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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Snorkelling in Antarctica
Not many people can say they have snorkelled in Antarctica’s pristine waters, yet it is an activity designed for just about anybody. Polar snorkelling is perfect for experiencing what life is like under the surface of the 7th Continent – without the technical challenges involved in scuba diving.
Guides will try to keep the snorkelling spots varied, but you might take a dip near a blue-tinged iceberg field or around the shipwreck-strewn shoreline of an Antarctic island. And all while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife in the water.
A snorkeller comes up for air in the Antarctic
A different world underneath the water
Exploring flora and fauna
© Karen Hinchliffe
Snorkelling in Antarctic waters
How does snorkelling in Antarctica work?
Two ships with multiple voyages currently offer polar snorkelling, so if you travel on these vessels, you should get the opportunity to enter the water daily as long as weather conditions hold up.
Every time you make a landing, your Antarctic snorkelling guides will scout out the most optimal place for some underwater exploration. Before setting out, you will dress in your provided gear, including a drysuit that keeps out water, prolongs your warmth and doubles up as a flotation device.
Next, your experienced guides will brief you and check your kit before you enter a zodiac boat, travel to your snorkelling spot and enter the water.
Snorkelling amongst icebergs
Heather says
“I wasn't sure what to expect from snorkelling in Antarctica, but I was blown away by the clarity of the water. The snorkelling team knew all the best places to explore, from swimming around icebergs to investigating whale bones. Occasionally, you're even met by porpoising penguins at eye height – a truly magical experience.”
Heather Moult Antarctica Sales Specialist
What our customers think of Snorkelling in Antarctica
Review:
How much does it cost to snorkel in Antarctica?
Snorkelling in Antarctica is charged as an optional extra and costs around $640 to $800 per person.
Snorkelling near an iceberg
Antarctic Voyages With Snorkelling
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.4 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination
A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…
- 9-13 Days
- $17,895
4.1 out of 5
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…
- 12 Days
- $14,795
This fantastic trip covers all the must-see highlights of an extended Antarctic expedition. With 21 nights aboard, you will venture far south past vast icebergs to cross the Antarctic Circle before taking in jaw-dropping king penguin colonies in the wildlife…
- 23 Days
- $31,495
4.5 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Explorer
Explore the White Continent aboard one of the newest additions to the polar fleet, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 132 passengers, there’s also a wide range of optional activities on…
- 12-15 Days
- $12,795
4.3 out of 5
Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Spend 6 full days exploring Antarctica with the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south as your most southerly objective, on board one of the most exciting new vessels. A maximum of just 132 passengers, with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and…
- 13-14 Days
- $16,195
4.5 out of 5
Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands
This voyage stands out by visiting the Antarctic Peninsula first and keeping the wonders of South Georgia for the second half. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and optional…
- 19-25 Days
- $22,595
Swoop says
With water temperatures ranging between -1.9°C and 5°C (28.6°F and 41°F) in Antarctica, it is a chilly place to cut your teeth, so some snorkelling experience is recommended. However, it isn’t mandatory: you will be given all the training and equipment you need.
Snorkelling in Antarctica: FAQs
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What kit do I need to snorkel in Antarctica?
To snorkel in Antarctica, you will be provided with:
- A waterproof drysuit
- Neoprene boots, hood and gloves
- Fins, snorkel and mask
The drysuit is designed to keep water out, while the neoprene boots, hood and gloves are not waterproof but help to prolong your warmth. You will need to wear warm clothes under your drysuit – thermals, salopettes, a fleece and a puffer jacket are recommended – to help you stay in the water for longer.
You will need to bring warm layers to wear under your drysuit. Some snorkelers like to pack their own mask if they have one that fits particularly well.
- A waterproof drysuit
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How long does a snorkelling session last?
Snorkelers usually stay in the water for between 10 and 45 minutes.
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Is it safe to snorkel in Antarctica?
Snorkelling in Antarctica is a strictly supervised activity. Guides will watch carefully as you take to the water, and a safety zodiac will be nearby for your peace of mind. Snorkellers will also receive an in-depth briefing from the experienced guides before setting out on the expedition.
For added safety, the activity is restricted to guests aged 14 years old and over.
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Will I definitely see wildlife while snorkelling in Antarctica?
You are much more likely to see penguins in the water during high season, around December, and some guests have had magical moments snorkelling with seals. However, as the movements of wild animals are unpredictable, encounters are not guaranteed.
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How cold is the water in Antarctica?
Water temperatures range between -1.9°C and 5°C (28.6°F and 41°F) in Antarctica, so you will experience the cold. Your provided drysuit is less about keeping you warm and more about extending your comfort enough to stay in the water longer.
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Will I get a refund if I can’t snorkel because of bad weather?
While guides will cancel a snorkelling trip if the conditions aren’t safe, daily opportunities are planned, so they should be able to find time to snorkel.
More Adventures In Antarctica
Camping in Antarctica
Go camping in Antarctica to fall asleep beneath the polar night sky and wake up in the morning to a stunning glacial landscape.
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Paddleboarding in Antarctica
Paddleboarding has taken the adventure world by storm and is one of the fastest growing sport activities, so why not in Antarctica?
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Mountaineering in Antarctica
Keen to don crampons and ice-axe and itching to get deeper into Antarctica? These trips are definitely one for you.
Discover MoreWhat happens on an Antarctic cruise?
Travelling to Antarctica is unlike any other trip you’ll ever take - it's like stepping into another world. Antarctic voyages are, by their very nature, active, you’ll get off the ship and explore the magnificent surroundings as often as possible, there’ll be a strong educational focus and adventure activities will even be an option.
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 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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