Antarctica by David Hein
Sacha Bunnik surveying the impressive Antarctic scenery with binoculars on a polar independent travel package
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Sacha Bunnik in Antarctica by Amie Bunnik
Black and white penguins standing in a group on rocks in Antarctica on a polar independent travel package
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Penguins in Antarctica by David Hein
Towering iceberg in Lemaire Channel in Antarctica on a polar independent travel package
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Iceberg in Lemaire Channel, Antarctica by David Hein
Icy glacier rising out of the ocean in Gerlache Strait, Antarctica on a polar independent travel package
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Glacier in Gerlache Strait, Antarctica by David Hein
Leopard seal lying on its side in the snow, staring at the camera in Antarctica on a polar independent travel package
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Leopard seal, Antarctica by David Hein
Polar bear walking across the ice in the Arctic on a polar independent travel package
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Polar Bear in the Arctic, by Aurora Expeditions
Aerial view of Svalbard and rocky cliffs in the Arctic on a polar independent travel package
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Svalbard, the Arctic by Aurora Expeditions
Polar near standing on the rocky ground in front of a purple and orange sunset in the Arctic on a polar independent travel package
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Polar Bear with Arctic Sunset by Aurora Expeditions

Our cruising expeditions to the polar regions offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to this pristine wilderness. Discover immense glaciers, polar bears, whales and embrace the spirit of polar exploration on a Polar independent travel package. Travel around Iceland, Greenland and visit other Arctic islands, or venture to the South Pole and see penguins on one of our Antarctica independent travel packages. Book a package online or get in touch with one of our friendly Travel Specialists.

Aurora Expeditions - Sylvia Earle

Bunnik Tours is proud to be partnering with Aurora Expeditions to offer an amazing polar cruising experience, aboard the Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions specialises in destinations off the beaten track.

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Aurora Expeditions - Greg Mortimer

Bunnik Tours is proud to be partnering with Aurora Expeditions to offer an amazing polar cruising experience, aboard the Greg Mortimer. Aurora Expeditions specialises in destinations off the beaten track.

Learn More

Independent Travel

People rugged up in a zodiac cruise amongst large icebergs in Antarctica
Polar • Special

Aurora Expeditions - Spirit of Antarctica - Sylvia Earle

Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent.

Independent
Days 12
From (Per person / Twin share) US$13,360 Save US$3,335

Polar Destinations

Antarctica

Discover wondrous landscapes and spectacular wildlife like gentoo penguins, leopard seals and humpback whales along the Antarctic Peninsula.

View Antarctica

Falkland Islands

Discover incredible wildlife at Carcass Island & explore the charm of Port Stanley.

View Falkland Islands

South Georgia

Witness the spectacular sight of albatrosses on Prion Island, explore the abandoned whaling village of Stromness and discover the largest king penguin colonies in the Gold Harbour.

View South Georgia

Polar Highlights

Falkland Islands
Spitsbergen
King George Island
South Georgia Island
4 rockhopper penguins walking in a line in the Falkland Islands on a Polar tour

Falkland Islands

Made up of 770 islands, the Falkland Islands are a remote South Atlantic archipelago. Abundant in wildlife, the islands are a breeding ground for several million penguins including the rockhopper, magellanic and gentoo penguins. About 65 bird species can be spotted on the islands, as well as dolphins in the surrounding waters. In Port Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, you can also see colourful houses, century-old clipper ships and a fascinating museum dedicated to maritime exploration and the history of the Falklands. Photo by Paul Carroll/Unsplash.

Polar bear standing on the ice, sniffing water in Spitsbergen on a Polar tour

Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen is the largest and only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago. Magnificent fjords, mountainous terrain and glaciers are just a few of the natural wonders you’ll come across. Not to mention the thriving wildlife, including polar bears, arctic foxes, and a variety of marine mammals and birds. When visiting Spitsbergen, a tour of the island’s national parks and nature reserves is a must. Photo by Al Bakker/Aurora Expeditions.

Holy Trinity Church perched on a rocky hill on King George Island, Antarctica on a Polar tour

King George Island

Located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands, King George Island is one of the most remote places on earth. While it’s often used as a first port of call for people visiting Antarctica, King George Island boasts its own sights and wildlife. It’s especially abundant in elephant, weddell and leopard seals, chinstrap and gentoo penguins and the giant petrel. King George Island is also home to a number of international research bases, all of which are connected by a maze of roads and tracks.

A large group of emperor penguins standing together with rocky, snow topped mountains in the background on South Georgia Island in Antarctica on a Polar tour

South Georgia Island

Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, South Georgia Island is best known for its large population of penguins (there’s about 4 million pairs during peak breeding season!). Half the world’s population of southern elephant seals also come to South Georgia to breed and there’s an abundance of albatrosses, petrels and prions too. While the island is solely inhabited by scientific and museum staff, South Georgia is still a wonder to behold and well worth a visit. Photo by Michael Baynes/Aurora Expeditions.

Polar FAQs

A trip to the Polar region can range in price. At Bunnik Tours, we offer a variety of independent travel packages where you can explore Antarctica, Patagonia, Atacama, Greenland, Iceland, Falkland Islands, Orkney Islands and South Georgia. Some of our popular Polar travel packages include the 12 day Aurora Expeditions Svalbard Odyssey and our 24 day Patagonia, Antarctica & Atacama tour, escorted by Sacha and Frank Bunnik. Prices can vary, so please check the cruise you are interested in for the most up-to-date pricing.

Yes, anyone can visit the Polar regions with an experienced guide. Although polar travel is limited due to the temperature and weather conditions, it is possible to travel to the Arctic and Antarctica during summer when the ice is thin and the wildlife is thriving. The team at Bunnik Tours is proud to offer a range of tours partnered with Aurora Expeditions.

You can rest assured that you won’t need any permits - Bunnik Tours has that all covered! If you have any questions about any of our Polar tours or cruises, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

The best time to visit Antarctica is from October to March and the best time to visit the Arctic is between April and September. At these times of year the sea ice melts away to allow ships access, the wildlife becomes much more active and you'll have longer daylight hours to enjoy the stunning landscapes.

At Bunnik Tours, we are committed to safe travel for everyone. Visit our Book & Travel with Confidence page to find out about our latest policies.

At Bunnik Tours, we believe in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. For more information, visit our Sustainable Tourism hub.

Can't find the answers you're looking for? Check out our FAQs.

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