Kayaking in Antarctica
Kayaking in Antarctica offers adventurers a rare opportunity to intimately explore the surrounding oceans of the White Continent.
Gliding through frigid waters in double kayaks with the guidance of expert polar guides allows you to discover secluded bays, observe curious whales and seals up close, and watch as scores of penguins swim out to feed and weave through brash ice. From a distance, towering bergs and bright blue glaciers seen from sea level is an experience that leaves one spellbound.
“The perspective aboard a kayak is ideal for photographers searching for that unique shot with an impossibly beautiful vantage point. Naturalists and visitors who decide to go kayaking in Antarctica often say they feel at one with the ocean and wildlife they encounter. Every day is different, from the varied ice formations to the vast assortment of wildlife that frequent the calm Antarctic fjords.”
— Anna Zuckerman-Vdovenko, Secret Atlas Expedition Specialist
What to expect from sea kayaking in Antarctica
Feel at one with the ocean.
Kayaking in Antarctica is often offered as an optional activity you can book in advance. Sea kayaking outings typically last 2–3 hours depending on conditions. Your guides will elect routes best suited to the group’s abilities, aiming to maximise wildlife sightings and interactions with ice.
The best part? You’ll often have the landing sites to yourselves on arrival and after beaching kayaks, you can join regular excursions before paddling back to the ship when your group is ready.
What you’ll see while kayaking
Kayaking allows seriously intimate encounters with Antarctica’s abundant wildlife. Paddling silently means there is potential for whales, seals and penguins to approach closely without disturbing them.
It’s also the best way to appreciate the dizzying variety of ice, from brash ice chunks to towering tabular bergs and wave-sculpted growlers. Antarctic sea kayakers routinely enter icy coves too small for ships to access. They often watch dozing crabeater and Weddell seals hauled out on the bergs and the occasional leopard seal showing off its characteristic toothy grin! Not to mention the delight of paddling alongside spirited penguins porpoising by.
Sea kayaking conditions in Antarctica
Beginners welcome – neither kayaking expertise nor ability to roll are required.
The calm, ice-strewn waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula offer ideal kayaking conditions for much of the season. Expedition staff monitor conditions daily to ensure safe, enjoyable outings matched to the group’s abilities.
You must however be aware that the weather can change rapidly, occasionally limiting paddling opportunities, but you’ll likely kayak on 50–75% of days. Also, seasickness is less common while kayaking than aboard ships.
South Georgia and Antarctica Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
19 days. South Georgia, Elephant Island, and Antarctica in a single voyage. The three places that define the Endurance expedition, followed in sequence. 36 guests aboard Aureum. Spring breathes new life as South Georgia’s vast king penguin colonies teem with activity. Fur seal pups begin to appear, while wandering albatross soar effortlessly overhead.
- 36 guests
- 19 days
Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Micro Cruise by Air & Sea
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail the Drake Passage south from Ushuaia, then fly out of Antarctica direct to Patagonia. Four full days on the Peninsula, 36 guests, six senior polar guides, and a farewell night beneath Torres del Paine. The crossing is the point. The flight is the exit.
- 36 guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Circle Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Charter flight from Patagonia. Seven full days in Antarctica. A push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S on every departure. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules with only 36 guests, the first ship of this size in Antarctica.
- 36 guests
- 11 days
Antarctic Circle Christmas Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Christmas Day on the Antarctic Peninsula, in perpetual summer light. A charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, and a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.
- 36 guests
- 11 days
Antarctic Circle New Year Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 36-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. New Year's Eve on the Antarctic Peninsula, in light that does not fade. Charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.
- 36 guests
- 11 days
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.
- 78 guests
- 21 days
Booking kayaking in Antarctica
Kayaking is offered as an optional add-on activity on many Antarctic cruises. Due to its popularity, we advise you to register your interest well in advance to secure your spot! Last-minute signups may be possible if spaces remain.
Kayaking in Antarctica FAQs
Do I need experience to kayak in Antarctica?
Some previous paddling experience is recommended, but you don’t need to be an expert. As long as you feel comfortable getting in and out of your kayak and can control your direction, you should be well prepared for the activity.
What’s the price to kayak in Antarctica?
For most expeditions kayaking occurs an extra fee, though this depends on the individual expedition.
Will it be single or double kayaks?
Double kayaks are generally used as they are more stable, especially for less experienced paddlers. Solo travellers will be paired up. If you have strong experience, you may request a single kayak, at the discretion of guides.
Can I share my kayak with someone else who did not reserve in advance?
Unfortunately not – each person needs to be registered individually to be assigned appropriate gear and receive safety briefings. Only people signed up can join kayaking.
What happens if I fall in?
Don’t worry – between your wetsuit, personal flotation device, and being surrounded by guides, falling in the water is not dangerous. You’ll simply climb back aboard, perhaps with an assist from the nearby safety Zodiac.
Is it safe to visit Antarctica?
Visiting Antarctica by ship is extremely safe overall. You’ll be with experienced polar guides focused on safety at all times. The remote location necessitates extra preparedness, but rest assured that you are in safe hands with our experienced team.
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