Reasons to go
- Discover Antarctica as part of a small, exclusive kayaking team
- One of the best ways to see curious wildlife, from whales passing a metre beneath you, to penguins porpoising beside your paddles
- Maximise your time off-ship by getting closer to your surroundings for longer
- Explore at your own pace, with your guide's help to interpret the icescape
Kayaking in Antarctica
What our customers think
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Kayaking in South Georgia where there were fur seals swimming under the kayak and penguins porpoising by was a real treat. We did have some magic moments besides the wildlife – like paddling through crackling ‘bergy’ bits on a beautiful day or seeing glaciers calve not very far from our kayaks.
Cindy & Nor Washington February 2018
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I’m so glad we kayaked: everyday finding ourselves engulfed by silence - nothing but the noise of slapping paddles, getting up front and personal with the whales. Watching the smile on my daughter’s face as she watched her dream come to fruition.
Sam UK December 2017
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Highlights were pushing through the ice while circumnavigating Cuverville Island and poking our noses into the Southern Ocean swells at Deception Island. We felt well supervised at all times even though we weren't particularly experienced.
Mike and Jane UK February 2017
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Taking the kayaking option was maybe one of the best choices I've made for this trip. Sport, landscape, an amazing group of 20 travelers. An amazing team! Being surrounded by 20 humpback whales, cruising 1 meter below your kayak.
Adrien France March 2017
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Kayaking was brilliant - as two novices in our kayak, the instructor put us at ease and helped us have a great experience gently moving through the water, passing icebergs, watching calving and avalanches and having the most magical time.
Declan UK December 2016
Kayaking in Antarctica
How does it work?
If you're part of the kayaking program, you'll be offered kayaking excursions as much as conditions allow, up to twice a day, and you can choose to take part in as many or as few as you like.
While the rest of the ship takes zodiacs out to landing sites, you'll typically set off a little earlier and paddle for 2-3 hours out to the landing site. You'll arrive to the landing site a little later, which means you can explore with fewer people around, but will have less time on land. For many, that's more than compensated for by the experience of paddling around bergy bits to get there!
What are the conditions like?
The waters around the Antarctic Peninsula are very protected, so more often than not conditions are perfect for paddling. Think glassy surface, clear waters, wildlife swimming under and around your kayak, and getting closer to icebergs than you'd thought was possible.
This is still Antarctica, and weather and ice conditions can change daily, so staying flexible is key (and very much all part of the adventure). Your kayaking guides are experienced and safety oriented, and you'll be kept informed as they monitor the surroundings.
Swoop Says
What does it cost?
Costs vary from $695 - $1,050 per person, depending on which ship you join. While this may seem high compared with the more modest price for camping, bear in mind that you only camp once, but could be out kayaking every day. The more often you join the kayaking excursions the more value you’ll get.
If you only want to experience kayaking in Antarctica once, alongside a wide range of other activities which are all included in the voyage price, then consider the Antarctic Basecamp Adventure, a voyage packed with adventurous activities.
John says
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I have to stop myself getting a bit spiritual when someone asks me about Antarctic kayaking. It's so quiet, paddling around icebergs and getting up close to wildlife. One whale was so close I nearly high-fived it as it rolled!
John Newby Polar Specialist
Antarctic Voyages with kayaking
Kayaking in Antarctica: FAQs
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What happens if I fall in?
Togged out in a drysuit and wearing a buoyancy aid you’re in little danger and typically people get straight back into their kayak with the help of the support zodiac.
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Will it be single or double kayaks?
Double kayaks are preferred over single kayaks as they are more stable. If you're traveling alone, your guide will assign you a kayaking partner. Anyone wishing to have their own kayak will have to demonstrate their competency first, and it’s at the kayaking guide’s discretion.
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Can my partner & I ‘share’ one kayaking place?
Unfortunately this isn’t possible for a few practical reasons:
- Your kayaking kit will be selected to your size
- The kayak will also be set up to your own specifications
- Anyone joining the party half way through won’t have received the safety briefs
- Only people who sign up for kayaking can undertake this activity
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Is there kayaking in South Georgia?
For those people undertaking a longer voyage with South Georgia, kayaking is available but isn’t as widely offered as kayaking in Antarctica. The kayaking here is also more challenging and weather more of a factor.
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Do I need experience?
Sea kayaking in Antarctica is open to anyone with an adventurous spirit, basic paddling skills and the ability to get themselves in and out of the cockpit of a kayak. You don't need to be super experienced, but you should have paddled before as this isn't a 'beginner's course'.
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What kit is provided?
In most occasions, you'll be provided with a full dry suit, neoprene boots, a waterproof dry bag, 'pogies' (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle) and a life vest. You need to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm hat and layers for under your suit.
When on the move, you may get warmer than you thought, so leave some extra layers on the safety zodiac boat to wear once you get onto shore.
More Adventure Activities in Antarctica
Camping in Antarctica
Fall asleep beneath the Antarctic night sky and wake up in the morning to an alien, glacial landscape, and maybe even an inquisitive penguin or two!
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling in Antarctica
Whether looking to dive or snorkel, you'll be introduced to a whole other world as you swim and gaze at the enchanting glacial underbelly of the Peninsula.
Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica
Snowshoeing is an easy way of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. For the more adventurous, try mountaineering and get a taste of the region's fantastic climbing opportunities.
Paddleboarding in Antarctica
Paddleboarding has taken the adventure world by storm and is one of the fastest growing sport activities, so why not in Antarctic? Boarding past icebergs, surrounded by magnificent…
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.