Sustainable Polar Tourism
We believe in transparency—not greenwashing
The sustainability of polar tourism is one of the most pressing—and controversial—questions we face at Polartours. We don’t take this topic lightly. In this article, we explain how polar tourism is strictly regulated, what our role as a marketplace is, and how you can make an informed decision—and travel responsibly, if you choose to go.
Should Anyone Travel to the Arctic or Antarctica?
We get a lot of criticism on social media. People accuse us of promoting the destruction of the last pristine places on Earth. They say polar tourism should be banned, that it’s arrogant, irresponsible—even shameful. We take that criticism seriously. Because they’re not wrong to be worried.
The polar regions are among the most fragile environments on the planet. The impact of climate change is accelerating here faster than anywhere else. If tourism here isn't done with absolute care, it shouldn’t be done at all. And yet: we believe there is a responsible way to travel to these places.
Why We Still Believe Polar Travel Has a Role
Exploring the world is a profound experience. Travel expands our perspective and awakens us to the beauty and complexity of the planet. Exploration is part of who we are—the farther, the more remote, the more it calls to us. And we all know: polar tourism isn’t going away. Even if it were banned in one country, it would simply shift elsewhere. The polar regions are vast and shared by many nations—blanket restrictions are unrealistic. And if left unregulated, tourism would do more harm than good. That’s why we believe in this approach instead:
- Transparency over greenwashing
- Strict regulation over open access
- Empowered, informed travelers over passive consumers
That’s Where We Come In
Polartours is not a cruise operator. We’re a polar travel marketplace—and we exist for one reason: to help travelers choose the most responsible cruises to the polar regions. We work with over 60 licensed vessels, from micro-yachts to mid-size expedition ships—but by no means with all ships operating in the polar regions. We actively choose who we list based on strict environmental and ethical standards. And we stop working with any vessel that violates these rules or falls short on sustainability.
Every ship we offer is carefully evaluated. We look at:
- Environmental compliance: IAATO/AECO membership, Polar Code adherence, registered landing sites
- Sustainability criteria: waste and water management, energy use, fuel type, and responsible sourcing
- Expedition quality: certified naturalist guides with regular training
- Cultural respect: meaningful engagement with Arctic communities and Indigenous cultures
Good to know: We highlight each vessel's sustainability credentials transparently on its ship page under "Sustainability". Here, you can find all ships.
A First in the Industry: Our Sustainability Questionnaire for all ships
In collaboration with the German tourism certification agency TourCert (we are TourCert certified ourselves), we have developed a comprehensive sustainability questionnaire—the first of its kind—to evaluate every ship we offer and to identify and support the ships that truly walk the talk. We are regularly sending this questionnaire to all vessels and their operating agencies. Based on their responses, we gain deeper insights into their sustainability efforts and make that information accessible to you. This groundbreaking initiative helps us distinguish truly sustainable operators from those who still have work to do.
Polar Tourism Is Already Regulated—And It Works
Every single landing in Antarctica and much of the Arctic is subject to strict controls:
- No ships with more than 200 passengers may land.
- No food is allowed onshore.
- All visitors must follow strict distance rules with wildlife.
- Only certified guides lead landings.
- Every landing is registered, and site use is tracked.
These rules come from IAATO (Antarctica) and AECO (Arctic)—nonprofits created by scientists and operators to protect the regions they serve. And they work: polar tourism today is far more tightly controlled than most forms of ecotourism worldwide.
More Than a Cruise: A Floating Classroom for Conservation
A polar expedition isn’t just an adventure — it’s an immersive learning experience. Every day, travelers are joined by glaciologists, marine biologists, ornithologists, and seasoned expedition guides who offer expert lectures and hands-on field interpretation. Whether you're listening to a talk on krill migration, helping ID seabirds from the deck, or discussing the impact of melting permafrost during dinner, you're constantly learning.
This kind of onboard education creates something lasting:
An understanding of how these ecosystems function, how fragile they are, and how they connect to the global climate system.
Education is a pillar of conservation.
By equipping travelers with deep, firsthand knowledge of the polar regions, these voyages help shape lifelong ambassadors for environmental stewardship — far beyond the poles themselves.
IAATO & AECO: Standards That Matter
Polartours only features IAATO and/or AECO member operators—these leading associations define best practices for safety and environmental stewardship. IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) enforces strict rules on landings, wildlife distances, fuel use, and group sizes. No ships with more than 200 passengers can land. AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators): Adds cultural sensitivity, biosecurity tools, and guidance on microplastics, indigenous engagement, and historical site protection.
Membership is voluntary—but operators use these standards to prove their commitment to responsible travel.
Cruise Ships in Polar Regions: Small is Better
Unlike mass-market cruises, polar voyages are intimate and expedition-focused: most vessels carry fewer than 200 guests. Smaller ships mean fewer impacts on landing sites and allow greater flexibility to operate safely around wildlife and ice.
