On the surface, traveling to the polar regions might seem one in the same. They both contain vast icy expanses, suffer from the midnight sun of summer and the complete darkness of winter, and host certain wildlife that have the incredible ability to exist within extremes. 

However, Antarctica and the Arctic have several key differences. The word "Antarctic," in fact, comes from the Greek word antarktikos, which translates as "opposite to the north." 

Differences

Before planning your next Polar adventure, consider these important distinctions between our planet's furthest reaches.

Continent vs. Ocean 

First, Antarctica is a continent—the southernmost continent on Earth. Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, the "Seventh Continent" contains about 70% of the world's freshwater, stored in the form of ice. It is indeed a single landmass covered by a year-round sheet of ice and has an overall higher elevation than the Arctic. 

Meanwhile, the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by several continents and countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. The smallest and shallowest of the world's oceans, it encompasses the northernmost reaches of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, and Russia—otherwise known as the Arctic Circle. Rather than a single landmass, the Arctic Ocean has floating sea ice, which varies in its extent based on seasons and climate changes. 

Penguins vs. Polar Bears 

Penguins can only be found in Antarctica, not the Arctic. These flightless birds have specifically adapted to life in the Southern Hemisphere and, therefore, mainly inhabit sub-Antarctic islands, the Antarctic continent, and the surrounding southern oceans. (You can find them as far north as Chiloé and the Galapagos Islands). 

They cannot navigate the sea ice that comprises the Arctic the way seals and polar bears do. Plus, the Antarctic has no land predators, making it easier for penguins to thrive. A few key penguin species in Antarctica include the Adélie penguin, Emperor penguin, Chinstrap penguin, and Gentoo penguin. 

Meanwhile, polar bears can only be found in the Arctic, as they have evolved to thrive in the harsh sea ice environment of the Arctic Ocean. They stalk the northern reaches of Canada and Spitsbergen, hunting seals and belugas and utilizing the ice floes for survival. The polar bear would never thrive in Antarctica since the Southern Hemisphere does not have its preferred sea ice habitat.  

Underwater vs. On Land 

Besides penguins and polar bears, the Arctic and Antarctica have vastly different types of wildlife in their waters and on land. 

Antarctica's wildlife will mostly be found underwater or in the air. Below water, there are several regional seals that do not exist beyond the continent, including the leopard seal, the Weddell seal, the crabeater seal, and the elephant seal. Then, of course, there are the whales. Several whale species such as minkes, orcas, humpbacks, and blues spend half the year here, and are especially active in March as they migrate up north. 

Looking to the skies, Antarctica also boasts a plethora of seabirds, such as the southern fulmar, Antarctic petrel, snow petrel, and south polar skua. 

Uninhabited vs. Habited 

Antarctica does not have an Indigenous population like the Arctic does. Outside of the research stations that attract seasonal workers, Antarctica remains entirely uninhabited. Instead, it is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, an international agreement that designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve dedicated to research and peace.  

More than 40 different Indigenous populations live in the Arctic, though, and interactions with these key groups remain a highlight on expeditions north. This includes the Inuit in Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland, the Saami in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and northwestern Russia, and the Chuckchi in Siberia and eastern Russia. 

Geological Diversity 

Antarctica may be just a single landmass, but it is marked by its many mountain ranges, valleys, and the East Antarctic Plateau, home of the continent's highest peak: Dome Argus. Glaciers and ice shelves are overabundant. 

The Arctic, too, boasts an incredible amount of geological diversity, which shouldn't be a surprise given its expansive reach across several continents. The landscape here, though, features more tundras, forests, and Arctic deserts. 

Strict Regulations 

Both polar regions are also highly regulated to protect their fragile ecosystems. Many restrictions are in place to minimize human impact on the environment and its threatened flora and fauna. In both the Arctic and Antarctic, visitors have to follow guidelines outlined by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).  

Expedition Cruise Model 

Finally, both Antarctica and the Arctic are conducive to expedition-style trips. Most journeys to Antarctica will involve a polar expedition vessel or a combination of charter flight and vessel to reach the southernmost continent. While South Africa and New Zealand have access to Antarctica, most leisure travelers go through Punta Arenas, Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina, to reach the Antarctic Peninsula more expediently. 

The Arctic, too, caters to expedition cruising, with several purpose-built ships exploring the northernmost reaches of Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen, the Canadian High Arctic, Alaska, Scandinavia, and the Northwest Passage. This often proves the most efficient and comfortable way to explore more of the Arctic region.

Antarctica versus The Arctic: Which Will You Choose? 

Now that you understand the main differences and similarities between our planet's fascinating polar regions, which do you choose?  

(The right answer is both.)