Your Arctic adventure beings with a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Our Back Track Adventure consultants are experienced in Arctic travel and will help you understand all of the options and help you make the decision about which trip is right for you.
Our Arctic voyage vessels are a select range of expedition ships that we know offer an uncompromising quality experience. These ships provide a warm and comfortable home base throughout your journey.
You will be well looked after by the hospitality staff on board and an experienced chef will oversee the preparation of an impressive array of delicious and hearty meals.
The Arctic region is one of the last untouched places on earth and throughout your expedition you will enjoy getting to know your expedition leaders and crew as they introduce you to the history, geology, ecology and wildlife with a series of on board educational lectures and presentations plus daily excursions and landings.
You’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the polar landscape, and sheer joyful wonder while spending time with the wildlife of this remote wilderness.
Many of our clients call this voyage ‘the adventure of a lifetime’.
What you need to know
What’s it like on an Arctic voyage?
Throughout the voyage there will be series of onboard educational lectures by historians, naturalists and photographers.
These same experts will then escort you on as many zodiac landings and cruises as possible, to get up close to the many species of penguin, seal and seabird colonies.
There will be opportunities to go hiking, mountaineering, cross country skiing or sea kayaking. It can be as active or inactive as you want it to be. No activity is compulsory
At the end of each day you will enjoy a recap of the day’s events, a fantastic dinner, great conversation and perhaps a glass of wine, as you reflect on another incredible day.
No two voyages will be the same and flexibility is an important part of each expedition. Your expedition leader works with the ship’s captain to monitor the weather and ice conditions to ensure your safety and deliver the best experience possible.
When should I go?
From October to April is a great time to go, with the shoulder periods (October and April) a great chance to see the changing scenery.
Your Expedition Team
Each expedition is managed by an expert Polar Team whose sole focus is to look after you and your safety to ensure your experience encompasses everything that Antarctica has to offer.
Between them, your expedition leaders and crew have made hundreds of Arctic voyages. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise ranging from the wildlife of the region, to the history of exploration, from rocks to ice and ocean ecology. They all share a genuine, infectious passion for the Arctic.
Your Polar gear package
On most voyages you will be given a quality waterproof/windproof jacket, bib-pants as well as insulated, comfortable rubber boots, designed for extended walking; all of which you may be able to keep and the loan of rubber boots for shore landings.
Of course, if you do have your own gear, you are welcome to bring it along.
We provide you with advice and detailed packing lists.
Travelling alone
It is not uncommon for people to travel to Arctic solo. We can book you a twin, triple or quad share room with someone of the same gender (subject to availability) or you can pay a single supplement if you would like your own cabin. Ship life is a very social affair and many lifelong friendships have been made on board.
Important pre-tour information
With more than 15 years of Arctic travel experience, we are able to provide you with plenty of pre-trip advice and detailed information about your Arctic expedition.
We are always available to answer your questions. The expert consultants in our Brisbane office have first-hand knowledge of Arctic travel to help you prepare for this journey of a lifetime.
Extend your trip
Many of our clients combine their Arctic adventure with further travel. With 34 years of experience in adventure travel, we can offer sound advice and recommendations to help you make the most of your holiday time.
Additional accommodation and travel arrangements
Back Track Travel is a fully licensed travel agency and can give you advice and recommendations, arrange all of your flights, book pre and post trip accommodation and tours, plus any additional travel arrangements that you may require. We can also attend to visa and travel insurance requirements.
Safety
There are no compromises here. All Operators have the deepest respect for Polar weather and the varying sea and ice conditions found in these regions. That respect is apparent in every decision they make.
They carry the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require their leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programmes. They are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.
Responsible travel
Like many of our travellers, Back Track is well aware of the positive and negative impacts of tourism, particularly in the fragile polar environment. We are advocates for protecting the fragile Polar eco system and we only partner with members of IAATO who operate within, and require their passengers to observe, the internationally recognised guidelines for tourism in Antarctica and the Arctic region.
Put Yourself in the Picture
Daily Landings and Zodiac Cruises
Your expedition team aim to get you off the ship as much as possible. A fleet of zodiacs are available and will take you on shore for up close wildlife experiences, visits to scientific research stations or on zodiac cruises to take in the spectacular Arctic landscapes.
Wildlife and Bird watching
Wildlife and bird watching is the backbone of all the expedition programs and will be a highlight of your adventure.
All landings provide you with plenty of time to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Arctic.
Regular lectures by on board naturalists and ornithologists will introduce you to, and bring to life, this amazing habitat. Your wildlife experiences will be enhanced by their in-depth knowledge and insights.
Hiking
Whenever you make a landing you will be given an opportunity to explore on foot within the guidelines for safety set by your expedition leader and your own fitness levels. On many voyages there will be also be an opportunity to go on exploratory walks that may vary in duration from one or two hours, to as long as three or four hours
Photography
The Arctic region offers exceptional rewards for all photographers regardless of your level of enthusiasm and experience. Most voyages include photographic guides available for you to ask questions and provide guidance, plus, the majority of expedition staff are knowledgeable photographers, keen to share their passion. There are also multi media centres available on the ships
On select departures world renowned photographers will be on board and enhanced photography programs are available for those who wish to experience and learn more including specific photographic expeditions.
