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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5 reasons to go paddling in Antarctica
- There’s a chance of seeing Antarctic wildlife up close, from seals snoozing on ice floes to penguins porpoising through the water
- You can experience the profound calm of the White Continent without the chatter of people and the revving of zodiac engines
- The gentle pace and unique water-level vantage point allows you to enjoy the astonishing colours and textures of the ice from a completely different angle
- You'll hear the snap, crackle and pop of brash ice, and even the exhale of a distant surfacing whale, letting you experience Antarctica with all your senses
- Booking a one-off paddling activity is an accessible way to see Antarctica from the water without committing to a more intensive daily kayaking package
Swoop says
Paddling was a true highlight for me. It offered an incredible way to experience Antarctica in complete silence, far removed from the noise of the ship and zodiac engines. In fact, the only sounds came from chunks of brash ice hitting the kayak and the distant thundercrack of calving glaciers.
Marta Laver Antarctica Specialist
Kayakers paddle past a gentoo penguin colony
Paddling by kayak around Hidden Bay in December
A bird's eye view of kayaking in Antarctica
Gathering as a group at Pleneau Island
How does paddling in Antarctica work?
If you want to try paddling in Antarctica just once rather than committing to several sessions as part of a full kayaking programme, some ships offer an alternative opportunity. This activity option is often known as "paddling."
Paddling is generally a one-off session for around 60 to 90 minutes, meaning you can make fantastic memories without kayaking being the focus of your voyage.
On some – but not all – ships there may also be a difference in the kayaking equipment used. With paddling excursions, a handful use sit-on-top inflatable kayaks rather than sit-in sea kayaks.
Paddling around Fish Islands, Antarctica
What our customers loved about paddling in Antarctica
Who does paddling in Antarctica suit?
One-off paddling trips are often more suitable for less experienced kayakers as they run at a gentler pace and cover less ground. This can be a wonderful way to enjoy Antarctica’s icy ambience during a unique excursion. For the full kayaking packages, you’ll generally need a higher level of experience, fitness and confidence on the water, so they’re not a good match for everyone.
We don’t 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 in and out of a kayak and using the paddle to propel yourself.
Paddling in Antarctica
Is it safe to paddle in Antarctica?
Paddling in Antarctic waters is a safe and strictly supervised activity. Guides will watch carefully as you take to the water, and a zodiac will be nearby to help you back into your kayak if you fall out. There's no danger, but the chilliness factor might give you a small shock!
You'll attend a mandatory briefing on board the ship before you head out on the water. Guides will talk about how the session will work, give important safety advice, ask you about your experience and walk you through the kit you’ll wear in the kayak. It's the ideal time to ask any questions or chat about concerns.
Kayaking from the vessel
Customer Tips
“ I would definitely recommend booking at least one kayak trip. You see Antarctica from a different vantage point and feel much more immersed. ”
Erin Wall Customer
What will you see while on an Antarctic paddling tour?
You might kayak among melting chunks of brash ice or cruise across placid bays with their mirror-like surface reflecting the bright blue sky. Past paddlers also wax lyrical about how wonderful it feels to absorb the sheer silence and calm of Antarctica down at water level.
Wildlife encounters aren't guaranteed, but some paddlers have been fortunate enough to see penguins whirling through the water and curious seals popping up to make eye contact. On rare occasions, kayakers have even spotted whales.
Gentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic voyages with paddling
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Planning your Antarctic paddling tour
When to go paddling in Antarctica
You can go paddling throughout the entire Antarctic travel season (late October to early March).
Whatever time of year you visit, gliding through the water gives a wonderful contrast to your on-land experience of crunching through the snow.
How much does it cost to paddle in Antarctica?
Some ships include the cost of a one-off paddling session in the price of the trip. For those that do charge an extra fee, prices can vary from $200 to $640 per person. We think this is great value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Another brilliant option is to sample a taster of paddling alongside a wide range of other activities included in the voyage price of the following trips:
What to pack for paddling in Antarctica
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm hat and layers are must-pack items for your Antarctic paddling activity. Your main equipment will be provided on board the ship and will most likely include:
- A full dry suit
- Neoprene boots
- A waterproof dry bag
- Pogies (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle)
- A life vest
A full packing list will be given to you before you board.
A humpback dives in front of a kayak
Swoop says
When on the move in your kayak you may get warmer than you thought, so leave some extra clothes on the safety zodiac boat to wear once you get back onshore.
How to book Antarctic paddling
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’re on board. This can be heavily subscribed, and if so, generally places will be allocated in a lottery system.
This means that all interested people will have their names put into a hat (couples/friends in the same kayak stay linked). Then the first bunch drawn will go in the first group, the second bunch will go at the next available paddling opportunity and so on, until they have worked through all those signed up.
There’s a possibility that, if the weather isn’t calm enough, some may not get the chance to go out in a kayak.
Spot penguins while paddling
When to book Antarctic paddling
If you’re interested in one-off paddling on a ship that lets you pre-book a spot, we’d recommend signing up for the activity in advance when you book your Antarctic cruise.
Chat to one of our Swoop specialists – they will be able to give you advice on which ships and voyages will be the best fit.
Towing kayaks at Cuverville Island
Paddling in Antarctica: FAQs
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What’s the difference between kayaking and paddling in Antarctica?
The main difference is that the full kayaking programme means you could be on the water up to twice a day, while paddling refers to a one-off kayaking excursion. Some ships offer both a full kayaking package plus an additional one-off paddling excursion. Other ships may only offer one activity or the other.
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Do I need experience to go paddling in Antarctica?
Paddling in Antarctica by sea kayak is open to anyone with an adventurous spirit, basic skills and the ability to get yourself in and out of a kayak’s cockpit. You should have paddled at least a little before as this isn't a beginner's course.
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Will this excursion be in single or double kayaks?
Ships generally have double rather than single kayaks. If you're travelling solo, your guide will pair you with another paddler.
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Can I paddle by sea kayak in South Georgia?
If you’re travelling on a longer voyage to South Georgia, paddling is available but isn’t as widely offered as in Antarctica. The paddling here is also more challenging and the weather is more of a factor.
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What happens if I fall in while paddling in Antarctica?
Wearing a drysuit and a buoyancy aid, you’re in little danger. Usually, people get straight back into their kayak with a little help from the support zodiac.
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What kit is provided for Antarctic paddling?
You'll typically be given a dry suit, neoprene boots, a waterproof dry bag, insulated mittens that attach to your paddle and a life vest.
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What conditions are needed to paddle in Antarctica?
Conditions in Antarctica can be hugely variable. Because many other people in your paddling session might have limited experience, the guides are looking for good, calm conditions. On ships with both full kayaking and paddling programmes, the more experienced full kayaking group might go out while the paddle session gets postponed.
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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.
