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 snorkel in Antarctica
- Only two ships offer this activity, so you'll be one of just a select number of people who have snorkelled in Antarctica’s pristine waters
- Interacting with curious wildlife is possible – some snorkellers have spotted penguins torpedoing through the water and watched the antics of playful seals up close
- Whether snorkelling near a blue-tinged iceberg field or around the shipwreck-strewn shoreline of an Antarctic island, you get to explore another world
- Spot unusual marine life, such as isopods, sea slugs and nudibranchs – half of Antarctica’s underwater creatures can’t be witnessed anywhere else on Earth
- It’s the only way to experience life under the surface of the 7th Continent without the technical challenges involved in scuba diving
Swoop says
“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.”
Madelyn Carroll Customer Experience Coordinator
Try polar snorkelling
How does snorkelling in Antarctica work?
A small selection of Antarctic cruises allow you to book polar snorkelling as an additional paid activity. If you sign up for this programme, you’ll get the chance to enter the water daily, as long as weather and ice conditions hold up. Participants usually snorkel for between 10 and 45 minutes a time.
At the beginning of your voyage, highly trained polar guides with more than 20 years’ experience will give you a safety briefing.
Each time the ship lands in Antarctica, the expedition team will scout out the most optimal place for snorkelling. Before setting out, you’ll dress in your provided gear, including a drysuit that keeps out water. Next, your guides will check your kit before you enter a zodiac rib boat and travel to the ideal spot.
What our customers loved about snorkelling in Antarctica
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Who does snorkelling in Antarctica suit?
- Thrillseekers who love to experience unusual activities
- Aquatic adventurers who have snorkelled before
- Swimmers comfortable with breathing through a plastic tube
- Teens and adults aged 14 years or older
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. You'll also receive an in-depth briefing from the experienced guides before setting out on the excursion.
What will you see while Antarctic snorkelling?
Possibilities range from delicate sea butterflies to towering kelp walls. You might witness nudibranch, crustaceans, isopods or starfish, as well as a penguin or seal if you're lucky.
Ice and visibility can shift daily, leaving you with crystal-clear waters or an ethereal haze. This unpredictability only adds to the thrill of exploring Antarctica’s underwater wonderland.
Antarctic voyages with snorkelling
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Planning your Antarctic snorkelling trip
When to go
You can go snorkelling in Antarctica from late November to early March. Keen to see penguins porpoising through the sea? It's much more likely during high season, around December.
How much does it cost
Snorkelling in Antarctica is charged as an optional extra and costs around $640 to $800 per person on top of your fee for the cruise. The exact price depends on your choice of ship and voyage length.
The exception is if you book the Active Antarctic Adventure trip, where a snorkelling session is included in the price.
What to pack for snorkelling in Antarctica
Warm clothes are necessary under your drysuit, so you’ll need to pack the following kit for snorkelling in Antarctica:
- Thermals
- Salopettes
- A fleece
- A puffer jacket
Some snorkellers like to bring their own mask if they have one that fits particularly well, although one will be provided for you on board the ship.
You’ll also be loaned:
- A waterproof drysuit
- Neoprene boots, a hood and gloves
- Fins, a snorkel and a mask
The drysuit is designed to keep water out, while the neoprene boots, hood and gloves are not waterproof but help to extend your warmth.
Swoop says
With water temperatures ranging between -1.9°C and 5°C (28.6°F and 41°F) in Antarctica, it's a chilly place to cut your teeth, so some snorkelling experience is recommended. However, it isn’t mandatory: you'll be given all the training and equipment you need.
How to book
Just two ships in the polar fleet offer Antarctic snorkelling and the activity is typically capped at around 10 participants, so it’s best to organise a trip at least a year in advance to guarantee your spot.
When to book
When you book a cruise with one of our polar experts at Swoop, let them know you'd also like to go snorkelling in Antarctica. They’ll discuss the different voyages available that offer this activity. Please do get in touch with us for more information.
Snorkelling in Antarctica: FAQs
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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 and over.
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Will I definitely see wildlife while snorkelling in Antarctica?
Some travellers have had magical moments snorkelling with penguins and seals. However, as the movements of wild animals are unpredictable, encounters are not guaranteed.
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Will I be cold when snorkelling in Antarctica?
Water temperatures range between -1.9°C and 5°C (28.6°F and 41°F) in Antarctica, so you’ll still feel the cold when polar snorkelling. Your kit 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 you some time to snorkel.
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Do I need snorkelling experience?
Some snorkelling experience is recommended because it's so cold in Antarctica's waters. But it's not mandatory as you'll be given all the training and equipment you need.
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How much does it cost to snorkel in Antarctica?
Snorkelling in Antarctica usually costs around $640 to $800 per person, depending on your choice of ship and the length of your voyage.
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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Scuba Diving in Antarctica
Sink below the Southern Ocean's pristine waters and immerse yourself in another world.
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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