Paddleboarding in Antarctica

Paddleboarding in Antarctica is open to all levels of experience, as long as you’re a good swimmer and confident around water. However, we’d recommend having tried it at least once before. 

This is very much fair-weather paddling in calm, carefully chosen bays, where you can soak up the stillness of Antarctica away from people and boat engines. It's an incredible opportunity to explore the White Continent intimately from an unusual vantage point while navigating through ice and spotting wildlife.

All equipment is provided as part of the cost. All you need to bring along is a good sense of balance!

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What our customers think of Paddleboarding in Antarctica

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Paddleboarding was AWESOME! Definitely the most fun activity we did.

Travelled: January 2018

Jill & Family - Texas

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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

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How does paddleboarding in Antarctica work?

Guided by experienced staff, groups of up to 10 paddleboarders at a time can do this activity. The general plan is to do several SUP excursions per voyage to allow everyone on board who wants to give it a go, with one excursion per person unless you want to pay for a second. Due to the nature of paddleboarding on open water, it is weather dependent.

The paddleboarding excursions take place at the same time as the other passengers are doing a landing or zodiac safari. Once you’re all kitted out with buoyancy aid, drysuit and booties, embarkation takes place either from a zodiac or the shore.  

Beginners are strongly advised to undertake an SUP course prior to arriving in Antarctica, while a refresher for a few hours on a board is suggested even those who have 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 and wildlife.

You’ll be wearing a drysuit and a buoyancy aid, so you won’t be in any danger if you fall in. The qualified SUP guide will be with you at all times, with a support zodiac in attendance. There’s also no pressure to stand up: you can paddle while sitting or kneeling for the whole session if you prefer. 

All the necessary equipment is provided, including board, drysuit, buoyancy aid and booties. Just pack layers, gloves and a woolly hat to help keep yourself warm. Polar fleece and wool are the preferred clothing materials for paddling, not cotton.

Note that paddleboarding is only currently being offered aboard a couple of ships: Ultramarine and World Explorer

Paddleboarding in Antarctica
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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

What does paddleboarding in Antarctica cost?

Paddleboarding costs either $225 or $295 per person per excursion, dependent on the trip. Along with camping it is the least expensive of the optional adventure activities.

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.

Antarctic Explorer

The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…

  • 11 Days
  • $13,995
Antarctic Circle Odyssey

Sail south to the iconic Polar Circle for 7 full days exploring the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula as part of an epic 14-day adventure. Pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia and a 3-in-1 parka jacket are included. An optional one-off…

  • 14 Days
  • $18,995
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands In Style

Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…

  • 20 Days
  • $25,495
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
Explore Antarctica in Comfort

For a fantastic introduction to Antarctica, travelling on board a luxury 108-passenger ship at a very reasonable price, look no further. Very few Antarctic voyages include so much, making this trip a real ‘steal’: Buenos Aires hotel, domestic flights, all…

  • 10 Days
  • $11,795
Fly & Cruise Polar Circle

This impressive voyage combines all the comfort and speed of flying in both directions with extended time in Antarctica (7 full days) allowing you to head south towards the remote Antarctic Circle. Explore from the comfort of your outstanding purpose-built…

  • 10 Days
  • $22,495
Swoop Says background image

Swoop says

The best way to regulate your temperature while in a drysuit is through adding or shedding a layer in the head and neck areas. A wool or fleece hat and a neck tube, scarf or balaclava will help cover all weather eventualities.

Paddleboarding in Antarctica: FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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