Kayaking in Antarctica
Imagine the swish of water as it passes your hull or the clack of brash ice against your paddle blade. Skim past penguin rookeries and seals sleeping on passing ice floes. Bumping …
Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica
Hiking and snowshoeing in Antarctica are both fun and cost effective ways to see more of this glittering continent, and a great workout to boot. They’re open to everyone with a good level of fitness and typically don’t carry any extra cost. No prior snowshoeing experience is required.
While hiking excursions are offered throughout the Antarctic season, snowshoeing is at its best in November and December when the snow cover is heaviest. At this time snowshoeing can actually be the preferred way to get around, and has less impact on local wildlife.
Snowshoeing in Antarctica
How does it work?
Both hiking and snowshoeing are group activities, led by expert mountain guides. You’ll be ferried to shore as a group at the beginning of the excursion, from where your guide will dictate the route. Excursions typically last 2-3 hours in duration, but will be judged on general fitness levels of the group.
The mountainous topography of the Peninsula limits the chance for longer hikes everyday, however popular hiking places like Deception Island and Orne Harbour mean they are possible. South Georgia actually offers better walking opportunities, of which the most famous is the final leg of Shackleton’s historic journey trek from Fortuna Bay to Stromness.
Snowshoeing is an easy (and sometimes necessary) way of exploring the coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula - just strap them on and go! It’s not technically challenging and with a few pointers from your guide, most people quickly get the hang of them. Snowshoes are provided and will be issued to you once onshore; walking poles are also available on some ships.
How much does it cost?
The great thing about hiking using ‘shanks pony’ is that it doesn’t cost you anything. Plus, snowshoeing on many ships is an optional activity which doesn’t attract an additional cost.
When hiking/ snowshoeing is charged as an additional cost, expect to pay around $200 per person.
Swoop says
Technically undemanding and definitely worth the extra physical effort for the views alone, hiking and snowshoeing in Antarctica are fantastic low-cost, optional activities. Make sure you pack your camera!
Voyages with Hiking & Snowshoeing
What our customers think of Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica
Whenever we went out, I always felt extremely safe and happy, whether that be in zodiacs, kayaking, mountaineering or snow shoeing. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sarah Gillett - Switzerland
I really enjoyed the amount of time I spent walking around amongst the penguins, seals and birds. There were times where I would just sit on a rock (or in the snow!), close my eyes, and absorb everything. I'll never forget the feeling of the first time I stepped on land and saw the penguins. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2017
Christine & Rollence Patugan - United States Of America
Review:
Hiking & Snowshoeing: FAQs
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How fit do I need to be?
To be able to enjoy, rather than struggle and hold the group up, you need to be in good physical fitness.
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Are there any age limitations?
Apart from a possible minimum age limit on some ships, there’s no age limit - it's very much open to everyone who would like to.
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Can I go off on my own?
The answer is definitely ‘No’ - Antarctica presents special challenges and in the interests of safety, hiking and snowshoeing operate only as group excursions led by experienced mountain guides and independent exploring is not possible.
What else happens on an Expeditionary Cruise?
Read Swoop’s Guide to find out more about what you’ll do on an Antarctic cruise.
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