Scuba Diving in Antarctica
Sink below the Southern Ocean's pristine waters and immerse yourself in another world.
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5 reasons to paddleboard in Antarctica
- It's an incredible opportunity to explore the White Continent intimately from an unusual vantage point while getting closer to the ice and wildlife
- You’ll paddle in carefully chosen bays that ships are often just too large to visit, letting you take in rarely explored parts of Antarctica
- It's a relaxing activity where you can soak up the stillness of your polar surroundings in a small group away from the noise of people and boat engines
- You don’t need much experience: paddleboarding in Antarctica is open to most levels, as long as you’re a good swimmer and confident around water
- Equipment is provided as part of the cost of this excellent-value activity, so all you need to bring along is a good sense of balance
Daniel says
It’s amazing to experience the peace, calm and stillness of Antarctica while paddleboarding. You have these “wow” moments when you’re paddling along and feel so lucky to be doing it at the End of the Earth.
Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist
Stand-up paddleboarding success
Paddleboarding in Antarctica
A serene way to explore the scenery
Paddleboarding as a group
Swoop team members try paddleboarding
How does paddleboarding in Antarctica work?
If you sign up for paddleboarding in Antarctica as an add-on activity, the general plan is to do several excursions per voyage to allow everyone at least one try. You’re guaranteed a session as long as weather conditions play ball.
Paddleboarding excursions usually last between one to two hours and take place at the same time as other passengers are out on landings or zodiac safaris. Once you’re kitted out with the equipment provided by the expedition team, embarkation takes place either from a zodiac or the shore.
Who can go Antarctic paddleboarding?
Anyone over 16 years old can try paddleboarding in Antarctica, but we strongly advise you to attempt this activity at least once before your voyage if you're a beginner. A few hours’ refresher is suggested even if you’ve done it before. The more comfortable you are on a board, the more you’ll be able to relax and take in the incredible scenery.
Is it safe to paddleboard in Antarctica?
Your highly experienced guides will assess whether it’s safe enough to take you out onto the open water. As with paddleboarding anywhere in the world, calm conditions are needed.
You’ll wear a drysuit and buoyancy aid, so you won’t be in any danger if you fall in. The qualified SUP guide and support zodiac will be with you at all times. There’s also no pressure to stand up: you can paddle while sitting or kneeling for the whole session.
What our customers think of paddleboarding in Antarctica
Paddleboarding was AWESOME! Definitely the most fun activity we did.
Travelled: January 2018
Jill & Family - Texas
Overall, the trip was fantastic. We had so many new and amazing experiences that it is hard to pick a highlight, but some of my favorites include the first landing, paddleboarding, camping, and just taking it all in.
Travelled: November 2016
Ryan - Massachusetts
Review:
What you'll see while paddleboarding in Antarctica
You may spot a penguin porpoising past you in the water or seals hauled up on the ice. But even if there's no wildlife around, being in the White Continent's wide-open scenery with nothing but the gentle splash of your paddle as it dips in and out of the sea makes this an amazing activity.
Our team members who have experienced Antarctic paddleboarding describe it as like walking on water. Being able to stand up and look down at the clear ocean from up above makes it feel as if you're floating.
