Explore Polar Voyages Brochure

Explore Worldwide is a British adventure travel company founded in 1981, originally launching with just six tours in a four-page brochure. Over more than four decades the company has grown to offer over 350 trips across approximately 100 countries, with small group travel at the heart of everything they do. Their polar voyages take travellers to some of the most remote and breathtaking environments on Earth – the Arctic and Antarctica – aboard small expedition ships accompanied by specialist onboard staff. Explore holds B-Corp certification and has completed carbon-labelling across its tour range as part of a commitment to more sustainable adventure travel.

Small Ship Expeditions to the Ends of the Earth

Explore's polar programme uses small ships that allow rapid shore landings and access to remote locations that larger cruise vessels simply cannot reach. Typical group sizes average around 11 travellers, keeping the experience intimate and flexible. Onboard expedition staff – specialists in polar wildlife, geology, and history – guide each voyage and are able to adapt itineraries on the spot to make the most of wildlife sightings and weather windows. The approach is designed to deliver spontaneous moments alongside carefully planned excursions.

Arctic and Antarctic Destinations

Explore offers voyages to both polar regions, each with its own distinct character:

• Arctic – destinations including Svalbard (Spitsbergen) and Greenland, where travellers can search for polar bears, walrus, and Arctic foxes against a backdrop of vast tundra and sea ice.
• Antarctica – the world's last great wilderness, home to towering icebergs, busy penguin rookeries, leopard seals, and humpback whales.
• South Georgia – a sub-Antarctic island famed for enormous king penguin colonies and its connection to the Shackleton expeditions.

Price Guarantee and Booking Confidence

One of Explore's long-standing commitments is their price guarantee: once a booking is confirmed, the price will not increase regardless of fuel cost changes, currency fluctuations, or other surcharges. Unlike many operators, Explore absorbs these costs rather than passing them on to travellers. Nearly every departure is guaranteed to run once booked, providing confidence for those planning a once-in-a-lifetime polar trip well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Explore Worldwide still operating polar voyages?

Yes. Explore Worldwide continues to operate polar expedition voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica. The company has been running adventure travel since 1981 and polar departures remain part of their active programme. Check their official website for current departure dates and availability.

How big are the ships Explore uses for polar expeditions?

Explore uses small expedition ships rather than large ocean liners. Small ships are essential for polar travel because they can navigate narrower channels, approach wildlife more closely, and allow multiple Zodiac shore landings each day. Group sizes on Explore trips average around 11 people, contributing to an intimate on-board atmosphere.

What wildlife can you see on an Explore polar voyage?

In the Arctic you may encounter polar bears, walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and numerous seabirds. In Antarctica and around South Georgia the focus shifts to penguins (including emperor, king, gentoo, and chinstrap species), leopard seals, Weddell seals, and humpback and minke whales. Specialist expedition staff help identify species and explain behaviour.

Is Explore Worldwide ABTA protected?

Explore Worldwide is a long-established UK tour operator and has historically operated under standard UK package travel regulations, which provide financial protection for customers in the event a company ceases trading. For current protection details and membership status, refer to Explore's official website or contact them directly.

What is the best time of year to visit Antarctica with Explore?

Antarctic expedition cruises typically run during the southern hemisphere summer, from November through March, when the sea ice retreats and wildlife activity peaks. This is when penguins are breeding, whale sightings are most frequent, and daylight hours are longest. Arctic voyages generally take place between June and September.

What happened to the Explore Polar Voyages brochure?

The Explore Polar Voyages brochure was a dedicated print publication covering Explore's full range of Arctic and Antarctic expedition itineraries. As with many travel brochures, printed editions have largely been replaced by online content. Current polar voyage details are available directly on the Explore Worldwide website.

This brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Explore Worldwide Ltd and their polar expedition programme. For current details, visit the company's official website.