Best of Antarctica: In Depth

An altogether different Antarctica activity is sea kayaking, an ethereal experience that is hard to describe. You can paddle your way through the tranquil waters of Antarctica no matter your level of fitness, always accompanied by experienced guides and a small group of fellow kayakers.One of the most relaxing yet overwhelming excursions on offer, sea kayaking comes with an added level of quietness which, coupled with the gargantuan landscapes, makes for a soul-stirring experience.

This is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular optional activities on Antarctica cruises and most guests book their slot even before boarding their ship. You may want to do the same as this is the one amazing activity you won’t want to miss.

When you’re visiting the Great White South, there are certain experiences that can take your adventure to the next level. Stepping off a Zodiac to go camping on the Antarctic Peninsula is undoubtedly one of them. Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colors of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. The only locals you may be sharing your home with for the night are the Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins who keep a low profile, nesting nearby. This is an experience like no other which allows you to completely connect with the landscape, feeling its power into the early hours.

Is Ice Camping for you?

No previous experience is required for this popular activity, Ice Camping – a true wilderness experience of Antarctica that everyone can participate in. Forego the comforts of your cabin, connect with nature and enjoy the true silence of Antarctica in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We camp in warm and waterproof bivy bags in Antarctica, so there can be rocks, snow, mud, and frozen surfaces to contend with. But you’ll leave with memories of an overnight adventure you will never forget and bragging rights that you are part of a select few that have camped on the White Continent.

What to expect

If you have booked the camping excursions, after dinner has concluded, you will board a Zodiac and be guided by the expedition team to the camping site. They will stay with you overnight in case you need assistance with anything. After setting up camp, you’ll spend the night onshore (about 10 hours in total) before waking up to return to your ship for breakfast.

What you’ll need?

Participants need to be prepared for Antarctic conditions and wear appropriate clothing when Ice Camping. This includes a hat, gloves, extra thick socks, a windproof, waterproof parka and pants. You will generally be supplied with a bivvy bag, insulating mats and the best view ever from the portable toilet!

Booking in advance

Ice Camping is offered on a selection of Antarctic voyages, so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place. Ice Camping is generally only available at the start of the season during November to January departures when the snow is soft. Please note that Ice Camping numbers are limited on each voyage so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place and avoid disappointment!

Minimum Age

The minimum age for participants is generally 16 years, as young children are more susceptible to hypothermia.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explore Boat excursion with our dedicated expert Photography Guides on Zodiac cruises and landings.

Limited spots. Must be pre-booked.

SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.

Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.

Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.

You will be provided with all of the gear required to participate and be fitted with a drysuit , waterproof booties and gloves.

Our day paddle excursions are a great way to feel at one with the sea while enjoying some spectacular glacial scenery and perhaps watching penguins swim directly underneath your kayak.

Our stable, inflatable crafts offer you an intimate experience and are ideal to see Antarctica from a different perspective.

They are easy to navigate and don’t require any previous experience. If you want to add some variety to your expedition and have little or no paddle experience, then our day paddle excursion is the perfect addition to your Antarctic voyage.

What to expect

Our day paddle excursions last 1.5 to two hours and are offered to our guests once per voyage. Our experienced guide will lead the small group, consisting of paddlers, one guide and one safety Zodiac driver, safely throughout the paddle excursion while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. We offer a limited number of Day Paddle excursion spaces per voyage and they can be pre- booked. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. Additional spaces may be made available for booking on board via our Expedition Team, subject to itinerary and weather conditions.

Safety precautions

You will be guided by a minimum of one experienced cold-water guide and one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions will determine the timing and location of the paddle excursion.
For your safety, you will need to verify that your travel and medical insurance covers kayaking and all participants will be required to join a briefing and sign a waiver prior to disembarking for the excursion. The recommended minimum age for participants is 16 years and you must be an efficient swimmer.

Clothing and equipment

On the Ocean Endeavour, we will provide you with instructions and equipment, including dry suits, neoprene booties, waterproof gloves, and PFD (personal flotation device). You will be guided as to what to wear under your dry suit before your first excursion.

Snowshoes are a lightweight, traditional mode of transport that were originally used by indigenous North Americans in polar terrain. Because of how wide and light they are, they are an excellent method of crossing deep snow and accessing areas that are normally not accessible to people on foot. So, strap on your snowshoes and prepare for the ultimate Antarctic activity.

There really is no better way to take in a new place than by exploring it on foot. With that in mind many expedition ships offer you the chance to explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone. From the casual explorer to the hard-core snowshoe-er.

For the basic walks you just need to be in reasonably good shape and health. The snowshoe activities last usually somewhere between 2 and 6 hours. Keep in mind that there are no paths and that you will be travelling over fairly rugged terrain and will be taking on some hills.