Our Commitment to Responsible Travel
At Polar Latitudes we are all about having a fun and enjoyable experience, but one of the things that we take very seriously is our responsibility to the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica. As a polar tour operator, we undertake sustainable tourism practices wherever we can, and our efforts to reduce waste and single-use plastics on board, reduce environmental impact, and adhere to a strict code of conduct is our priority.
Scrubbing boots before and after each landing is an important part of keeping the environment pristine
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES ONBOARD
Fresh Antarctic water? Yes, please! When you come on board you will receive a reusable stainless-steel water bottle. Look for the refill stations throughout the ship and enjoy freshly filtered water from Antarctica. During excursions, we use reusable dishes when providing refreshments on shore.
Paper Straws
We solely use paper straws, served on request only.
In-Cabin Toiletries
The dispensers for biodegradable soap, shampoo and conditioner in your cabin are refillable instead of using individual bottles. No need to pack those teeny plastic containers in your luggage AND it minimizes waste on board.
We purchase bio-degradable and sustainable products whenever we can. Our gift shop is phasing out fleeces which are known to shed nasty microfibers into our water systems, and we prioritize using providers that package without plastic. Your nametag is made of recycled t-shirt material and does not need a plastic cover, our Expedition team provides wooden fiber brushes to clean your boots, and Expedition jackets that are provided to you are no longer individually wrapped in plastic.
Cuisine
We are continually working to increase our sustainable fish options. Check out your menu at each meal and you’ll see sustainable options clearly marked. We like ordering in bulk or decanting individually to save on packaging.
RESPONSIBLE SITE MANAGEMENT
As a dedicated member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), we support and follow all established guidelines and recommendations for tour operators and visitors to Antarctica. Want to learn more? Have a read for yourself HERE.
Wildlife Viewing and Encounters
We strictly adhere to all guidelines in regard to wildlife viewing. Yes, we understand it’s tempting to get close, but we always maintain a safe distance between wildlife, passengers and staff. Our experienced guides and experts instill a sense of respect for nature and its inhabitants in every passenger. That’s what zoom lenses are for!
Staff Training
Our staff are fully trained and accredited to operate at a level well above industry standards for safety and environmental conservation.
Trust us – you can still get great photos from 5 meters away!
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Our vessels comply with all MARPOL (Marine Pollution) and IAATO regulations and policies governing the disposal of waste, greywater and black water at sea. All waste is kept on board and disposed of appropriately in ports-of-call. We encourage guests to minimize the creation of waste on board our vessels and to dispose of all waste appropriately. Together we can make a difference!
Travelling to the pristine and remote region of Antarctic is a privilege, and it’s one that we are all fortunate to experience. We hope you join us one day soon!