Travelling to the Arctic from Australia can be achieved in different ways and depends on what area within the Arctic Circle you would like to explore.
The most popular tours are Greenland and the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic, but you can also visit the Arctic region from within Norway, Iceland, Canada and Russia.
The easiest and most popular option for Australians to travel to the Arctic is either from Norway or from Canada.
Where do Arctic cruises depart from?
Deep inside the Arctic Circle lies the remote and rugged Svalbard archipelago, the final strip of land separating Norway from the North Pole. With its stark but beautiful landscape of glaciers, fjords, jagged snow-capped mountains and frozen tundra, this is the land of the polar bear and the midnight sun. Remote and untouched, the ‘wildlife capital of the Arctic’ is home to Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, colonies of walruses, whales, seals, thousands of migratory seabirds nesting on coastal cliffs and in excess of 3,000 polar bears.
Unique, spectacular and dramatically beautiful, Greenland is dominated by a vast ice cap that covers 80% of the island. It is the largest non-continental island in the world, lying almost entirely within the Arctic Circle. Greenland’s waters are strewn with icebergs, sometimes turquoise and sometimes beautifully sculpted. Glaciers are prolific and the coast is lined with fjords. For wildlife enthusiasts, Greenland will not disappoint as it is home to polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer, walruses, whales, seals and sea eagles.
Beyond Canada’s continental north you will find the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with over 36,000 islands, most lying deep within the Arctic Circle. A cruise in this remote region takes you through incredible wilderness scenery of fjords, glaciers, mountains and pack ice. The Canadian Arctic is also well known for its diverse wildlife, history and rich Inuit culture. It is home to seals, whales, polar bears, caribou, musk ox, walruses, Arctic wolves and foxes as well as thousands of seabirds that nest in the cliffs.
Why visit Mexico? Most people will have heard of Mexico’s postcard perfect beaches and world-famous resorts and although these definitely contribute to the country’s charm, there is so much more to Mexico than just its natural beauty.
Australians usually start their Mexico tour in either Cancun on Mexico’s east coast or in the country’s capital, Mexico City. This gem of a city, although often underrated, is full of historic landmarks waiting to be explored, such as the Historic Centre and the National Palace.
Why visit Cuba? Cuba is one of the very few countries in the world that has managed to stay completely loyal to its identity. Vintage cars continue to cruise the city streets, countryside towns still use their most traditional farming practices and the Latin spirit can be felt everywhere you go.
Australians usually start their Cuba tour in Havana, the island’s capital. Once the most heavily fortified city in the Americas, Havana is a highlight for many travellers visiting Cuba, due to its interesting history and colonial charm.
Central America is a true delight, offering adventure, relaxation, and history. Most Australians travelling to Central America visit more than one country on their holiday, crossing borders to get a true taste for the diversity this destination has to offer.
Our most popular tours include: Costa Rica & Panama, Cuba, and Mexico
In Bolivia, Chimu offers superior styled itineraries that have been refined, simplified and perfected, especially for the discerning traveller and their travel party.
Why visit? An off the beaten track destination all of its own, with an enticing culture, head-spinning heights and rustic charm, Bolivia sure knows how to impress the adventurous explorer.
Why visit? Often associated with Caribbean resorts and coffee making but usually overlooked for its rich history, colonial architecture and mind blowing nature, Colombia can introduce you to one of South America’s roads less travelled.
Why visit? Ecuador might be relatively small in size compared to some of its neighbours but when it comes to diversity, it is nothing short of drawcards, boasting an incredible plethora of geographical, cultural and biological wonders.