Camping in Antarctica
Fall asleep beneath the Antarctic night sky and wake up in the morning to a stunning glacial landscape, and maybe even an inquisitive penguin or two!
Reasons to go
- Discover Antarctica as part of a small, exclusive kayaking team
- Kayaking in Antarctica is one of the best ways to see rare wildlife, from curious whales to porpoising penguins
- 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 of Kayaking in Antarctica
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.
Travelled: February 2018
Cindy & Nor - Washington
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.
Travelled: December 2017
Sam - UK
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.
Travelled: March 2017
Adrien - France
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.
Travelled: February 2017
Mike and Jane - UK
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.
Travelled: December 2016
Declan - UK
Review:
Kayaking
How does it work?
If you choose to experience kayaking in Antarctica as part of your voyage, you'll be offered kayaking excursions as much as conditions allow, up to twice a day depending on your kayaking package, 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, Antarctica kayak tours give you a chance to explore Antarctica from a unique perspective. You'll typically set off a little earlier and paddle for 2-3 hours out to the landing site meaning you'll arrive a little later and 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 natural ice castles to get there!
What are the conditions like?
The waterways around the Antarctic Peninsula are very protected, so more often than not conditions are perfect for sea kayaking in Antarctica. 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
You don't need to be able to do an eskimo roll to kayak in Antarctica, just some previous experience. The Peninsula's calm, protected waters make it very safe, and you'll always be accompanied by a guide and safety boat.
What does it cost?
Costs for Antarctica kayak tours vary from $695 - $1,600 per person, depending on which ship you join and the length of your expedition. While this may seem high compared with the more modest price for camping, bear in mind that you only camp once, but with kayaking, you could be out every day. The more often you join the kayaking excursions the more value you’ll get.
Kayaking off Cape Tuxen
Paddling
What is the difference between booking paddling versus kayaking?
If you want to try kayaking in Antarctica just once rather than committing to multiple sessions as part of a full kayaking program, some ships offer an alternative opportunity. This activity option is often known as "paddling" rather than kayaking. A paddling session is generally a one-off undertaking, involving kayaking for approximately 60-90 mins. They offer a way to make some fantastic memories without making kayaking a focus of your trip.
These one-off paddling trips are often more suitable for less experienced kayakers as they operate at a gentler pace and cover less ground. This can be a fantastic way to enjoy the icy ambience and unique experience of kayaking in polar waters. Full kayaking programmes generally require a higher level of experience, fitness and confidence on the water, so are not always a good match for everyone.
On some - but not all - ships there may also be a difference in the kayaking equipment used. With paddling programs, there are some that use sit-on top inflatable kayaks rather than sit-in sea kayaks.
It is important to note that we do not recommend Antarctica as a place for first time kayakers; even the less demanding one-off paddling sessions will expect you to have a reasonable understanding of the basics, such as comfortably getting into and out of a kayak and using paddles to propel yourself.
How does it work?
Some ships offer both a full kayaking programme plus an additional one-off paddling opportunity to cater to all abilities and interests. Other ships may only offer one activity or the other. Your Swoop specialist will be able to provide advice on which ships and voyages will be the best fit for your requirements and abilities.
Depending on the ship, the paddle activity is sometimes available to pre-book at the time of confirming your cabin. Other ships only allow you to sign up once you are on board. The latter can sometimes be heavily subscribed and if so, generally places will be allocated in a lottery system. This means that all interested parties will have their names put into a hat (couples/friends in the same kayak stay linked) and then the first bunch of names drawn will go in the first group, second bunch will go at the next available paddling opportunity and so on, until they have worked through all those signed up. However, there is a possibility that if the weather is unfavourable and limits paddling opportunities, some may not get the opportunity to go out.
For both the full kayaking program or a paddle session you will be required to attend a mandatory briefing once on board. Here the kayak guides will talk through how the activity works, give important safety advice, ask participants about their prior experience and walk you through the kit you will wear in the kayak. This is a great opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns you may have.
What are conditions like?
As mentioned above, conditions in Antarctica can be hugely variable. Due to the limited experience of many in the paddling sessions, the guides are looking for good, calm conditions to operate the session comfortably and safely. On ships with dual programs, it is possible that the more experienced full kayaking group may go out where the paddle session is postponed.
What does it cost?
Some ships include the cost of a one-off paddling session in the price of the trip. For those that do charge an additional fee, costs can vary from $295-350 per person. We think this is a great value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
If you are active, another fantastic option is to sample a taster of paddling 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.
Alex says
I have to stop myself getting a bit spiritual when someone asks me about kayaking in Antarctica. 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!
Alex Mudd Polar Specialist
Antarctic Voyages with kayaking
Kayaking in Antarctica: FAQs
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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'.
Find out more about other adventure activities.
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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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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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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
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Paddleboarding in Antarctica
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Antarctic Adventure Activities
Simply getting to Antarctica is a big enough adventure for many, but for those who really want to maximise their Antarctic experience there are some outstanding adventure activities to consider. Many of the Antarctic voyages we offer provide these as optional adventure add-ons.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
1-855-369-8288