Responsible Travel: Your Role on Board & Ashore
We equip you with knowledge as part of your expedition experience:
- Stay close to your licensed guide during landings
- Never disturb or feed wildlife
- Follow Leave‑No‑Trace principles: take nothing, leave nothing behind
- Avoid bringing any external organic items aboard
- Respect wildlife zones and historic sites—IAATO/AECO rules are there for a reason
Here a video by Benno, the founder of Polartours, on the topic of responsible behaviour on shore:
TourCert sustainability certification
We are certified by TourCert and undergo a detailed review of all business areas every two years. TourCert GmbH is a non-profit organization for certifications in tourism and has set itself the task of promoting ecological, social, and economic corporate responsibility in tourism.
Your trip supports the V Social Foundation
The V Social Foundation is a non-profit organization that has working to support community-based tourism groups for more than 20 years. With a focus on sustainability and local development needs, the foundation helps strengthen local communities in the places we visit, preserve culture, and partner with them on the path to self-management. Many of our trips include a donation to V Social, and our travelers have the opportunity to visit projects during their travels to witness the positive impact community-based tourism has on both travelers and host communities.
Our team
Our team is a passionate, international group of polar enthusiasts who deeply care about Antarctica and the Arctic. We believe that living our values makes us better at what we do, which is why we regularly set aside time for company-wide initiatives. Regular "Fair Days" give back to our communities—whether by supporting local charities or helping clean up the environment.
To ensure we stay true to our commitments, our dedicated CSR team meets regularly with representatives to review our practices and make sure we’re putting our values into action. We also work closely with the V Social Foundation and ensure that every decision we make, from the executive level to operations on the ground, is made with our commitment to responsible travel in mind.
We’re committed to work-life balance and invest in the personal and professional growth of our team, ensuring that passion and purpose drive everything we do. We live, breathe, and deliver on our values, and so do our suppliers. Improving the lives of the people we work with, those who work with us, and their families is paramount to us.
Your trip contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project
A portion of your trip price goes toward Ventura’s Conservation Project, an initiative of the V Social Foundation launching in 2024. The conservation project will work with local people to give them ownership of their territory, protect the environment through reforestation and regeneration efforts, and prepare the community for taking over control of the project within five years. So, your trip contributes to environmental protection and truly shows how travel can be a force for good! Together, we’re developing something really special. Stay tuned for more details about how you are part of making a difference through tourism.
Your trip respects human rights
As an active member of the Round Table on Human Rights in Tourism for many years, we verify that for all our trips and our partners respect the legal provisions in terms of wages and employment, especially for young people. Moreover, through the V Social Foundation, we actively support local communities in defending human rights by promoting gender equality, building capacity for access to quality jobs, and strengthening cultural identity to prevent discrimination. See here: https://www.vsocialfoundation.org/what-we-do
Member of Forum Anders Reisen
The Forum Anders Reisen e.V. is an association of travel companies that are committed to sustainable tourism. The travel experiences offered by their members are oriented towards people and the environment, use local resources carefully and purposefully, and treat foreign cultures with respect. The forum Anders Reisen was founded in 1998 and has around 130 members.
Get involved
Responsible travel is a way of life. Embracing sustainability not only ensures the preservation of natural wonders and local cultures, but also fosters a deeper appreciation for how interconnected we are with other people and the environment.
To find out more about our work, our style of travel, or how you can get involved, talk with your travel specialist.
- Follow our commitment to change by subscribing to the V Social newsletter
- Get inspired by signing up for our newsletter
- See the impact of travel for good on one of our trips!
Further Reading
Still unsure where you stand on polar tourism? We believe that making an informed decision is the first step toward responsible travel. Here are a few trusted sources that explore the risks, regulations, and potential benefits of visiting the Arctic and Antarctica:
- UNWTO Report – Tourism in Polar Regions
A 2023 overview by the UN World Tourism Organization on how polar tourism can be managed responsibly, with a focus on sustainability and local benefit. - Cambridge Prisms: The Future of Sustainable Polar Ship-Based Tourism
A peer-reviewed analysis of IAATO and AECO's effectiveness, concluding that they are among the most robust regulatory tools for wilderness visitor management. - AECO & Arctic Council – Sustainable Tourism in the Arctic
A practical guide from AECO and the Arctic Council on how expedition operators and guests can minimize their impact in the high north. - Sustainable Travel Tips for the Arctic and Antarctica A practica guide to behaving responsibly ashore, on our Polartours Blog.
Accessibility Statement
At Polartours, we are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. Known Accessibility Limitations:
- Some images may lack alternative text.
- Certain color contrasts may not meet recommended ratios.
- Some forms may not have properly associated labels.
We are actively working to address these issues. If you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us at [email protected].
