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!
Paddleboarding in Antarctica
Paddleboarding in Antarctica is very much open to all levels of experience, as long as you’re a good swimmer and confident around water. This is very much fair weather paddling and calm bays in which to do it are carefully chosen.
All equipment is provided as part of the cost, all you need to bring along is a good sense of balance!
Paddleboarding in Antarctica
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:
How does it 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, dry suit and booties, embarkation takes place either from a zodiac or the shore. There will be a qualified SUP guide with you at all times, with a support zodiac in attendance.
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.
All of the necessary equipment is provided, including board, drysuit, buoyancy aid and booties. All you need to provide are 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
What does it cost?
Paddle boarding 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.
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.
Antarctic Voyages with 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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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.
What else happens on an Expeditionary Cruise?
Read Swoop’s Guide to find out more about what you’ll do on an Antarctic cruise.
More Adventure Activities in Antarctica
Scuba Diving in Antarctica
The pristine waters of Antarctica offer divers not only ice and interesting marine life but also the possibility of interaction with wildlife. While a scuba diving trip in …
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.
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.
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 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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