Paddleboarding in Antarctica
Antarctic voyages with paddleboarding
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.8 out of 5
Antarctic Explorer in Style
For those travellers prioritising real comfort and ease of travel logistics, this is a great option. Travel in style aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship, with heli-sightseeing available on select departures for a unique bird's-eye view of Antarctica. Plus the comprehensive…
- 11-12 Days
- $16,390
With a wide range of departure dates and a great choice of optional adventure activities to choose from, this itinerary offers flexibility and variety. Spend 4 full days exploring Antarctica with your experienced team of naturalist guides from the comfort…
- 11 Days
- $11,195
4.7 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari
If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal, with a choice of dates in December and January. Travel on outstanding modern expedition ships with a maximum of 140 passengers. Active adventurers can enjoy…
- 8 Days
- $16,795
If you’re undecided between sailing or flying to Antarctica, why not choose both with this combination trip? A two hour flight south provides fast access to the White Continent, then after four incredible days of exploring, you’ll sail back across…
- 10 Days
- $16,195
An epic 23-day voyage which packs in an astonishing 7 days in Antarctica, 4 days in wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south. It's very rare to find a trip combining all three places. Limited departure…
- 23 Days
- $39,490
By sailing south across the Drake Passage then flying north in just two hours, this itinerary blends the adventure of arriving in Antarctica by ship with the speed of a quick exit. The risk of weather-related flight delays is removed…
- 10 Days
- $16,795
The most time-efficient trip for combining the top highlights of the Southern Ocean: the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife mecca of South Georgia. Travelling on a comfortable, ice-strengthened expedition ship you'll experience everything from king penguin rookeries to vast…
- 18 Days
- $25,295
3.8 out of 5
Crossing the Circle in Style
Journey beyond the Antarctic Circle in real comfort aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship. Spend an extended period of 7 action-packed days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Attractive comprehensive transfer package from Buenos Aires available on select departures. Wide choice of optional…
- 14 Days
- $20,490
5 out of 5
Emperor Penguin Expedition in Style
Maximise your time looking for Antarctica’s most iconic species, the emperor penguin, on this luxurious expedition to the remote Weddell Sea. If conditions allow, two sleek twin engine helicopters will fly you over vast tabular icebergs to Snow Hill Island,…
- 14 Days
- $32,290
Planning your Antarctic paddleboarding trip
When to go
Paddleboarding in Antarctica is offered on various voyages between November and March.
How much it costs
Paddleboarding costs either $225 or $295 per person per excursion, depending on the trip. Along with camping, it’s the least expensive of the optional adventure activities.
Practice makes perfect
When to book
Groups of around 10 paddleboarders at a time can do this activity. It’s a popular opportunity and is only currently being offered aboard a couple of ships – Ultramarine and World Explorer – so it’s best to book ahead when you organise your cruise to Antarctica. As a rough guide, we’d recommend planning this at least a year in advance.
How to book
When you book a cruise with one of our polar experts at Swoop, let them know you'd like to go paddleboarding in Antarctica. They’ll discuss the different voyages available which offer this activity. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Swoop team members try paddleboarding
Swoop says
The best way to regulate your temperature while in a drysuit is by adding or shedding a layer to your head and neck. A wool or fleece hat and a neck tube, scarf or balaclava will help cover all weather.
What to pack for paddleboarding in Antarctica
All you need to bring are layers, gloves and a woolly hat to help keep you warm. Polar fleece and wool, not cotton, are the best materials to wear while paddling. We'd also advise a hat with a brim, SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm and sunglasses – the rays can be fierce when they reflect off the water.
Other than this, all the necessary equipment is provided for you, including:
- The paddleboard and paddle
- A drysuit
- A buoyancy aid
- Neoprene booties and waterproof gloves
Ideal conditions for paddleboarding
Paddleboarding in Antarctica: FAQs
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How long does the paddleboarding excursion last?
There isn’t a set amount of time, but normally they last 2-3 hours, which is the same amount of time as the other passengers will be away on their excursion. However you can finish when you feel you’ve had enough.
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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 onto their board and carry on. Your SUP guide and the support zodiac will be on hand should you need it.
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Will I see wildlife while paddleboarding in Antarctica?
As with any type of excursion, wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed. However, some paddleboarders have spotted penguins and seals in the water or on the nearby ice while taking part in their excursion.
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Can I do it a second time?
Yes, as long as there's space in the group and you’re willing to pay a second cost.
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Will I get a refund if we can’t paddle due to weather?
It's not a regular occurrence, but if you aren’t able to paddle board then you will receive a full refund on the cost of the paddleboarding you booked.
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How much does it cost to paddleboard in Antarctica?
Paddleboarding is priced at a very reasonable $225 or $295 per person per excursion, depending on the voyage you book.
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Can I bring a camera or phone with me on the excursion?
If you want to capture your Antarctic paddleboarding adventure on camera, you can as your buoyancy aid will have a pocket. However, this is at your own risk. We'd either recommend carrying your device in a clear dry bag or ask for copies of the pictures taken by the instructor and zodiac driver.
More Adventure Activities in Antarctica
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.
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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.
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Snorkelling in Antarctica
Witness the White Continent from an entirely different perspective while snorkelling in Antarctica.
Discover MoreReady 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 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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